Abstract
This study presents the development and experimental validation of an intelligent vacuum freeze-drying system operating from a single-phase 220 V power supply. The system was designed to improve the energy efficiency and operational stability of freeze-drying processes for small and medium-scale food production facilities under conditions of limited electrical infrastructure. The developed installation integrates an inverter compressor and a sequential load control algorithm for energy-intensive components, including the refrigeration system, vacuum pump, and heating system. Experimental investigations were carried out during the freeze-drying of goat milk with a product load of up to 45–50 kg. Temperature, pressure, mass-transfer, and energy-consumption parameters were monitored throughout the drying cycle. The obtained results demonstrated stable maintenance of the vacuum regime within 45–55 Pa and condenser temperature within -46 to-48 °C during the primary sublimation stage. The implemented sequential control algorithm limited peak electrical power consumption to 6.5 kW and ensured stable operation from a standard single-phase 220 V electrical network. Experimental drying of goat milk resulted in residual moisture content of 1.8–4.2 % and moisture removal efficiency exceeding 95 %. Comparative analysis confirmed lower installed power and reduced energy consumption compared with conventional three-phase freeze-drying systems. The obtained results confirm the practical feasibility of applying the developed intelligent vacuum freeze-drying system in farms and small food processing enterprises in Kazakhstan. Vacuum freeze-drying system.