Microwave Channel Phase Control for Reflected Power Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining operation conditions to minimize reflected power in microwave devices are complex and time-consuming, making it difficult to establish suitable conditions before the heating process, which can delay the start of heating.
Innovation Solution
A method for operating a microwave device with multiple channels that involves operating channels at varying power levels and phases in a data acquisition mode to gather information, establishing a mathematical model, and determining operating parameters to reduce channel reverse power, allowing for efficient operation at higher power levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If existing methods are used to determine operation conditions to minimize reflected power, then reflected power is reduced, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming, delaying the start of heating
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary measurements and establishes a mathematical model of the cavity during setup, storing calibration data that enables rapid determination of optimal operating parameters without repeating complex measurements each time heating begins
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a mathematical model (copy) of the complex cavity resonance characteristics based on initial measurements, allowing rapid calculation of optimal parameters without repeatedly performing complex physical measurements
2Loss of energy
If existing methods are used to determine operation conditions to minimize reflected power, then reflected power is reduced, but the process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex iterative measurement and adjustment procedures with a mathematical model-based calculation approach, using pre-stored calibration data and computational algorithms to rapidly determine optimal parameters without complex physical tuning
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically performs measurements, establishes the mathematical model, and determines optimal operating parameters without requiring complex manual intervention or iterative adjustment by operators
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces the complexity and time required to establish suitable operating parameters, enabling a more efficient and effective heating process by minimizing channel reverse power and increasing the available power for heating.
Implementation Method 1
Multiple microwave generation modules produce radio frequency excitation signals characterized by the frequency and the phase shift(s). Multiple microwave energy radiators radiate, into the heating cavity, electromagnetic energy corresponding to radio frequency excitation signals received from the microwave generation modules.
Implementation Method 2
The magnetron generates standing wave inside the cavity. Due to the fixed oscillation frequency, typically at 2.45GHz, the energy pattern inside the microwave oven is fixed.
Implementation Method 3
Power detection circuitry takes reflected radio frequency power measurements, and the processing unit determines a reflected power indication based on the measurements.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4a
Figure 4b~4c
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for operating a microwave device (1), the microwave device (1) comprising a cavity (2) and multiple microwave channels (CH1 - CH4) for providing microwaves within said cavity (2), the method comprising the steps of: - operating one or more microwave channels (CH1 - CH4) at one or more first power levels and with varying phases in a data acquisition mode; - gathering information regarding channel reverse power (RP) at the one or more microwave channels (CH1 - CH4) during said data acquisition mode; - establishing a mathematical model for each microwave channel (CH1 - CH4) based on said gathered information, said mathematical model providing information regarding channel reverse power (RP) for the respective microwave channel (CH1 - CH4); - determining operating parameters based on the established mathematical models; and - operating the microwave channels (CH1 - CH4) of the microwave device (1) at one or more second power levels based on the determined operation parameters, the power of the second power levels being higher than the power of the first power levels.