[Introduction to the COMSOL News 2023 Food Industry Optimized]

Simulation, a Key
Ingredient for Innovation

Better flavor. Faster production. Higher energy efficiency. Food
engineers continuously find better ways of producing not just food
but also the technology involved in keeping goods fresh and the
appliances used for cooking. One crucial ingredient that engineers
reach for when optimizing designs and developing new ideas is
multiphysics modeling and simulation.
At the very end of the food supply chain sits the hungry consumer
expecting a certain level of freshness, safety, and taste. In terms of
candy bars, for example, the expectation may be a satisfying snap
when biting into a chocolate-covered wafer. Ensuring this snap is
one focus of the team we meet on page 8: researchers from the
Product Technology Centre who are tasked with optimizing the
production process of Nestlé’s confectionery products. For ovens
and stovetops, consumers may be looking for even cooking and
energy efficiency. On page 20, we see how the team at Whirlpool
Corporation used simulation to improve the energy efficiency of its
oven designs, and on page 22 we get a peek at an innovative solidstate
cooking device that yields even cooking for home and
professional kitchens.
Between the active steps of harvesting, production, and cooking,
goods typically sit in storage. Though the food items are physically
resting, the chemistry inside them is not, and they are sensitive
to the environment in which they are stored. Temperature dips
or spikes can shorten product shelf life dramatically. On page 4,
we see how compiled simulation apps help smallholder farmers
improve the use of refrigerated storage, thus reducing post-harvest
losses and increasing revenue.
Consumers have high expectations when it comes to food and
beverages. Above all, the end product must be safe and consistent.
As we see in this special edition of COMSOL News, simulation helps
food engineers deliver better end products faster.
Enjoy!

Fanny Griesmer
COMSOL, Inc.

[Introduction to the COMSOL News 2023 FoodIndustry optimized]

Simulation, a Key
Ingredient for Innovation

Better flavor. Faster production. Higher energy efficiency. Food
engineers continuously find better ways of producing not just food
but also the technology involved in keeping goods fresh and the
appliances used for cooking. One crucial ingredient that engineers
reach for when optimizing designs and developing new ideas is
multiphysics modeling and simulation.
At the very end of the food supply chain sits the hungry consumer
expecting a certain level of freshness, safety, and taste. In terms of
candy bars, for example, the expectation may be a satisfying snap
when biting into a chocolate-covered wafer. Ensuring this snap is
one focus of the team we meet on page 8: researchers from the
Product Technology Centre who are tasked with optimizing the
production process of Nestlé’s confectionery products. For ovens
and stovetops, consumers may be looking for even cooking and
energy efficiency. On page 20, we see how the team at Whirlpool
Corporation used simulation to improve the energy efficiency of its
oven designs, and on page 22 we get a peek at an innovative solidstate
cooking device that yields even cooking for home and
professional kitchens.
Between the active steps of harvesting, production, and cooking,
goods typically sit in storage. Though the food items are physically
resting, the chemistry inside them is not, and they are sensitive
to the environment in which they are stored. Temperature dips
or spikes can shorten product shelf life dramatically. On page 4,
we see how compiled simulation apps help smallholder farmers
improve the use of refrigerated storage, thus reducing post-harvest
losses and increasing revenue.
Consumers have high expectations when it comes to food and
beverages. Above all, the end product must be safe and consistent.
As we see in this special edition of COMSOL News, simulation helps
food engineers deliver better end products faster.
Enjoy!

Fanny Griesmer
COMSOL, Inc.

[Introduction to the COMSOL News 2023 FoodIndustry optimized]

Simulation, a Key
Ingredient for Innovation

Better flavor. Faster production. Higher energy efficiency. Food
engineers continuously find better ways of producing not just food
but also the technology involved in keeping goods fresh and the
appliances used for cooking. One crucial ingredient that engineers
reach for when optimizing designs and developing new ideas is
multiphysics modeling and simulation.
At the very end of the food supply chain sits the hungry consumer
expecting a certain level of freshness, safety, and taste. In terms of
candy bars, for example, the expectation may be a satisfying snap
when biting into a chocolate-covered wafer. Ensuring this snap is
one focus of the team we meet on page 8: researchers from the
Product Technology Centre who are tasked with optimizing the
production process of Nestlé’s confectionery products. For ovens
and stovetops, consumers may be looking for even cooking and
energy efficiency. On page 20, we see how the team at Whirlpool
Corporation used simulation to improve the energy efficiency of its
oven designs, and on page 22 we get a peek at an innovative solidstate
cooking device that yields even cooking for home and
professional kitchens.
Between the active steps of harvesting, production, and cooking,
goods typically sit in storage. Though the food items are physically
resting, the chemistry inside them is not, and they are sensitive
to the environment in which they are stored. Temperature dips
or spikes can shorten product shelf life dramatically. On page 4,
we see how compiled simulation apps help smallholder farmers
improve the use of refrigerated storage, thus reducing post-harvest
losses and increasing revenue.
Consumers have high expectations when it comes to food and
beverages. Above all, the end product must be safe and consistent.
As we see in this special edition of COMSOL News, simulation helps
food engineers deliver better end products faster.
Enjoy!

Fanny Griesmer
COMSOL, Inc.

[Table of Contents to the COMSOL News 2023 FoodIndustry optimized]

P.4：Forecasting Fruit Freshness with Simulation Apps
Empa, Switzerland

P.8：The Sweet Side of Simulation Behind the Scenes at Nestlé
Nestlé Product Technology Centre, United Kingdom

P.12：Multiphysics Simulation Helps Miele Optimize Stove Designs
mieletec FH Bielefeld, Germany

P.16：Engineering Perfect Puffed Snacks
Cornell University, USA

P.20：Simulation Turns Up the Heat & Energy Efficiency
Whirlpool R&D, Italy

P.22：ITW Uses Multiphysics Simulation to Cook Up Smart Microwave Oven Designs
Illinois Tool Works (ITW) Food Equipment Group, USA

P.25：Optimizing Heat Exchanger Designs for Refrigeration and Cooling Technology
thermofin GmbH, Germany

P.28：Food Industry Modeling
COMSOL Models for Download