Transformer frequency contradiction on induction heating

In summary: The Skin Effect is when the current flows preferentially on the outside of a conductor, due to the fact that the current flows more easily on a smooth surface.
  • #1
abdulbadii
43
1
TL;DR Summary
Help solve tangled transformer freq contradiction over induction heating
As a transformer freq bet higher, inside induction get more efficient i.e. less loss:

1. Hysteresis loss = η * Bmax^n * f * V.
2. Eddy current loss( proportional to B2mf2Bm2f2 )Now it seems that losses increases with increase in efficiency...
But the above equations are valid when max flux density Bmax remains constant.

The gist is that when increasing the frequency flux density does not remain constant, it actually decreases with increase in frequency, as

V = 4.44 . Bmax . A . f . Tp

Now how is it on Induction_heating, as it's read more, the more contradiction is to above
 
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  • #2
Yeah, seems counter intuitive doesn't it?

But it sounds like the Skin Effect is the important missing element here.

For DC and a solid conductor, current flow is evenly distributed throughout the cross section.

For AC, the current tends to concentrate towards the outer surface of the conductor. The higher the frequency, the thinner this conductive layer is, and the thinner the layer the higher the resistance.

For more details see:
https://www.google.com/search?q=electrical+skin+effect
https://www.google.com/search?q=inductive+heating
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Induction_heating

Cheers,
Tom
 
  • #3
abdulbadii said:
TL;DR Summary: Help solve tangled transformer freq contradiction over induction heating

As a transformer freq bet higher, inside induction get more efficient i.e. less loss:

1. Hysteresis loss = η * Bmax^n * f * V.
2. Eddy current loss( proportional to B2mf2Bm2f2 )Now it seems that losses increases with increase in efficiency...
But the above equations are valid when max flux density Bmax remains constant.
Can you please post a reference for your equations? And the 2nd equation is pretty unreadable, IMO. Please learn to post equations using LaTeX (see the LaTeX Guide link below the Edit box). Thank you.
 
  • #4
abdulbadii said:
when increasing the frequency flux density does not remain constant
That equation is about the flux density in a given transformer, driven at different frequencies.
In reality, a transformer (the energy transfer type) is built for one frequency: to have the maximal permissible flux density at that frequency. And so (after rearrangement) that equation is what gives you the required turn count when you design for specific frequency / parameters.
 
Last edited:

1. How does the frequency of a transformer affect induction heating?

The frequency of a transformer plays a crucial role in induction heating as it determines the rate at which the magnetic field changes. This, in turn, affects the rate at which heat is generated in the material being heated. Higher frequencies result in faster heating, while lower frequencies result in slower heating.

2. Why is there a contradiction between transformer frequency and induction heating?

The contradiction arises because of the trade-off between the skin effect and the proximity effect. At higher frequencies, the skin effect dominates, causing the current to flow primarily on the surface of the material, resulting in faster heating. On the other hand, at lower frequencies, the proximity effect dominates, causing the current to flow deeper into the material, resulting in slower heating.

3. Can a transformer be used for both high and low frequency induction heating?

Yes, a transformer can be designed to operate at different frequencies by changing the number of turns in the primary and secondary coils. However, it is not possible to use the same transformer for both high and low frequency induction heating simultaneously.

4. How does the design of a transformer affect induction heating?

The design of a transformer, specifically the number of turns in the primary and secondary coils, determines the operating frequency and the amount of power that can be delivered to the material being heated. A well-designed transformer can achieve high efficiency and precise control over the heating process.

5. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using high frequency induction heating?

The advantages of high frequency induction heating include faster heating, better control over the heating process, and the ability to heat smaller and thinner materials. However, it also has some disadvantages such as higher equipment and maintenance costs, and the limitation of only being able to heat conductive materials.

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