EXPLORING THE APPLICATION OF SOLID-STATE 915-MHZ MICROWAVE (MW) GENERATORS FOR COMMERCIAL PRODUCTION OF READY-TO-EAT MEALS

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.