The first dehydrator in the country capable of harnessing heat from a hot spring and is powered by solar energy has been funded by the Department of Science and Technology-MIMAROPA (DOST-MIMAROPA), addressing challenges in terms of electricity and fuel supply.

DOST Secretary Dr. Renato U. Solidum Jr. during his visit to the dehydrator in Buenavista, Marinduque. (Photo courtesy of DOST-MIMAROPA/Manila Bulletin)

A cheaper alternative than those available in the market which require fuel and electricity, DOST-MIMAROPA said that this dehydrator works well in the province which experiences frequent power interruptions.

It will also aid farmers and food processors in Marinduque who mainly rely on the traditional sun drying method, which is labor-intensive and can lead to contamination of their products

The Provincial Science and Technology Office in Marinduque (PSTO-Marinduque)   decided to explore an alternative power source for the dehydrator given the abundance of hot springs in the province, they saw the potential of harnessing these springs as an alternative source of power and heat.

As a result, a project was initiated to develop a locally-designed food dehydrator that utilizes hot spring water as a heat source. This innovative approach aims to make the drying process easier, more affordable, and free from contamination. Additionally, the project seeks to raise awareness about the sustainable use of natural resources and stimulate the local economy in the province.

To make this project possible, PSTO-Marinduque collaborated with a private firm called Lauro G. Baustista Environmental Commissioning and Balancing Services Inc. (LGB ECBS Inc.) to assist in the conceptualization and fabrication of a prototype for the dehydrator.

Dehydrated saba banana using the solar-powered dehydrator utilizing heat from Malbog Hot Spring. (Photo courtesy of DOST-MIMAROPA/Manila Bulletin)

The hot spring water in Marinduque has an approximate highest temperature ranging from 54 to 58 °C. Through several rounds of prototype testing, it was determined that the dehydrator operates effectively within a temperature range of 30 to 48 °C, which is optimal for the drying process. The prototype has already demonstrated successful results in drying guyabano, sepentina, and lagundi leaves.

The development and testing of the prototype took place from August to November 2022, in collaboration with the Local Government Unit of Buenavista (LGU-Buenavista).

Locally-designed, first-of-its-kind

According to DOST-MIMAROPA, the dehydrator is designed to maximize the utilization of natural resources for its operation. It harnesses the heat from the hot spring as its heating element, while solar energy powers the pumps, fans, and control system.

The hot water from the hot spring is stored in a hot water tank (spring boxes) and is pumped by the solar-powered hot water pump. It circulates through copper heating coils, transferring the heat to the air. The water then returns to the water return tank for reuse. The dehydrator is equipped with supply fans, also powered by solar energy, which circulate the air inside two compartments containing the drying trays. As the circulated air passes through the copper heating coils, it absorbs the heat until it becomes hot.

A simple control system is implemented to maintain the required temperature for the drying process.

Currently, the dehydrator is temporarily sheltered by the Malbog Multipurpose Farmers' Cooperative.

MIMAROPA Regional Director Dr. Josefina P. Abilay (from left) during her visit to the dehydrator together with Provincial S&T Director of Marinduque Bernardo Caringal and Engr. Lauro Bautista, President of Lauro G. Baustista Environmental Commissioning and Balancing Services Inc. (LGB ECBS Inc.). (Photo courtesy of DOST-MIMAROPA/Manila Bulletin)

As part of the 2023 Regional Science and Technology Week (RSTW) celebration held from May 16-18, 2023, a visit to the project site was organized and attended by various stakeholders. DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr., DOST-MIMAROPA Regional Director Dr. Ma. Josefina P. Abilay, representatives from government agencies, MSMEs, and the media were present to witness the innovative equipment in action.

Solidum highlighted the collaboration between the government and the private sector in developing this technology. He found it fascinating that due to the ingenuity of Filipinos, the water used before only for bathing is the same water used for dehydrating agricultural products.

“Sa Buenavista ay may hotspring na dating ginagamit paligo lamang, pero ngayon through the ingenuity of the idea… helped design and assemble a contraption like an oven, ‘yung tubig na gamit pampaligo na mababasa ka, ‘yun din ang tubig na ginagamit pang-dehydrate ng mga agricultural products. Tatanggalin ang moisture sa mga banana chips, sa mga dahon ng guyabano, pwede rin sa kopra (In Buenavista, there is a hot spring not only used in bathing but through the ingenuity of the idea...helped design and assemble a contraption like an oven, the water used to rinse is the same water used to dehydrated agricultural products. Moisture gets removed from banana chips, guyabano leaves, and even copra),” said Solidum.

Marinduque Governor Presbitero Velasco Jr. also expressed his support for the project and recognized the significant benefits it brings to the local communities.

Future plans

DOST-MIMAROPA said that it is actively evaluating the dehydrator together with its partners to optimize its performance. In June 2023, the Malbog Multipurpose Farmers' Cooperative conducted tests on drying saba banana fruits and peels.

Locals help out in testing the dehydrator by drying saba banana together with PSTO-Marinduque. (Photo courtesy of DOST-MIMAROPA/Manila Bulletin)

Mayor Eduard Siena of Buenavista and Barangay Captain Restituto Pabalat of Malbog expressed their confidence that this initiative will create additional livelihood opportunities for farmers in the municipality. They also shared their commitment to establishing more drying facilities, aiming to make Buenavista the drying capital of Marinduque.

Furthermore, a technology training session is scheduled for 2023, focusing on the operation and maintenance of the solar-powered dehydrator. This training aims to provide locals with hands-on experience and technical knowledge to effectively utilize the technology and generate income.

“Marami tayong napo-produce na agri-products na kayang i-preserve (We are producing a lot of agri-products that we can preserve) and we can convert it into a product. We will be able to help our farmers gain much income from it," said Hon. Presbitero Velasco Jr., Governor of Marinduque.