Abstract
The analysis of an induction heating cooker is a complex process because induction heating is a combination of electromagnetic and heat transfer. In this paper, a coupled electromagnetic and thermal field analysis tool for education is proposed. The tool is based on the finite element method. A very simple and highly practical finite element computation procedure has also been developed, coded, implemented, and intensively used to simulate and analyze the above problem in a multiphysics environment. Particular attention is given to graphically visualizing the magnetic flux density of a specified induction heating cooker geometry. The corresponding induced eddy current density profile and temperature distribution are also presented. It gives a deeper insight into both electromagnetic and thermal phenomena for students. The forces on the plate caused by the eddy currents can also be studied and demonstrated in the numerical model. Combinations of geometric display and graphically parametric representations are effective for students to understand the designed induction heating cooker performance. The finite element simulation results of the transient temperature distribution are evaluated and compared with the experimental results. The accuracy of the simulation is demonstrated and appreciated. This finite element simulation and graphical visualization are therefore proposed as a valuable alternative prior to the actual final induction heating cooker design. Furthermore, in order to take care of the possible biological effects, some effort is expended to eliminate electromagnetic leakage emitted by the induction heating cooker.