Device and method for heating using RF energy

摘要

A method of heating and/or thawing using an RF heater is described. In some cases the heating differentially heats portions according to their dissipation ratios. Optionally, this avoids dissipating large amounts of energy into thawed portions while frozen portions are still extant and heat slowly. Optionally, this prevents overheating of thawed potions.

主权项

1. A method of heating a load in a cavity using radio frequency (RF) energy, the method comprising:
(a) determining, for each of a plurality of frequencies, a dissipation ratio based on a relationship between energy input and energy dissipated in the cavity at the frequency, for which the dissipation ratio is being determined; (b) grouping the plurality of frequencies into a plurality of sets based on the dissipation ratio determined for each of the plurality of frequencies, such that each set contains one or more frequencies and the corresponding dissipation ratios determined for the one or more frequencies fall within a respective range of dissipation ratios associated with each set; (c) assigning an energy to at least one frequency within at least one set based on the at least one set to obtain at least one frequency/energy pair; and (d) applying RF energy to the cavity based on the at least one frequency/energy pair to heat the load.