Cross-Flow Edge Cooling in Transverse Flux Sheet Heating
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Transverse flux induction heat treatment of non-ferrous alloy sheets often results in edge overheating due to high current density and prolonged exposure to inductor current loops, leading to variations in sheet product properties and the risk of edge melting.
Innovation Solution
A method involving cross-flow cooling of at least one edge of the sheet using fluids like helium, hydrogen, air, or water vapor, concurrently with transverse flux induction heating, to reduce or eliminate edge overheating by conducting the cooling step between or after multiple induction heaters, ensuring uniform temperature distribution across the sheet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If transverse flux induction heating is applied to non-ferrous alloy sheets, then heating efficiency and productivity are improved, but edge overheating occurs due to high current density and prolonged exposure to inductor current loops
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies selective cooling to the edges of the sheet while the center receives full heating. Fluid cooling means are positioned at the edges to remove excess heat locally, creating different thermal conditions for different parts of the sheet. This resolves the contradiction by allowing high productivity heating while maintaining edge temperature uniformity through localized thermal management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a fluid cooling medium as an intermediary between the heated sheet edges and the environment. The fluid absorbs excess heat from the edges through convection, acting as a heat transfer mediator. This allows the heating system to operate at high productivity while the intermediary fluid prevents edge overheating by continuously removing excess thermal energy.
2Speed
If transverse flux induction heating is applied to non-ferrous alloy sheets, then heating speed is improved, but edge melting risk increases due to prolonged exposure to inductor current loops
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements localized cooling at the edges where melting risk is highest, while maintaining high heating speed in the center. The fluid cooling means are specifically positioned to protect edge regions, creating different thermal regimes in different areas. This allows fast heating overall while ensuring edge integrity through targeted thermal protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies cooling to the edges beforehand and during the heating process to prevent overheating and melting before they occur. The fluid cooling means are positioned to continuously remove excess heat from the edges, providing a protective effect that cushions against the harmful thermal accumulation that would lead to melting, even during high-speed heating.
3Productivity
If transverse flux induction heating is applied to non-ferrous alloy sheets, then processing efficiency is improved, but variations in sheet product properties occur due to edge overheating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies selective cooling to edge regions to prevent overheating-induced variations in material properties. By cooling only the edges while maintaining heating in the center, the system achieves uniform microstructural development across the sheet. This enables high processing efficiency while maintaining manufacturing precision through localized thermal control that prevents property variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid cooling medium acts as an intermediary that prevents edge overheating and the associated property variations. By continuously removing excess heat from the edges, the fluid ensures uniform thermal treatment across the sheet, maintaining consistent material properties throughout. This allows efficient processing while preserving product property uniformity through the intermediary cooling action.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method effectively reduces edge overheating and achieves a substantially uniform temperature across the sheet, preventing edge melting and enhancing product properties such as yield strength and formability.
Implementation Method 1
heating the feedstock using a transverse flux induction heating system
Implementation Method 2
high current density and prolonged exposure to inductor current loops
Implementation Method 3
cooling at least one of the first edge and the second edge of the feedstock by cross-flowing at least one fluid across the at least one of the first edge and the second edge of the feedstock
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention, in some embodiments, is a method the includes obtaining a sheet of a non-ferrous alloys as feedstock having a first edge and a second edge, heating the feedstock using a transverse flux induction heating system to form a heat treated product and concomitant with the heating step, cooling at least one of the first edge and the second edge of the feedstock by cross-flowing at least one fluid across the at least one of the first edge and the second edge of the feedstock.