Development of an Induction Heating Device Using Superconducting Technology

Abstract

This paper provides a technical explanation of billet induction heating equipment using superconducting technology, focusing on a 400 kW-class heating device developed by TERAL and others, while also introducing previous research in various countries. Research and development of billet heating device using superconducting technology began in Europe and has also been conducted by research groups in Korea and China. Although each effort has resulted in commercialization, these systems have not yet become widely used. This is likely because superconducting technology has not yet reached a level suitable for widespread industrial use and its cost-effectiveness is not yet sufficient. TERAL and others aimed to develop a competitive heating device by developing a superconducting magnet that uses superconducting technology while minimizes the amount of superconducting material used. As a result, a DC induction heating device with a unique magnet structure that is different from conventional systems has been developed.