Development of a modified electric conductor material for high temperature applications
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Lunds universitet - Industriell Produktion |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 300 000 |
| Project duration | October 2014 - March 2015 |
| Status | Completed |
Purpose and goal
To investigate the possibilities to develop a composite material for current conductors in induction heating setups, which will solve critical temperature issues. The material should be highly anisotropic regarding electric conductivity, but at the same time as much as possible isotropic regarding thermal conductivity. A high thermal stability is also a desired material property. The project goals have been met, a material with significantly enhanced cooling capacity has been developed. The temperature resistance can be further improved by replacing the conductor material.
Results and expected effects
A successful project can enable introduction of energy efficient induction heating in a large number of industrial processes. A possible service temperature of 400 °C in an induction coil would be very beneficial. The market for a new material and for induction heating in general is global and very large. The outcome from the project has shown that it is possible to build a litz material structure with the desired properties.
Approach and implementation
Inventory of existing, published technical solutions. Analysis of different forming and packing technologies: pressing, rolling, drawing. Basic design and experimental plan. Compactions test using the chosen technology. Manufacturing of test bodies. Measurement of critical properties: heat conductivity, electric isolation, losses. Investigation of forming properties. Test with some different cooling principles. Implementation in heating unit All activities have been successfully pursued.