Feasible Performance Evaluations of Digitally .docVIP

Self-Oscillating Switching Technique for Current Source Parallel Resonant Induction Heating Systems Alireza Namadmalan? and Javad Shokrollahi Moghani* ?*Dept. of Electrical and Electronics Eng., The Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, Iran Abstract This paper presents resonant inverter tuning for current source parallel resonant induction heating systems based on a new self oscillating switching technique. The phase error is suppressed in a wide range of operating frequencies in comparison with Phase Locked Loop (PLL) techniques. The proposed switching method has the capability of tuning under fast changes in the resonant frequency. According to this switching method, a multi-frequency induction heating (IH) system is proposed by using a single inverter. In comparison with multi-level inverter based IH systems, the advantages of this technique are its simple structure, better transients and wide range of operating frequencies. A laboratory prototype was built with an operating frequency of 35 kHz to 55 kHz and 300 W of output power. The performance of the IH system shows the validity of the new switching technique. Key words: Induction heating, Self-oscillating switching technique, Current source parallel resonant inverters. Introduction Many industries require the heating of targeted workpiece sections as part of processes such as hardening, brazing, bonding (curing), forging, etc. One environmentally-friendly approach to such applications is electromagnetic induction heating. Most existing induction heating power supplies produce power at a single (adjustable) frequency [1-8]. Multi-frequency inverters are widely used in IH applications to achieve multi zone surface hardening like gear hardening applications [1-3]. In addition, variable frequency inverters are essential for some special applications such as levitation melting [5]. Conventional multi-frequency inverters are based on multi-level inverters such as H-bridge or Marx inverters