High Power Radio Frequency Heating for Innovative Thermal Applications

用于创新热应用的高功率射频加热

• 批准号: RGPIN-2016-05203
• 负责人: Baik, OonDoo
• 金额: $ 2.04万
• 依托单位: University of Saskatchewan
• 依托单位国家: 加拿大
• 项目类别: Discovery Grants Program - Individual
• 财政年份: 2016
• 资助国家: 加拿大
• 起止时间: 2016-01-01 至 2017-12-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/ase-oro/Details-Detailles_eng.asp?id=615557
• 关键词: Power; Radio; Frequency; Heating; Innovative

Radio frequency (RF) heating is energy efficient and suitable even for large-scale commercial applications, but has been implemented mostly at a low power laboratory-scale using a parallel electrodes based applicator design. To adopt RF heating technology in industrial applications, we need to investigate the feasibility of using higher power levels. The goal of my research program is to enhance the quality and safety of food and agricultural products by conducting a pioneering study that explores three applications of high power RF heating. WORK PACKAGE 1: DISINFESTATION OF PEST INSECTS IN STORED WHEAT FLOUR Disinfestation of pest insects by selective heating is innovative, safe, environmentally friendly, and cost effective compared to the current fumigation method. It can eliminate pest insects at different life stages without sacrificing host product quality. High power RF heating is extremely important for efficient targeted heating because short treatment time limits thermal equilibrium. We will conduct theoretical and experimental studies of high power RF selective heating for pest insect control. The investigation will analyze the effects of level of RF heating speed on target insect mortality, post RF treatment flour quality, and energy consumption. WORK PACKAGE 2: BIODIESEL PRODUCTION ENHANCEMENT The transesterification process in conventional base-catalyzed biodiesel production is an energy intensive process requiring high thermal kinetic energy for the conversion. It is important to find an efficient way to provide the thermal kinetic energy. We will investigate the optimum combination of RF power, temperature, residence time, catalyst type, and molar ratio of alcohol/oil. The study will also test the RF applicator’s design (electrode shape, size, and configuration). WORK PACKAGE 3: SOLID-LIQUID EXTRACTION ENHANCEMENT The extraction of natural medicinal compounds (e.g., anti-cancer compounds) can be significantly improved by fast RF heating. When the water molecules embedded in the micro-pores of the cell wall structure are subjected to high power RF energy, the rapid rise in vapour pressure can result in the rupture of the cell wall microstructure and an increase in the diffusion speed of molecules of interest from inside the cell wall to outside. We will study a continuous solvent flow packed-bed extraction system with podophyllotoxin as a model compound for extraction. We will also determine the effects of cell wall rupture. It is clear that the results of these three areas of research will have a significant positive impact and will add value to a wide array of bioresources in Canada. The program will also provide quality training for HQP through advanced and innovative interdisciplinary research.

射频(RF)加热非常节能，甚至适合大规模商业应用，但主要是在低功率实验室规模上使用基于平行电极的施加器设计实现的。为了将射频加热技术应用于工业应用，我们需要研究使用更高功率级别的可行性。我的研究计划的目标是通过进行一项开创性的研究，探索高功率射频加热的三种应用，以提高食品和农产品的质量和安全。工作包1：杀灭储藏小麦粉中的害虫与目前的熏蒸方法相比，选择性加热杀灭害虫是一种创新、安全、环保和具有成本效益的方法。在不牺牲寄主产品质量的情况下，可消灭不同生活期的害虫。高功率射频加热对于有效的靶向加热是极其重要的，因为短的治疗时间限制了热平衡。我们将对高功率射频选择性加热用于害虫防治进行理论和实验研究。调查将分析射频加热速度水平对目标昆虫死亡率、射频处理后面粉质量和能量消耗的影响。工作包2：提高生物柴油生产传统碱催化生物柴油生产中的酯交换过程是一个能源密集型过程，需要很高的热动能来进行转化。重要的是要找到一种有效的方式来提供热动能。我们将研究射频功率、温度、停留时间、催化剂类型和醇油摩尔比的最佳组合。这项研究还将测试射频应用器的设计(电极形状、大小和配置)。工作包3：固-液萃取强化通过快速射频加热，可以显著提高天然药物化合物(例如，抗癌化合物)的提取效率。当嵌入在细胞壁结构微孔中的水分子受到高功率射频能量时，蒸气压力的快速上升会导致细胞壁微结构的破裂，并加快目标分子从细胞壁内向外的扩散速度。我们将研究以鬼臼毒素为模型化合物的连续溶剂流动固定床萃取系统。我们还将确定细胞壁破裂的影响。显然，这三个领域的研究结果将产生重大的积极影响，并将为加拿大的各种生物资源增值。该计划还将通过先进和创新的跨学科研究为HQP提供高质量的培训。