Microwave
Carbonscape utilises a microwave heating mechanism essentially like the conventional microwave oven that we are familiar with. Electrical energy is converted to microwave energy that gets coupled to the input biomass by a mechanism known as dielectric heating.
Dielectric heating works on polar molecules (such as water) that contain opposing electrical dipole charges and on electrically conductive substances (such as chemical ions). Energy exchange occurs when the time harmonic oscillation of the microwave electromagnetic fields within the reactor interacts with the polar molecules and electrically conductive substances of the biomass feedstock.
Heat is generated from the friction caused by the mechanical movement of individual polar molecules interacting and jostling to align with the oscillating electric and magnetic fields. Heat is also generated via ionic conduction (movement of ions) and ohmic heating (movement of electrons) in the conductive substances.
Carbonscape, through Microwave technology, is able to induce plasma by ionising the volatiles (gas) and small dust particles given off by the biomass. The plasma reaches very high temperatures (>1,000ᵒC) very rapidly (<1s). This heat is able to be transferred to the biomass for rapid break down into the familiar oils, gas and char components. Carbonscape research with microwave induced plasma is currently undergoing further development.
Programmable microwave power supply and waveguide circulator
Wave launching assembly, industrial magnetron and focusing electromagnet