Investigation of microwave imaging techniques for monitoring grain bins

Microwave Tomography (MWT) is an emerging modality where the goal is to estimate the electrical
properties of an object-of-interest. This is done by transmitting a microwave signal into the OI and
collecting measurements outside the OI. The measurements are inputs to an optimization algorithm
that solves for the unknown electrical properties. As this modality has been successfully adapted in
biomedical imaging and geophysical surveying, the proposed project looks into the feasibility of using
this technology to monitor moisture content and insect infestations inside grain bins for early detection
of the grains spoilage. The project is a two-part study. The first part consists of running simulations to
study the electromagnetic signal behavior inside grain bins with varying electrical properties due to the
presence of excess moisture or insects. The second part consists of performing a paper design and
simulation of an experimental measurement system. This work is done by the Electromagnetic
Imaging Laboratory at the University of Manitoba in collaboration with…TOBECONT’D

Faculty Supervisor:

Joe LoVetri

Student:

Partner:

151 Research Inc

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Manufacturing

University:

University of Manitoba

Program: