Portable Food Pasteurization Using Pulsed Electric Fields (PEF)

Author(s) Information

• Thomas E. McMillan III, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis ObispoFollow

College - Author 1

College of Engineering

Department - Author 1

Electrical Engineering Department

Degree Name - Author 1

BS in Electrical Engineering

Date

6-2026

Primary Advisor

Dean Arakaki, College of Engineering, Electrical Engineering Department

Abstract/Summary

Foodborne illnesses remain a significant public health concern, motivating continued development of alternative food pasteurization technologies. Pulsed electric field (PEF) treatment is a non-thermal pasteurization method that inactivates microorganisms through electroporation while minimizing thermal degradation of food products. The long-term objective of this project was development of a portable PEF food pasteurization system.

An iterative design approach was used to investigate generation of the high-voltage pulses required for PEF treatment. Multiple pulse forming network topologies were evaluated through simulation, leading to selection of a solid-state Marx generator architecture. A low-voltage five-stage prototype was designed, constructed, and tested to validate the proposed approach. Experimental results demonstrated successful stage voltage stacking and output pulse generation consistent with LTSpice simulation predictions.

An analog trigger pulse generator was also designed and constructed; however, testing revealed issues that prevented reliable pulse generation. As a result, an external waveform generator was used during Marx generator testing. Although a final portable pasteurization device was not completed within the project timeframe, the successful operation of the Marx generator prototype demonstrated the feasibility of the selected architecture. The resulting design, hardware, and testing results provide a foundation for future development of a portable PEF food pasteurization system.

Notes

This project did not result in a final system design. It is the author's belief that a final design is possible and if any future students are interested, there is great potential in following through with the final design.

URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/eesp/735