3-dimensional numerical modeling of an industrial radio frequency heating system using finite elements

This paper presents a new, yet simple and effective approach to modeling industrial Radio Frequency heating systems, using the wave equation applied in three dimensions instead of the conventional electrostatics method. The central idea is that the tank oscillatory circuit is excited using an external source. This then excites the applicator circuit which is then used to heat or dry the processed load. Good agreement was obtained between the experimental and numerical data, namely the S11-parameter, phase, and heating patterns for different sized loads and positions.