Permanent magnet linear induction heating device: new topology enhancing performances

Purpose - This work aims to study a new design of linear permanent magnet transverse flux induction heating devices of nonmagnetic parallelepipedic workpiece. In these topologies, the permanent magnet inductor produces a static magnetic field, and the workpiece to be heated is subjected to a linear movement. To study the magnetothermal process, a new analytical coupling method between the magnetic and thermal phenomena is developed. This analytical model described in this study takes into account the variation of the physical properties of the heated workpiece. The analytical results are compared with good agreement to those issued from finite elements simulations, as well as those issued from measurements on an actual prototype. Design/methodology/approach - The research methodology is based on analytical development of coupled problem, including the electromagnetic and thermal boundary problems. A strongly coupled magneto-thermal analytical model is developed; the time dependent magnetic problem is first solved by using the separation of variables method to evaluate the induced currents in the nonmagnetic plate and the resulting power density loss distribution. The plate temperature profile is then obtained, thanks to strong involvement of this magnetic model in a new analytical thermal model based on a synergy of separation of variables method and Green's function transient regime analysis method. Findings - The results show that an efficient transient magneto-thermal analytical model was developed allowing fast analysis of permanent magnet induction heater for deep heating of parallelepipedic workpieces Developed model allows also fast and precise simulations of nonlinear and transient magneto-thermal phenomena for different types of permanent magnet induction heating devices. Practical implications - The developed magneto-thermal analytical model can be used for fast designing of permanent magnet linear induction heating devices for moving parallelepipedic nonmagnetic workpiece. Originality/value - A new analytical coupled model, including the electromagnetic and transient thermal boundary problem with additional algebraic equations and taking into account the nonlinearity, has been developed. The developed model accuracy was validated with a permanent magnet linear induction heating device. Developed coupled analytical model allows fast analysis and designing of such permanent magnet linear induction heating devices.