Efficiency optimization for phase controlled multi-source microwave oven

Journal article, 2014

A solid-state microwave generators system is considered as an alternative to the magnetron, in order to inject electromagnetic energy into the cavity of a microwave oven for domestic use. Over current devices, the use of solid state technology allows one to control the frequency and phase of the electromagnetic field generated. Considering a simplified cavity with 2 solid state sources, the influence of the electrical parameters on maximum efficiency obtainable in the process of microwave heating is investigated. By varying the frequency, different values of optimal phases and different values of maximum efficiency are detected. Moreover, the procedure is repeated with varying the position of one source port and the influence of geometry on the system performance is evaluated. Our results demonstrate that the ability to control the electrical quantities of a microwave heating process makes it possible to obtain better results in terms of energy efficiency over the current poorly controllable systems.