Experimental investigation and energy analysis of a solar-assisted fluidized-bed dryer including solar water heater and solar-powered infrared lamp for paddy grains drying

During drying process of paddy grains, as one of the major operations of rice milling process, a considerable amount of fossil fuel is consumed. The air pollutants emitted by combustion of fossil fuels are great threat to human health which strongly contribute to environmental problems. In the present study, to reduce the share of fossil fuels in drying process of paddy grains, a new type solar-assisted fluidized-bed dryer was used with the...