Energy and exergy analysis of freeze‐drying of mint leaves

Abstract In this study, the energy and exergy analysis of the drying process of mint leaves was carried out. Long drying times in freeze‐drying lead to high‐energy consumption. While the energy consumption of the freeze‐dryer was evaluated by the energy analysis, the freezing and drying conditions that allow maximizing the exergy efficiency and minimizing the exergy losses was specified by exergy analysis. The total energy consumption has decreased due to increasing temperature and decreasing pressure; thus, the exergy losses have decreased. The chamber surface temperature which minimizes the exergy losses was 30°C. Decreasing the temperature of the cooling source has increased the exergy losses. Obtained results from this study will ensure insight into the optimization of the drying system. Practical Applications Drying is one of the areas with high‐energy consumption in the industrial sector. The energy consumption of freeze‐drying is quite high. In this experimental work, the effect of some parameters on the energy and exergy analysis of the drying process of mint leaves was studied. This study is expected to provide insight into reducing energy consumption in the freeze‐drying system.