On this page I explain how to make a solar dehydrator from a single cardboard box (and other materials).
Materials
- A large box (in this example, 50 cm x 40 cm x 40 cm)
- A roll of aluminum foil
- A sheet of acetate (at least) the size of the longest side of the box (in this example, 50 cm x 40 cm)
- A piece of mesh, mosquito netting or similar of (at least) the size of the longest side of the box
- Wood Ribbons
Tools
- Cutter - To cut cardboard and acetate
- Scissors - To cut cardboard and acetate
- Wood or metal ruler - To mark cuts and folds
- Pencil - To mark cuts and make holes in cardboard
- Vinyl glue - For gluing cardboard and aluminum
- Old brush - To apply the vinyl glue
- Synthetic glue - To glue the acetate to the cardboard (vinyl glue will not work for this)
Steps
Open the box.
Cut the box as shown in the diagram and glue A with A.
Paste aluminum foil on what will be the base.
Fold where the diagram indicates.
Paste to form the base.
Pierce the bottom of the base with a pencil.
Cut a hole in what will be the lid.
Fold where the diagram indicates. The folds should be 1 cm outside the natural folds of the box, so that the base enters the lid.
Glue to form the lid.
Pierce one of the long sides of the lid with a pencil.
Cut a piece of mesh the size of the base or lid.
Build a wooden structure the size of the grid.
Paste the grid on the structure.
Place the structure inside the base and on top what you want to dehydrate.
Cover and expose to the sun in an inclined way.
If the water condenses too much, tilt more, or enlarge the holes, or add holes to the lid.
See also
- All photos - Including previous prototypes
- How to make a solar oven with a box