A procedure for determining the optimum collector area for a solar paddy drying system

A procedure for determining the optimum collector area for a solar paddy drying system was developed. The procedure is applicable for a forced-convection drying system operating without auxiliary heat source. In developing the procedure, a simulation model was developed and used for analysing the system performance. Two correlation parameters, P and Q, which are functions of system parameters and weather data were formulated. A number of simulations were carried out to obtain a correlation relating the performance parameter of the system to P and Q. The system performance obtained from the correlation was then compared to that calculated using the detail simulations; good agreement was found. Combined with a drying cost analysis, the correlation provides a method by which solar designers can determine the optimum collector area for the solar paddy drying system.