Electro-technologies for post-production processing in agriculture, food and bio-energy

微波(MW)和射频(RF)加热系统等电子技术在需要加热的过程中具有广泛应用的潜力，例如在农产品的干燥和热处理中。这些技术比传统方法更快、更节能。因此，它们的使用将缩短暴露在热中的时间，并可以提供质量更好的最终产品。电介质加热系统由电力提供动力，不会直接导致温室气体的产生。拟议研究计划的长期目标是开发新的应用，并促进在食品和生物燃料生产的农产品的生产后加工中使用微波和射频加热。然而，到目前为止，设计过程的复杂性和缺乏足够的控制系统限制了介质加热系统的工业应用。为了实现长期目标，必须解决这些问题。

Electro-technologies such as microwave (MW) and radio-frequency (RF) heating systems have the potential for widespread applications in processes that require heat such as in the drying and thermal treatment of produce. These technologies are faster and more energy efficient than conventional methods. Their use will therefore shorten exposure time to heat and can give end-products with better quality. Dielectric heating systems are powered by electricity and do not directly contribute to the production of greenhouse gases. The long-term goal of the proposed research program is to develop new applications and to promote the use of MW and RF heating in the post-production processing of produce for food and for biofuel production. However, until now, the complexity of the design process and the lack of adequate control systems have limited industrial utilization of dielectric heating systems. To achieve the long-term goal, these issues must be addressed.