Influences of Input Current Frequency

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In this article, influences of input current frequency in an induction heating system were studied by using numerical methods. We used finite element method to solve the governing equations. Obtained results say that this parameter has great influences on the distribution and the amount of generated heat in different parts of induction heating systems. These results also will help us to select the best frequency range for different applications.

Induction heating is one of the most popular heating processes for electrical conductive materials (usually a metal) by electromagnetic induction. Induction heating provides many advantages such as: quick heating, high production rates, ease of automation and control, safe and clean working. This process has many applications in material processing, such as heat treating, joining, welding, brazing, soldering, melting and crystal growth. An induction heating installation has three important parts: a source of high-frequency alternating current, an induction coil (RF-coil) and a workpiece (metallic material) to be heated (figure 1).

In induction heating process, an induction coil surrounds the workpiece and an electrical alternative current passes through it. This current produces a time-varying magnetic field in the surrounding environment (Ampere’s law) that generates an electric field (Faraday’s law). These fields penetrate the metallic parts of system, such as workpiece and induction coil. The penetration depth depends on electrical conductivity, relative magnetic permeability and frequency of input current. As a result of electric field penetration, eddy currents will be produced in the workpiece and other metallic parts. Then electrical resistance of material leads to Joulean heati...

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...that the efficiency of induction heating process in different workpiece thicknesses has unpredictable changes. This subject demonstrates the necessity of numerical calculations in designing systems using induction heating process.

5. Changes of frequency can shift the location of maximum point of generated heat on the outer surface of the workpiece wall. In low frequencies, the maximum amount of heat is located at the middle portions of outer surface of workpiece wall and by frequency increasing the maximum point is shifted to the two corners of surface of workpiece wall. In the other word, by frequency increasing, the heat patterns become wider and shallower. Also a uniform heat distribution can be produced on outer wall by choosing a special frequency which depends on workpiece thickness. This particular frequency decreases by workpiece thickness increasing.

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