Optimization potential of induction heating systems

Depending on workpiece and process parameters, induction heating of components requires a certain amount of power. By simulation, experiments and experience, this needed energy can be well anticipated and enables the dimensioning of the converter. Basically, cost of the converter increases with rising provided power. Due to increasing energy expenses, efficiency of the system plays an important role. In this article, the influences of different process parameters on the efficiency of an example are investigated and valuable potential for improvement is demonstrated, so that the heating process is implemented with minimum converter power.