Current Organizations / Institutes

The organizations/institutes from the scholar's latest article


Chanchai Thongsopa has a total of 36 co-authors. Here are the top co-authors by number of shared publications:


Latest Publications

  • Open Access

    Development of a Dielectric Heating System for Selective Thermal Targeting of Liver Fluke Regions in Cirrhinus microlepis

    by Supatinee Kornsing, Sirigiet Phunklang, Chanchai Thongsopa, Piyaporn Krachodnok, Nuchanart Santalunai, Samran Santalunai

    Liver fluke infections, especially those induced by Opisthorchis viverrini, pose considerable health and economic difficulties in aquaculture, particularly in Southeast Asia. Traditional approaches for parasite elimination, including chemical treatments and freezing, exhibit constraints regarding efficacy, environmental sustainability, and practicality. This research investigates an improved dielectric heating system utilizing a 2.45 GHz horn antenna for the selective thermal targeting of parasite-associated regions in Cirrhinus microlepis (small-scale mud carp). The dielectric characteristics of fish tissues, encompassing scales, skin, and muscle, were analyzed utilizing an open-ended coaxial probe technique. Simulation and experimental evaluations were performed to improve energy absorption, heating uniformity, and a particular absorption rate to enable precise thermal localization while preserving the integrity of fish tissue. The findings demonstrate that dielectric heating can specifically elevate the temperature of fish scales, where parasites predominantly inhabit, to levels beyond 70 degrees Celsius, while reducing thermal impact on the underlying muscle tissue. The application of a salt coating on fish scales markedly increased their dielectric loss, exceeding that of muscle tissue, thus enhancing selective heating efficiency and supporting targeted thermal treatment. The ideal distance from the antenna to the sample was established as ranging from 6 to 9 cm, ensuring a balance between energy efficiency and homogeneous heating. This work illustrates the efficacy of dielectric heating as a novel and non-chemical approach for thermal management of parasite-prone tissues in aquaculture, providing a sustainable and viable substitute for traditional treatments.


  • Open Access

    Optimizing Nitrate Fertilizer Production Using Plasma-Activated Water (PAW) Technology: An Analysis of Dielectric Properties

    by Jariya Pakprom, Samroeng Santalunai, Weerawat Charoensiri, Sukdinan Ramjanthuk, Pisit Janpangngern, Chanchai Thongsopa, Thanaset Thosdeekoraphat, Nuchanart Santalunai, Samran Santalunai

    This study investigates the potential of Plasma-Activated Water (PAW) technology for the production of nitrate fertilizer, focusing on the dielectric properties of plasma-treated water, such as the dielectric constant and dielectric loss factor. The research aims to elucidate the impact of plasma treatment and varying water flow rates on these properties. An experimental approach was employed wherein ion-free water was subjected to plasma treatment at different flow rates (0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 L/min) and durations (1, 2, and 3 h). The results reveal a marked enhancement in the dielectric properties of the water following plasma treatment, with the most significant improvements observed at a flow rate of 0.5 L per minute and a treatment duration of 3 h, and dielectric efficiencies of 97.82%, 97.21%, and 96.61% achieved at flow rates of 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 L/min, respectively. These findings demonstrate that PAW technology enhances the efficiency of nitrate fertilizer production by optimizing energy storage and reducing energy losses. The study underscores the potential of PAW as a sustainable, environmentally benign alternative to conventional chemical fertilizers, contributing to more efficient and sustainable agricultural practices.


  • Optimizing Particulate Matter Filtration: Evaluating the Efficacy of Electrode Spacing in Corona Discharge Dust Removal Systems

    by Naphat Saothong, Samroeng Santalunai, Chanchai Thongsopa, Weerawat Charoensiri, Jariya Pakprom, Thanaset Thosdeekoraphat, Nuchanart Santalunai, Pichaya Chaipanya

    This comprehensive study delves into the efficiency of an electrode-based dust removal system, with a specific focus on its capability to filter various sizes of particulate matter: PM1, PM2.5, and PM10. Employing an innovative Corona discharging technology, the research critically evaluates how different electrode spacings influence the efficacy of particle removal. Conducted in a controlled environment, the experiments encompassed a range of electrode distances to ascertain their impact on reducing particle sizes commonly found in indoor air. The methodology involved systematic testing of electrode spacings at 2 cm, 3 cm, and 6 cm, across different particulate matter concentrations. The research utilized a combination of natural sedimentation in control scenarios and active filtration in experimental setups to measure the effectiveness of the dust removal system. Key parameters such as particle charge, airflow dynamics, and the strength of the electrical field across the electrodes were meticulously observed and analyzed. The results of this investigation reveal that electrode spacing is a critical factor in optimizing the removal efficiency of particulate matter. Particularly, the 3 cm electrode spacing emerged as the most effective across all particle sizes, indicating its potential as an optimal configuration for air purification systems. This finding underscores the necessity of a balanced approach in the design of such systems, where both the electric field strength and airflow dynamics are harmoniously aligned. This study contributes significantly to the field of environmental health and indoor air quality control. The insights gleaned from the research provide a foundation for developing more efficient air purification systems, tailored to varying environmental conditions and particulate compositions. The findings also pave the way for future research, exploring the impact of other environmental variables on the performance of electrode-based dust removal systems.

  • Open Access

    Enhancing Autonomous Truck Navigation with Ultra-Wideband Technology in Industrial Environments

    by Pairoj Waiwanijchakij, Thanapat Chotsiri, Pisit Janpangngern, Chanchai Thongsopa, Thanaset Thosdeekoraphat, Nuchanart Santalunai, Samran Santalunai

    The integration of autonomous vehicles in industrial settings necessitates advanced positioning and navigation systems to ensure operational safety and efficiency. This study rigorously evaluates the application of Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology in autonomous industrial trucks and compares its effectiveness with conventional systems such as Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR), Global Positioning System (GPS), and cameras. Through comprehensive experiments conducted in a real factory environment, this study meticulously assesses the accuracy and reliability of UWB technology across various reference distances and under diverse environmental conditions. The findings reveal that UWB technology consistently achieves positioning accuracy within 0.2 cm 99% of the time, significantly surpassing the 10 cm and 5 cm accuracies of GPS and LiDAR, respectively. The exceptional performance of UWB, especially in environments afflicted by high metallic interference and non-line-of-sight conditions—where GPS and LiDAR’s efficacy decreased by 40% and 25%, respectively—highlights its potential to revolutionize the operational capabilities of autonomous trucks in industrial applications. This study underscores the robustness of UWB in maintaining high accuracy even in adverse conditions and illustrates its low power consumption and efficiency in multi-user scenarios without signal interference. This study not only confirms the superior capabilities of UWB technology but also contributes to the broader field of autonomous vehicle technology by highlighting the practical benefits and integration potential of UWB systems in complex and dynamic environments.


  • Open Access

    Improving the Power Efficiency of a Microwave Plasma Source by Using the Principle of a Variable-Impedance Waveguide

    by Thanaset Thosdeekoraphat, Supawat Kotchapradit, Watcharapong Bunpradit, Worawut Boonpeang, Chanchai Thongsopa, Samran Santalunai

    Microwave plasma sources are used in various applications, but inefficiency can limit their usefulness. Researchers have investigated a new approach with which to improve efficiency by using a waveguide with a special tuner. A standard waveguide was compared to one equipped with a stub tuner, which allows for the fine-tuning of the electrical properties. The experiment used a frequency of 2.45 GHz and tested input powers of 1 kW and 1.5 kW. Experiments showed that waveguides with tuners transferred power more efficiently, with fewer reflected and more transmitted microwaves. While peak temperatures remained similar, the tuned waveguide produced a hotter plasma flame (30–60 °C) at the same distance. Notably, increasing the input power further boosted the flame temperature by 300 °C. These findings suggest that stub tuners can significantly improve the efficiency of microwave plasma sources. This paves the way for more efficient plasma generation technologies and potentially allows for applications requiring even higher power.


  • Effect of Electric field on Dielectric Loads by Using the Electrode Plates for Exterminating Pests Applications

    by Nuchanart Santalunai, Chanchai Thongsopa, Weerawat Charoensiri, Jariya Pakprom, Thanaset Thosdeekoraphat, Pichaya Chaipanya

    This research was conducted to analyze the effect of electric field distribution and intensity in dielectric loads. The electric fields were caused by varying the electric power on electrode plates to improve the thermals temperatures of dielectric loads. The dielectric loads of the grains and pests, the rice and rice weevils were the target dielectric materials for analyzing the impact of thermal temperatures of the rice weevils and minimal thermal on the rice. To investigate the difference of electric power on heating predicted by the theoretical model, the electric field distribution and intensity were analyzed by using the finite difference time domain method. Theoretical analyzes was conducted to make power system effective for controlling the electric field distribution on the model. Theoretical and experimental investigations were carried out using dielectric load. The results demonstrated that the efficiency of the dielectric heating exterminated pests and temperature of grains without losing the quality. The advantage of the method is being able to be utilized for the dielectric heating applications to eliminate insects and control the appropriate temperature of the grains in the future.


  • Measurement of Dielectric Properties in Mixtures of Various Rice Cultivars for Purpose of Detecting Contamination in Industry

    by Wittawat Wasusathien, Chanchai Thongsopa, Samran Santalunai, Thanaset Thosdeekoraphat, Nuchanart Santalunai

    This study investigates the dielectric properties of diverse mixtures of rice cultivars as a means to detect potential contamination in the rice industry. Experiments were conducted within the frequency range of 0.2-1 GHz, employing a 20% concentration saline solution at a rice-to-saline ratio of 1:1.5. This technique effectively accentuated differences in dielectric properties. Precise measurements were carried out using the openended coaxial probe technique. Jasmine 105 rice was selected as the reference rice for adulteration testing, with adulteration levels ranging from 10% to 50% using other rice varieties, including Hompathum, Gorkor 79, Phitsanulok, and Saohai. The experiment consisted of two phases. The first phase involved measuring pure ground rice samples to evaluate the fundamental dielectric properties of the raw material. In the second phase, adulterated rice samples mixed with saline were measured to explore the potential for detecting adulteration based on dielectric property variations compared to the reference rice (Jasmine 105). Results indicated that conducting measurements without the saline solution resulted in minimal differences in dielectric constant and dielectric loss factor properties, posing challenges in distinguishing mixed rice samples. However, the addition of the saline solution revealed more pronounced differences in properties, particularly in terms of dielectric loss and at lower frequencies, as the mixing ratios increased. These findings have significant implications for rice adulteration detection techniques, especially when combined with artificial intelligence methods, and highlight the potential for utilizing dielectric property measurements in the agricultural industry. They also indicate possibilities for future advancements in this technology.


  • Analysis and design of an efficient microwave plasma source by using the principle of variable impedance waveguide

    by Thanaset Thosdeekoraphat, Supawat Kotchapradit, Watcharapong Bunpradit, Samran Santhalunai, Chanchai Thongsopa, Manot Mapato

    We conducted an analysis and design process to develop a high-frequency electromagnetic thermal plasma source. As part of this endeavor, we designed a standard square waveguide, specifically the WG9A (WR340), operating at a frequency of 2.45 GHz. We implemented two versions of the waveguide, one with a tuner stub and one without, to assess their respective efficiency in producing the desired plasma flare. During the experimentation phase, we employed an electromagnetic wave source with a power output of 1.5 kW. We measured the reflection coefficient (S11) and transmission coefficient (S21) of both waveguides, as well as the temperature of the resulting plasma flame. A thermocouple was employed to measure the maximum temperature achieved, which was recorded at 1,025 °C. Overall, our analysis and experimentation process involved designing the high-frequency electromagnetic thermal plasma source using a standard square waveguide at 2.45 GHz, both with and without a tuner stub. We then assessed the efficiency of the two waveguides in generating the desired plasma flare, taking into account measurements of the reflection and transmission coefficients, along with the temperature of the plasma flame. Our findings indicated a maximum plasma temperature of 1,025 °C, as determined by a thermocouple during the experiment.

  • The Study of Water Reconditioning using Magnetic Field for Plant Industry

    by Nattakun Poungprakhon, Chanchai Thongsopa, Samran Santalunai, Thanaset Thosdeekoraphat, Nuchanart Santalunai Pichaya Chaipanya

    This paper studies the growth of plants resulting from the use of magnetic-treated water. The emitter is designed by using a PVC pipe with inductance coils for inducting magnetic wave, divided into 5 types are one winding induction coil, two winding induction coils in the same direction, two winding induction coils in alternate directions, four winding induction coils in the same direction, and four winding induction coils in alternate directions. The simulation results are simulated by using CST Microwave Studio to analyze the magnetic field distribution that has an effect on the water. In addition, the five prototypes of inductance coils on pipe are constructed to be tested by watering real plants. When 40 liters of water flowed through the proposed pipe that surrounded by a magnetic field for 10, 30, and 60 minutes. It was found that the magnetic field generated by the four winding induction coils in alternate directions results in a transformation of water suitable for plant growth with 35.58 %, compared to the growth of plants grown by watering the elder does not pass through the magnetic field.


  • Open Access

    The Design of a Large-Scale Induction Heating Power Source for Organic Waste Digesters to Produce Fertilizer

    by Thanaset Thosdeekoraphat, Kittisak Tanthai, Kachaporn Lhathum, Supawat Kotchapradit, Samran Santalunai, Chanchai Thongsopa

    Heating induction is a new environmentally friendly, energy-saving technology that offers a more effective performance than other common heaters. The energy-use efficiency of an inductor circuit is greater than 80 percent, while a biomass tank and tungsten coil have 70 percent and 51.8 percent efficiency, respectively. This method also produces more heat than any other forms of heating using gas or coal. The induction heating method has attracted significant interest and has seen application worldwide. Based on this important source of heating, we have designed and developed a large induction-heating machine with high energy to heat up a tank directly. The aim is to degrade organic waste as much as possible and convert it into an effective fertilizer by adding mesophilic microorganisms; the fertilizer transforming process takes no more than 24 h. The tank featured in our design has a 100-cm radius and is 155 in length; this is very large. The aim of this process is to reduce the amount of organic waste and thereby provide environmental benefits. To this end, we have designed a large, high-energy induction-heating machine (approximately 9.6 kilowatt) and used two machines in order to appropriately heat the tank for a large amount of organic-waste degradation. This research can be effectively applied to many heating methods in industry.