Non-linear impedance boundary condition from linear piecewise B-H curve applied to induction heating systems

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to apply the non-linear impedance boundary condition (IBC) for a linear piecewise B–H curve in frequency domain simulations to find the equivalent impedance of a simple induction heating system model. Design/methodology/approach An electromagnetic description of the inductor system is performed to substitute the effects of the induction load, for a mathematical condition, the so-called IBC. This is suitable to be used in electromagnetic systems involving high conductive materials at medium frequencies, as it occurs in an induction heating system. Findings A reduction of the computational cost of electromagnetic simulation through the application of the IBC. The model based on linear piecewise B–H curve simplifies the electromagnetic description, and it can facilitate the identification of the induction load characteristics from experimental measurements. Practical implications This work is performed to assess the feasibility of using the non-linear boundary impedance condition of materials with linear piecewise B–H curve to simulate in the frequency domain with a reduced computational cost compared to time domain simulations. Originality/value In this paper, the use of the non-linear boundary impedance condition to describe materials with B–H curve by segments, which can approximate any dependence without hysteresis, has been studied. The results are compared with computationally more expensive time domain simulations.