Magnetic Induction Heating for Pest Control – Technology Demonstrator

There is an acute need for an affordable, sustainable solution to the escalating problems of pest control in horticulture and agriculture, and magnetic induction heating can provide a resolution. Invertebrates are small-sized poor electrical conductors, but because they are hundreds of times more electrically conductive than plants, induction heating rates are proportionately higher, allowing invertebrate pests to be efficiently killed while leaving host plants unharmed. With no toxins, the big gains will be its specificity; induction heating is safe outside its narrowly-focused treatment-zone so we would anticipate that there will be little regulation on its use, making the technology appropriate for unmanned vehicles.

Our team has proven the concept of magnetic induction heating for pest control using our own high-powered megahertz-frequency induction heating technology. However, the work has only been conducted at bench-scale, and the frequencies and mobility required for commercialising this application extends well beyond what is currently considered normal for traditional induction heaters.

This 18-month study will test the feasibility of scaling-up the power electronics and build a high-frequency magnetic field generator technology demonstrator for the horticultural sector to target vine weevil and other pests for ornamental growers. The project partnership is formed from three micro-SMEs. It will be pushing hard at the boundaries of magnetics technology and generate valuable world-wide intellectual property.