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Utilization of an Intelligent Electrohydrodynamic Dryer to Improve Drying Efficiency of Camellia Seeds
Fig. 1.　Schematic illustration of the electrohydrodynamic (EHD) drying principle and system configuration. (A) Principle of ion wind drying: When a high voltage is applied between the emitter and the grounded collector in a gaseous medium, corona discharge occurs near the emitter, resulting in ionization of air molecules. The movement of charged ions toward the collector generates a unidirectional secondary airflow, known as ion wind, which enhances moisture removal from the surface of the material. (B) EHD drying method: The EHD system used in this study consists of a wire-type emitter electrode connected to a direct current (DC) high-voltage power supply and a grounded mesh collector. The material to be dried is placed on the collector surface, where it is directly exposed to the ion wind, facilitating uniform, energy-efficient drying at ambient temperature.
Fig. 1.　Schematic illustration of the electrohydrodynamic (EHD) drying principle and system configuration. (A) Principle of ion wind drying: When a high voltage is applied between the emitter and the grounded collector in a gaseous medium, corona discharge occurs near the emitter, resulting in ionization of air molecules. The movement of charged ions toward the collector generates a unidirectional secondary airflow, known as ion wind, which enhances moisture removal from the surface of the material. (B) EHD drying method: The EHD system used in this study consists of a wire-type emitter electrode connected to a direct current (DC) high-voltage power supply and a grounded mesh collector. The material to be dried is placed on the collector surface, where it is directly exposed to the ion wind, facilitating uniform, energy-efficient drying at ambient temperature.

Author:Hsiang-En Tseng, Ya-Lin Lee*, Yu-Hsien Lee, Ko-Chun Lin, and Wen-Jui Su

Abstract:

This study investigated the application of electrohydrodynamic (EHD) drying technology, utilizing a self-developed intelligent EHD dryer for drying the seeds of Camellia brevistyla, a native species of Taiwan, to compare its performance with the traditional sun drying method. The effects of the EHD dryer on drying efficiency of the seeds, and the resulting cold-pressed oil quality, including acid value (AV) and peroxide value (POV), and oil oxidative stability index (OSI) as well, were evaluated. Two batches of camellia seeds were conducted, and the EHD drying was executed at 42℃ to reach the average high temperature during the sun-drying period. Results showed that the intelligent EHD method significantly enhanced drying efficiency, resulting in a shorter drying time (48 h) compared to the sun drying method (9 d). The intelligent EHD dryer exhibited uniform drying and minimized the need for manual seed turning. Oil quality analyses revealed that the intelligent EHD drying exhibited significantly lower AV and POV values compared to the oil obtained via traditional sun drying, indicating superior oil quality. The OSI and sensory evaluation of flavor characteristics were similar for both methods. In summary, applying the intelligent EHD dryer to dry camellia seeds improves drying efficiency and enhances the quality of the pressed oil, thereby demonstrating high potential for further utilization.

Key words:Camellia brevistyla, Camellia seeds, Seeds drying method, Electrohydrodynamic drying, Oil quality

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Journal of
Taiwan Agricultural Research
Vol. 74, No.4 (2025) ISSN: 2790-086X Vol. 74, No.4 (2025)
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