Evaluation of economic and ecologic potential of induction heating in the context of insulation systems within electric drives

Resin applications have always been found within the production of electric drives. Replacing natural materials like tar and rubber, industrial produced polymers quickly spread amongst all major components and manufacturing steps of electric machines. Today, thermosetting resins are mainly used within the disciplines of insulation and fixation of materials, manifesting in wire enamels, impregnation varnishes, potting resins and thermally curing adhesives. Numerous variations in topology create various challenges around these products. Thermal curing generally uses an excessive amount of energy when being conducted by oven heating or infrared radiation. Alternative and particularly energy-efficient technologies are available, but have yet to be investigated from a scientific perspective. Within the research project E|Solation, the E|Drive-Center at the institute FAPS of the Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nuernberg has aimed to investigate induction heating technology as an energy-saving method for thermosetting resin and powder coat curing to create insulating layers within an automated and flexible production of electric drives. Saving potential in the context of electrical sheet laminations has shown to be as high as up to 95% of electrical energy. In order to determine the value of this technology, simulative as well as empiric investigations have to be made to create a better understanding of how induction heating of sheet lamination works and to determine feasibility and integration into current production processes. The paper will present the latest outcomes of energy-focused value stream methods in order to determine applicable scenarios and production thresholds, in which induction heating can be a viable alternative to current heating technologies. In parallel, a simulative approach is under development to determine temperature distribution during heating process of laminated cores. The project aims for an extensive and fundamental knowledge of the process itself in order to determine optimal heating times and maximum efficiency.