Induction Heating Inverter Phase Control for Snubber Discharge Loss

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Induction heating devices face challenges in effectively controlling output and reducing discharge loss of snubber capacitors, leading to heat generation and potential damage from hard switching.

Innovation Solution

The induction heating device incorporates a controller that detects resonance current and switching voltage, adjusts operating frequency based on phase difference, and ensures complete discharge of snubber capacitors before switching elements turn on, thereby minimizing discharge loss and preventing overheating.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the output control is improved by detecting phase difference and adjusting operating frequency, then the output control precision is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional detection and control mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput control precisionVSAvoidcontrol mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller detects the phase difference between resonance current and switching voltage, then adjusts the operating frequency based on this feedback to maintain optimal output control and prevent discharge loss

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical output control methods with electronic detection of phase difference and automated frequency adjustment, improving precision while reducing mechanical complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If the switching frequency is increased to improve heating efficiency, then the productivity is improved, but the discharge loss of snubber capacitor increases causing heat generation and potential damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating efficiencyVSAvoiddischarge loss of snubber capacitor
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The controller ensures the snubber capacitor is completely discharged before the switching element turns on by detecting when the phase difference indicates complete discharge, preventing discharge loss and heat generation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The controller dynamically adjusts the operating frequency based on phase difference detection to optimize the timing of switching operations, ensuring capacitors are fully discharged before switching and minimizing energy loss

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This solution enhances output control, reduces heat generation, and prevents damage to switching elements, improving product performance and reliability by minimizing discharge loss and hard switching effects.

Implementation Method 1

In the induction heating method, eddy current may be generated in the object (e.g., the cooking vessel) made of metal based on a magnetic field generated, around the coil, when a high-frequency power of a predetermined magnitude is applied to the coil to heat the object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

In the induction heating method, eddy current may be generated in the object (e.g., the cooking vessel) made of metal based on a magnetic field generated, around the coil

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEddy current: Eddy Currents

Implementation Method 3

a resonance circuit including the working coil and the resonance capacitor connected in series to each other

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentEP3796753B1Induction heating device having improved output control function
Publication Date: 2023.06.21 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3796753B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3796753B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3796753B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An induction heating device includes a working coil, an inverter including a first switching element and a second switching element that are configured to perform a switching operation and to apply a resonance current to the working coil, a snubber capacitor including a first snubber capacitor connected to the first switching element, and a second snubber capacitor connected to the second switching element, a phase detector configured to detect a phase difference between the resonance current applied to the working coil and a switching voltage applied to the second switching element, and a controller configured to receive, from the phase detector, phase information including the phase difference, provide the inverter with a switching signal to thereby control the switching operation, and adjust an operating frequency of the switching signal based on the phase information to thereby control an output of the working coil.