Study of Wood Drying in a High-Frequency Electromagnetic Field Considering Dielectric Properties

Authors

  • N. G. National Biotechnological University, Kharkiv
  • S. V. Kosulin Kharkiv National Medical University
  • Ya. O. Evsyukov National Biotechnological University, Kharkiv

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31649/1997-9266-2026-184-1-17-25

Keywords:

wood drying, , ultra-high frequency range, electromagnetic field, high-frequency field, microwaves

Abstract

The article investigates the wood drying process in a high-frequency electromagnetic field, with a focus on the physical mechanisms of dielectric heating and the modeling of heat and mass transfer. The work analyzes the operating frequency ranges defined by international standards for industrial processing and the peculiarities of electromagnetic field interaction with moisture in wood. The mechanisms of dipolar, induced, and interfacial polarization, which determine the efficiency of converting electromagnetic energy into heat, are discussed. Theoretical part is based on the derivation and analysis of equations for polarization, complex dielectric permittivity, loss tangent, as well as the dependence of effective dielectric losses on moisture content and material conductivity. The derived relationships allow the calculation of the average power absorbed by the wood volume, currents in the lossy system, as well as power density and system heat capacity. The experimental section focuses on the analysis of moisture migration during drying. It is shown that during the constant-rate phase, capillary transport dominates under the influence of pressure differences, whereas in the falling-rate phase, moisture transfer becomes diffusion-driven. As moisture content decreases, the dielectric loss coefficient reduces, complicating further heating. Modeling confirms that microwave drying ensures a uniform distribution of temperature and moisture, minimizing the risk of cracking and deformation. Additionally, results comparing multimode applicators of different generations are presented, demonstrating improved field uniformity and heat distribution, which is confirmed by infrared imaging and numerical models. An adaptive control system based on the dielectric properties of wood is proposed, allowing real-time regulation of magnetron power. The results indicate that high-frequency drying significantly reduces process duration, preserves the natural color of wood, decreases biological damage, and ensures uniform moisture distribution. This makes the technology a promising alternative to traditional methods, especially for thick lumber and combined vacuum modes.

Author Biographies

N. G., National Biotechnological University, Kharkiv

Dr Sc. (Eng.), Professor, Professor of the Chair of Electrical Mechanics, Robotics and Biomedical Engineering

S. V. Kosulin, Kharkiv National Medical University

Dr Sc. (Eng.), Professor, Professor of the Chair of Electrical Mechanics, Robotics and Biomedical Engineering

Ya. O. Evsyukov, National Biotechnological University, Kharkiv

Post-Graduate Student of the Chair of Electrical Mechanics, Robotics and Biomedical Engineering

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Published

2026-02-27

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[1]
N. G., S. V. Kosulin, and Y. O. Evsyukov, “Study of Wood Drying in a High-Frequency Electromagnetic Field Considering Dielectric Properties”, Вісник ВПІ, no. 1, pp. 17–25, Feb. 2026.

Issue

No. 1 (2026)

Section

ENERGY GENERATION, ELECTRIC ENGINEERING AND ELECTROMECHANICS

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