02
OUR PLAN
To reduce drying time while preserving nutrients in the mesquite pods, we plan to design an enclosed solar dryer that captures and redirects the sun's energy to heat the pods. After defining design requirements and assessing a variety of project options, we have split into two separate design teams that will create and test different prototypes, sharing results in multiple weekly meetings. We will also share our results with our nonprofit partner, our professors and our technical advisor, and get to know each other better along the way!
OUR PROTOTYPES
Each of our two sub-teams researched, designed and tested a different prototype. Equipo Uno (Team One) designed a direct type solar dryer that can be enhanced with reflectors. Equipo Dos (Team Two) designed a mixed mode type solar dryer with a collector. All team members earned machine shop certifications to be able to construct the prototypes and after many hours spent at Home Depot and working at the woodshop, we were able to begin testing our prototypes on the roof of one of the engineering buildings, thanks to the Webber Energy Group's SWEAT Lab. Throughout the process, we received advice and feedback from the Service Learning Advisory Board, professors, graduate students, professional engineers, our nonprofit partner, and many more generous mentors.
