Numerical analysis on Joule heating of double-loop channel induction furnaces

Abstract

In order to investigate Joule heating power, a three-dimensional finite element model (FEM) was developed to predict Joule heating power in the channels of double-loop inductor. The simulated results were compared with experimental data from low load trials for a 400 kW inductor. The results, such as power factor and Joule heating power, show reasonable correlation with experimental data, and Joule heating rate reaches the maximum at the corners and the minimum at the centre of the cross-section area. With increasing relative permeability of iron core, length of coils, current frequency and resistivity of metal melt, the power factor and Joule heating power change. It is concluded that current frequency, the resistivity and length of the coil play a critical role in determining the power factor and Joule heating power, whereas relative permeability of the magnetic core shows no significant influence on them.

Keywords

numerical simulation / channel induction furnace / Joule heating / power factor

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