Introducing a Heat Pump Fruit Dryer into Ecuador

Stickles, Rachel E; Sheehy, Kathleen Marie; Carlson, Laura R; de Ayreflor Reyes, Solimar Ramis

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Introducing a Heat Pump Fruit Dryer into Ecuador

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To alleviate the high rate of fruit spoilage in countries that produce an excess amount of fruit, NTB - Interstate University of Applied Sciences of Technology (NTB) in Buchs, Switzerland, developed a heat pump fruit dryer. We partnered with NTB to assess the feasibility of expanding the dryer into communities within Ecuador. Through interviews and research, our team acquired various perspectives on the dryer, gained insight into considerations for implementation, and developed a pathway to viability for communities that may be interested in the device. We identified companies in Ecuador for potential funding and partnerships, assessed the country’s energy infrastructure, and recommended further actions to be taken.

This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

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