Variable frequency induction heating using magnetic energy recovery switch (MERS)

This paper proposes a power converter for induction heating which can control the output frequency. This power converter is using a configuration named MERS (magnetic energy recovery switch). A 90 kVA 150-1000 Hz controllable frequency power supply for steel strip induction heating was developed. The power supply used optimally designed IGBTs for the MERS configuration. Loss reduction due to soft-switching and use of the IGBTs makes induction heating possible to operate with variable frequency. Demonstration using the proposed power supply confirms advantages of variable frequency operation.