Coupled Field-Circuit Finite Element Models of a Cold Crucible Furnace in its Environment

Based on dedicated coupled field-circuit models, this paper investigates important parameters of a 300 kHz cold crucible induction furnace in its environment, where metallic water cooling pipes and protective components are present. The finite element computation uses the 3D scalar model of the electromagnetic field and the surface impedance model of the solid conductor regions. The current density, the associated losses, voltages between different parts of the furnace and electrical currents circulating through the pipes are evaluated.