Towards energy efficient heating in industrial processes - Three steps to achieve maximized efficiency in an induction heating system

Abstract

The demand for energy efficient heating solutions can be met by a new concept technology of induction heating. The concept technology relies on inductors built on litz wires moulded in soft magnetic composite. The aim of this article is to present and verify a hypothesis for greatly improved induction heating efficiency when modifying a traditional inductor design. The verification performed using analytical solutions, FEM simulations and experimental work, clearly shows higher heating efficiency compared to traditional heating inductors. The work also shows a significant reduction of magnetic stray field when flux concentrator is used, given a certain heating power.