Optimal shape design of a multiple-coil device for induction heating

P. Di Barba¹, B. Forghani², M. Negro³, U. Piovan³

¹Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy

²Infolytica Corporation, Montreal, Canada

³Weidmann TBS, Rapperswil, Switzerland

Keywords: coupled field analysis, electromagnetic-thermal simulation, axial symmetry,  evolution-strategy optimization

Induction heating, characterized by either longitudinal or transverse flux, has been popular since many years for technological processing of metal products. Generally, the distribution of inner heat sources and temperature field in the workpiece is normally non-homogeneous. In turn, the non-homogeneity of thermal field can provoke deformations in the workpiece which should be prevented when designing the inductor. Moreover, the electrical efficiency of the heating system should be as high as possible, especially in the case of repeated operations. Moving from these remarks, modern methodologies of rapid optimisation are well suited to reconsider traditional design of inductors. [1]

massimo.negro@weidmann-tbs.com

di_barba@etabeta.unipv.it