Frequency-Reconfigurable Phased Array Heating for Uniform Microwave Fields
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microwave heating technologies, such as those used in microwave ovens, suffer from uneven heating due to the radiation of electromagnetic waves in the form of standing waves, leading to inefficient energy distribution and heating uniformity.
Innovation Solution
A frequency reconfigurable phased array system that includes a signal source, RF modules, a control module, and databases to generate and control mode excitation parameter sets and material processing event sets, allowing for adjustable frequency and power distribution to achieve uniform electromagnetic field and energy distribution within a cavity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a magnetron is used to generate microwave energy, then electrical energy can be converted into microwave energy, but the electromagnetic waves radiate in the form of standing waves causing uneven heating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single magnetron system into multiple independent RF modules (at least two), each capable of generating microwave energy. These modules are distributed around the cavity and can be independently controlled in terms of phase, amplitude, and frequency, thereby eliminating the standing wave pattern caused by a single source while maintaining efficient energy conversion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple RF modules operating at different frequencies (e.g., 2.45 GHz and 5.8 GHz) to create a composite electromagnetic field. By merging the outputs of these modules with controlled phase and amplitude relationships, the system achieves uniform heating throughout the cavity while preserving the energy conversion efficiency of individual magnetrons.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a mechanical turntable or microwave stirrer is used to improve heating uniformity, then some improvement can be achieved, but the effect is still very limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical solutions (turntables and stirrers) with an electronic control system that manages multiple RF modules. Instead of mechanically moving the object or altering the cavity structure, the system electronically adjusts the phase, amplitude, and frequency of each RF module to create uniform electromagnetic field distribution, thereby achieving heating uniformity without mechanical complexity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If multiple RF modules operate at different frequencies, then energy distribution uniformity can be improved, but frequency control and coordination become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic frequency tuning capability in the RF modules, allowing the operating frequency of each module to be adjusted in real-time based on the material being processed and the desired heating pattern. This dynamic adaptability enables the system to maintain optimal energy distribution uniformity across different operating conditions without requiring complex manual frequency coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the control unit monitors the performance of multiple RF modules and automatically adjusts their frequency, phase, and amplitude parameters. This closed-loop control simplifies operation by eliminating the need for manual frequency coordination while maintaining optimal energy distribution uniformity across the cavity.
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
The system enhances heating uniformity by controlling the frequency and phase of RF modules, minimizing electric field strength variations and improving energy distribution, thereby increasing the efficiency of microwave heating processes.
Implementation Method 1
the RF modules controlling the power signal to radiate an energy to a cavity
Implementation Method 2
The development of microwave heating technology has been applied to various fields to provide energy to the object to be heated
Data Source
AI summary
A frequency reconfigurable phased array system comprises a signal generator outputting a power signal with an adjustable frequency, a plurality of radio frequency (RF) modules receiving the power signal, a control module generating excitation mode parameter sets and material processing event sets, a first database storing the excitation mode parameter sets, and a second database storing the material processing event sets. The control module generates a material processing schedule by selecting one of the material processing event sets based on a material recipe, an average power, and a total time of a material, and controls a signal frequency of the signal generator according to the material processing schedule and the excitation mode parameter sets, and a RF phase and a RF power of each of the RF modules, to have the RF modules generating a power signal.