Improved 3D electromagnetic analytical model for planar induction heater with consideration of transverse edge effects

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to propose a new 3D electromagnetic model to compute translational motion eddy current in the conducting plate of a novel linear permanent magnet (PM) induction heater. The movement of the plate in a DC magnetic field created by a PM inductor generates induced currents that are at the origin of a heating power by Joule effect. These topologies have strong magnetic end effects. The analytical model developed in this work takes into account the finite length extremity effects of the conducting plate and the reaction field because of induced currents. Design/methodology/approach The developed model is based on the combination of the sub-domain’s method and the image’s theory. First, the magnetic field expressions because of the PMs are obtained by solving the three-dimensional Maxwell equations by the method of separation of variables, using a magnetic scalar potential formulation and a magnetic field strength formulation. Then, the motional eddy currents are computed using the Ampere law, and the finite length extremity effects of the conducting plate are taken into account using the image’s method. To analyze the accuracy of the proposed model, the obtained results are compared to those obtained from 3D finite element model (FEM) and from experimental tests performed on a prototype. Findings The results show that the developed analytical model is very accurate, even for geometries where the edge effects are very strong. It allows directly taking into account the finite length extremity effects (the transverse edge effects) of the conducting plate and the reaction field because of induced currents without the need of any correction factor. The proposed model also presents an important reduction in computation time compared to 3D finite element simulation, allowing fast analysis of linear PM induction heater. Practical implications The proposed electromagnetic analytical model can be used as a quick and accurate design tool for translational motion PM induction heater devices. Originality/value A new 3D analytical electromagnetic model, to find the induced power in the conducting plate of a novel translational motion induction heater has been developed. The studied heating device has a finite length and a finite width, which create edge effects that are not easily considered in calculation. The novelty of the presented method is the accurate 3D analytical model, which allows finding the real power heating and real distribution of the induced currents in the conducting plate without the need to use correction factor. The proposed model also takes into account the reaction field because of induced currents. In addition, the developed model improves an important reduction in the computation time compared with 3D FEM simulation.