Microwave Radiometry for Accurate Food Heating Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the temperature of food products during heat treatment in industrial ovens are inaccurate, leading to non-uniform pasteurization and the risk of undercooked or overcooked products.
Innovation Solution
A method using microwave radiometry to measure the dielectric properties of food products, correlating these properties with temperature to accurately determine core, surface, and average temperatures, allowing for precise control of the heating process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If temperature measurement methods from state of the art are used, then temperature readings can be obtained, but the measurement precision is insufficient for precise control of heating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/physical contact temperature measurement methods with electromagnetic field-based dielectric property measurement. By using microwave radiometry to measure dielectric properties and correlating them with temperature, the system achieves non-contact, high-precision temperature measurement that resolves the contradiction between measurement precision and heating control reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from direct temperature sensing to dielectric property measurement. By measuring dielectric properties (which change with temperature) and using correlation data to determine temperature, the system achieves superior measurement precision and reliability compared to conventional temperature sensors.
2Measurement precision
If conventional temperature measurement is used in heat treatment devices, then temperature data is available, but the measurement accuracy is too low to prevent undercooked or overcooked products
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional temperature measurement systems with microwave radiometry-based dielectric measurement. This substitution provides significantly higher temperature measurement accuracy, enabling precise monitoring of product temperature during heating and preventing quality defects such as undercooked or overcooked products.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control system where dielectric property measurements are continuously taken during heating, converted to temperature readings via correlation data, and used to adjust heating conditions in real-time. This feedback mechanism ensures accurate temperature control and prevents product quality defects.
3Extent of automation
If temperature measurements are taken during heat treatment, then heating control is possible, but the measurement system adds complexity to the heat treatment device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses microwave radiometry technology that can serve multiple functions: measuring dielectric properties for temperature determination, characterizing product composition, and monitoring product moisture content. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity compared to dedicated temperature sensing systems while providing comprehensive process control.
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
Enables uniform heat treatment by providing accurate temperature measurements, ensuring consistent product quality and optimizing energy use through intelligent process control.
Implementation Method 1
measuring the dielectric properties, by means of a signal received by a microwave-radiometry-receiver
Implementation Method 2
subjecting the product to an electromagnetic field provided by a microwave-radiometry-antenna
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method to determine the average temperature of a product. The present invention further relates to a method to heat a product.