AbstractThis paper describes the design details of and experimental investigations on a prototype augmented integrated rock system (AIRS) with an intention of using solar energy for crop drying and space heating. The system investigated is a flat plate solar collector of conventional design connected in series with rock storage and a collection unit. For the evaluation of the 24 hour performance of this system, outdoor calorimetric tests have been performed. The experimental results for varying inlet air flow rate have been analysed and the final results have been included. AIRS' overall daily efficiency is determined by testing the system outdoors and monitoring the output energy and the incident solar radiation. Taking into consideration the total cost of the system it has been designed so that it can be fabricated on site using, wherever possible, readily available tools and materials.
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