Optimisation of electric field uniformity in microwave heating systems by means of multi-feeding and genetic algorithms

In most of microwave heating applications obtaining uniform heating patterns in certain regions of the applicator is a key issue. In this paper, the proposed solution for achieving electric field uniformity consists of designing the configuration of the feeding system in a multimode cavity by means of Genetic Algorithms. The feeding system is constituted by waveguides or slots arrays. The electric field pattern inside the cavity depends on the location of these sources and an improvement in the electric field uniformity on the product can be obtained by means of a proper design of this feeding system. Results for the curing of epoxy resin over a marble slab are presented and they show a significant improvement in the electric field uniformity over the epoxy resin.This work was supported in part by the CICYT, Spain, under project reference TIC 2004- 05037-C02-02 and Consejería de Economía, Industria e Innovación, Región de Murcia, Spain, under the project reference 2I04SU063