A Clamped AC-AC Frequency Converter for Induction Heating

A clamped load-commutated ac-ac frequency converter for induction heating applications is presented. The converter provides variable frequency, continuous output current with low harmonic distortion, and has an optimum performance in the medium frequency range of 400 Hz to 3 kHz. A steady-state analysis of the converter for a series/parallel compensated load is presented. The effects of changes in circuit parameters on the operation of the circuit are described and preferred operating conditions are established. Test results on an experimental setup are presented.