BASIC OPERATING PRINCIPALS AND PILOT PROTOTYPE DEVELOPMENT OF A MEDIUM SCALE INDUCTION HEATING MACHINE

摘要

The aim of this paper is to develop, present and analyse a pilot prototype of a medium scale 25kW induction heating machine. After theoretical investigation of various topologies, the Current Source Zero Current Resonant topology was selected, optimized and adapted, for the achievement of this pilot prototype. Infrastructure limitations of the Power Electronics Laboratory and power supply restrictions led to the development of a 25kW pilot prototype, as a first step of our on-going research on this field. Power Efficiency, performance, long-term reliability of stressed components, restrictions and side-effects of practical implementation, expandability at higher frequencies, and power levels, are the main parameters, which are studied and taken into account for our prototype implementation. This experimental induction machine is designed, developed and operated successfully in the Power Electronics Laboratory of Piraeus University of Applied Sciences/Electronic Engineering Department.