Shared-Coil Inverter Control for Dual-Zone Induction Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increase in the number of switching elements in induction heating apparatuses with full-bridge inverter circuits leads to higher circuit design complexity and manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a configuration where two working coils share switching elements, using a half-bridge or full-bridge mode based on power requirements, reducing the number of required switching elements and optimizing circuit design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If full-bridge inverter circuits are used for each working coil, then heating performance is improved, but the number of switching elements increases leading to higher circuit design complexity and manufacturing costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the inverter circuits for the first and second working coils by sharing common switching elements (Q1-Q4) and DC link components (C1, L1). This consolidation allows both coils to be driven while reducing the total number of switching elements from eight to six, thereby decreasing circuit design complexity and manufacturing costs while maintaining full-bridge heating capability for both zones
Solution Approach 2:
The shared switching elements and DC link components serve multiple functions by being common to both working coils. The same switching elements can drive either the first working coil, the second working coil, or both simultaneously in different configurations, providing universal functionality that reduces overall system complexity
2Power
If full-bridge inverter circuits are used for each working coil, then heating performance is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the inverter circuits for the first and second working coils by sharing common switching elements (Q1-Q4) and DC link components (C1, L1). This consolidation allows both coils to be driven while reducing the total number of switching elements from eight to six, thereby decreasing circuit design complexity and manufacturing costs while maintaining full-bridge heating capability for both zones
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a control strategy that dynamically switches between full-bridge mode and half-bridge mode based on heating requirements. When only one working coil needs to operate at high power, the system uses full-bridge mode for that coil. When both coils need operation, it coordinates them appropriately. This selective operation reduces unnecessary use of switching elements, thereby reducing manufacturing cost
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
Reduces circuit complexity and manufacturing costs while maintaining efficient heating performance by dynamically adjusting the switching mode to match power demands.
Implementation Method 1
an induction magnetic field may be generated around the working coil disposed in the induction heating apparatus. When a magnetic force line of the induced magnetic field generated in this way passes through the bottom of the container having a metal component placed on the working coil, an eddy current may be generated inside the bottom of the container
Implementation Method 2
an eddy current may be generated inside the bottom of the container. When the eddy current generated in this way flows through the container, the container itself may be heated
Implementation Method 3
When the eddy current generated in this way flows through the container, the container itself may be heated
Data Source
AI summary
An induction heating apparatus may include a first working coil provided in a position corresponding to a first heating region, a second working coil provided in a position corresponding to a second heating region, an inverter circuit configured to supply current for driving at least one of the first working coil or the second working coil, and a drive circuit configured to supply a switching signal to each of the switching elements. A controller may be configured to determine a driving mode of the working coil when a heating start command for at least one of the first working coil or the second working coil is input, and the controller may provide a control signal for outputting the switching signals based on the determined driving mode.