Present study aims to optimize the process parameters and to develop a 3-dimensional, multi-layered finite element model for predicting moisture and temperature profile during simulated solar drying of paddy. Drying of paddy was conducted in an in-house designed photovoltaic integrated hybrid solar dryer. Design expert software was employed for optimization of drying process parameters (power level, air velocity and moisture content). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed at significance level (P < 0.05) for the linear and interaction effects of the variables on various quality parameters. The simulation studies were performed using COMSOL Multiphysics platform. Optimum parameters for drying paddy were found at 700 W, 3.5 m/s and 12% moisture with optimal temperature, milling yield and drying time of 46 °C, 71.48% and 90 min, respectively, having the desirability factor of 0.92. Milling yield was observed to vary linearly with moisture content. Furthermore, the three dimensional model was successfully developed for paddy loaded in bulk as well as, accounting husk, bran and endosperm layers. Diffusion coefficient of endosperm, bran and husk was found to be 2.95 × 10⁻¹¹, 8.66 × 10⁻¹² and 6.00 × 10⁻¹² m²/s, respectively. The optimized parameters can be successfully used to dry paddy to ensure maximum throughput and uniform quality of products in every drying batch. Additionally, the developed model was validated and can be employed for monitoring the drying parameters to standardize the hybrid solar drying process.

目前的研究旨在优化过程参数并开发一个 3 维、多层有限元模型，用于预测稻谷模拟太阳干燥过程中的水分和温度分布。稻谷的干燥在内部设计的光伏集成混合太阳能干燥机中进行。设计专家软件用于优化干燥工艺参数（功率水平、风速和水分含量）。对于变量对各种质量参数的线性和交互作用，在显着性水平 (P < 0.05) 上进行方差分析 (ANOVA)。仿真研究是使用 COMSOL Multiphysics 平台进行的。干燥稻谷的最佳参数为 700 W、3.5 m/s 和 12% 的水分，最佳温度、碾磨产量和干燥时间分别为 46 °C、71.48% 和 90 min，合意性因子为 0.92。观察到研磨产量随水分含量线性变化。此外，成功开发了用于散装稻谷以及核算稻壳、麸皮和胚乳层的三维模型。发现胚乳、麸皮和外壳的扩散系数为 2.95 × 10^-11、8.66 × 10 ^-12和6.00 × 10 ^-12 m ² /s 分别。优化后的参数可成功用于干燥稻谷，以确保每个干燥批次中产品的最大产量和一致的质量。此外，开发的模型经过验证，可用于监测干燥参数，以标准化混合太阳能干燥过程。