Awards issued prior to january 20, 2025, were funded under previous administrations and may not reflect the priorities and policies of the current administration.** microwave heating holds great…

Awards issued prior to january 20, 2025, were funded under previous administrations and may not reflect the priorities and policies of the current administration.** microwave heating holds great potential in assisting the food industry and homes to save heating time and energy. But magnetrons that have been used to generate microwaves over the past 70 YRS have shortcomings, including limited service-life (~3,000 hours) and lack of precision control. The overall goal of this research is to overcome these limitations by exploring the application of state-of-the-art solid-state 915-MHZ microwave generators in thermal processing of pre-packaged meals. Specific objectives are: 1) study the long-term stability performance of solid-state 915-MHZ microwave generators; 2) develop a single-mode 915-MHZ microwave test unit using solid-state generators for in-package heating; 3) study the effect of phase, frequency, and power ratio control from synchronized heads on heating uniformity and rate in packaged foods; and 4) integrate solid-state generators into a multi-CAVITY915-MHZ microwave-assisted pasteurization system (maps) and use new microwave power control strategies to enhance system operation and overall performance for improved heating uniformity, increased heating rate, and better quality in a wide range of pre-packaged food products. The research will be conducted by a team of food and electrical engineers and a graduate student in collaboration with equipment companies. The outcomes will facilitate the use of solid-state microwave generators for precise control in commercial production of high-quality and safe pre-packaged foods. The project will help the USA to be the leader in application of advanced microwave technologies and contribute to reduction of energy use and environmental footprint of the food industry in transition towards a low-carbon or carbon neural modern industry.