Drying behavior, diffusion modeling, and energy consumption optimization of Cuminum cyminum L. undergoing microwave-assisted fluidized bed drying

A semi-empirical mathematical model of mass transfer was developed to investigate the microwave-assisted fluidized bed drying of Cuminum cyminum L. and to optimize drying condition based on drying rate and energy consumption. Accordingly, the drying kinetics of this seed undergoing microwave-assisted fluidized bed dryer at various microwave output powers (300, 600, 900 W), air velocities (3.60, 5.45, 7.30 m/s), and air temperatures (45 °C, 55 °C, 65 °C) were studied. Concerning the distinctive shape of seeds, we tried to find a convenient and efficient model to evaluate moisture effective diffusivity (Deff) and activation energy (Ea). The range of Deff and Ea values were estimated to be from 0.382 × 10−10 to 2.746 × 10−10 m2/s for Deff and 8.464 W/g and 44.653 kJ/mol for Ea.