Segmented Induction Coil for Radioactive Waste Melting

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional induction heating devices for radioactive waste melting face challenges with high voltage leading to discharge risks, requiring large insulators and limiting furnace size and efficiency, especially when handling high-concentration radioactive waste.

Innovation Solution

The use of a high-frequency power supply connected to multiple coils and capacitors, arranged in a configuration that reduces voltage and prevents discharge, allowing for a safer and more efficient induction heating process with a reduced insulator requirement and increased furnace capacity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a single coil is used for induction heating, then the heating function is simple, but the voltage is high causing discharge risk

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedischarge preventionVSAvoidcoil configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The single coil is divided into multiple coils (first coil and second coil) that are connected in series. This segmentation reduces the voltage across each individual coil while maintaining the total heating capability, thereby reducing discharge risk without significantly increasing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If a predetermined voltage is applied to the coil, then the induction heating function is achieved, but discharge occurs due to high voltage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedischarge preventionVSAvoidheating power

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

By dividing the coil into multiple segments connected in series, the total voltage is distributed across each segment. This maintains the required power for induction heating while reducing the voltage at any single point, preventing discharge.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Capacitors are introduced as intermediary components connected in series between the coils. These capacitors help distribute and stabilize the voltage, acting as mediators that prevent voltage spikes and discharge while maintaining heating power.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If a large insulator is used to prevent discharge, then discharge protection is improved, but the space around the furnace body is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedischarge protectionVSAvoidfurnace body space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the coil into multiple lower-voltage coils, the discharge risk is reduced at each coil segment. This eliminates the need for large insulators around the furnace body, thereby increasing the available space while maintaining discharge protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Productivity

If the furnace body is enlarged to increase processing capacity, then the processing capacity is improved, but the voltage increases causing discharge

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing capacityVSAvoiddischarge prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The coil system is segmented into multiple coils that can be independently configured. This allows the furnace body to be enlarged for increased processing capacity while the segmented coil system maintains lower voltage at each segment, preventing discharge even with the larger furnace size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 configuration effectively lowers the risk of discharge, reduces the need for large insulators, enhances workability and safety, and improves processing capacity and dissolution power efficiency by maintaining low voltage during heating.

Implementation Method 1

an induction heating device... a heating coil unit connected to the high frequency power supply... the plurality of coils surround the cavity portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

the plurality of capacitors... such that a high frequency voltage applied from the high frequency power source has different phases at the plurality of adjacent coils

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS11570856B2Induction heating device, radioactive waste melting process device equipped with said induction heating device, and radioactive waste melting and solidification process device

Publication Date: 2023.01.31 DENKI KOGYO CO LTD

AI summary

Provided is an induction heating device with which discharging can be easily avoided even when a large electric current is used. The induction heating device comprises a high-frequency power supply provided with a connection portion for an alternating-current power supply, and a heating coil portion connected to the high-frequency power supply. In the heating coil portion, a plurality of coils include n coils surrounding a cavity portion in a plane, wherein the plurality of coils are mutually connected in series via one of a plurality of capacitors.