Design of power converters for induction heating applications taking advantage of wide-bandgap semiconductors

Abstract

Purpose

Wide-bandgap (WBG) semiconductors have emerged as a disruptive technology in the power electronics sphere. This paper aims to analyse and discuss the importance for induction heating systems and gives some examples and highlights some future design trends and perspectives.

Design/methodology/approach

The benefits of WBG semiconductors are reviewed with a special emphasis on induction heating applications.

Findings

WBG devices enable the design of higher-performance induction heating power supplies. A significant selection of the reported converters is discussed, highlighting the benefits of this technology.

Originality/value

This paper highlights the benefits of WBG semiconductors and their potential to change and improve induction heating technology in the next years.

Citation

Lucia, O., Sarnago, H. and Burdio, J.M. (2017), "Design of power converters for induction heating applications taking advantage of wide-bandgap semiconductors", COMPEL - The international journal for computation and mathematics in electrical and electronic engineering, Vol. 36 No. 2, pp. 483-488. https://doi.org/10.1108/COMPEL-05-2016-0209