Design and testing of a solar kiln simulator

The solar simulation system as previously described (Steinmann 1990) was used to simulate an actual drying run in a solar kiln. Adjustments necessary to compensate for difference in scale are described. The simulated weather conditions were in close agreement with the actual weather. The conditions in the solar kiln simulator and the solar kiln were so similar that the drying rates were virtually identical. Repeatability of runs in the simulator was good and it was concluded that valid results on solar drying could be produced in the solar simulation system.