Effect of Waste Heat Recovery on Drying Characteristics of Sliced Ginger in a Natural Convection Dryer

In the present work, quality drying characteristics of sliced ginger were studied utilizing the concept of waste heat recovery in a biomass operated natural convection dryer with sensible heat storage material (SHSM) and phase change material (PCM). Ginger slices (2 and 4 mm thick) were dried from initial moisture content (MC) 88-90% (w.b.) to final moisture content 11-12% (w.b.) with hot air maintained at temperature 600C, air velocity 0.2 m/sec, atmospheric average relative humidity 74% and ambient temperature 250C. It was observed that the biomass consumption and melting time of PCM were significantly reduced due to the use of waste heat. The optimum drying time was found to be 5.5 h for 2 mm thick ginger slices. Color, texture and aroma were found better in treated sample.