Open Source Induction Furnace Project: Difference between revisions
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(Created page with '==Introduction== This project involves the design of: * a high frequency, high-power induction furnace circuit (between 20 and 50 kW), and * the melting chamber proper. Well, w…') |
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Well, we could buy a turnkey system perhaps for $5k total used, and run it from the LifeTrac generator. The only disadvantage to this route is that if it breaks we’re dead-in-the-water – either with the impossibility of fixing closed-source technology, or a high repair bill. A single component which blows and is inaccessible for fixing could in principle turn a working power supply into worthless junk. Thus, it is worthwhile to tame this technology by open-sourcing the design. | Well, we could buy a turnkey system perhaps for $5k total used, and run it from the LifeTrac generator. The only disadvantage to this route is that if it breaks we’re dead-in-the-water – either with the impossibility of fixing closed-source technology, or a high repair bill. A single component which blows and is inaccessible for fixing could in principle turn a working power supply into worthless junk. Thus, it is worthwhile to tame this technology by open-sourcing the design. | ||
==Goals== | |||
The furnace should have the following characteristics: | |||
#Induction furnace or any other technology that can do this within a budget of 20 kW of electric input, with minimal pollution | |||
#Suitable for melting all metals and alloying | |||
#300 lb per hour steel melting furnace for casting | |||
#240 v ac, 20 kW power source available | |||
==Details== | ==Details== | ||
| Line 18: | Line 27: | ||
Specifications of a cooling or heat dissipation system. | Specifications of a cooling or heat dissipation system. | ||
=== | ===Coil=== | ||
# | # Modular, adaptable design specifications for primary coil windings | ||
===Melt Chamber=== | ===Melt Chamber=== | ||
| Line 33: | Line 42: | ||
If you think there are missing or incorrect details here, please help correct that. | If you think there are missing or incorrect details here, please help correct that. | ||
[[Category:Induction Furnace]] | |||
[[Category:Specifications]] | |||
Revision as of 01:43, 24 January 2010
Introduction
This project involves the design of:
- a high frequency, high-power induction furnace circuit (between 20 and 50 kW), and
- the melting chamber proper.
Well, we could buy a turnkey system perhaps for $5k total used, and run it from the LifeTrac generator. The only disadvantage to this route is that if it breaks we’re dead-in-the-water – either with the impossibility of fixing closed-source technology, or a high repair bill. A single component which blows and is inaccessible for fixing could in principle turn a working power supply into worthless junk. Thus, it is worthwhile to tame this technology by open-sourcing the design.
Goals
The furnace should have the following characteristics:
- Induction furnace or any other technology that can do this within a budget of 20 kW of electric input, with minimal pollution
- Suitable for melting all metals and alloying
- 300 lb per hour steel melting furnace for casting
- 240 v ac, 20 kW power source available
Details
The complete design should include all of the following:
Induction Furnace Circuit
- Scalable from 20 up to 50 kW in units of 1 or 5 kW
- Allows for power and frequency selection
- Power source may be either 1 or 3 phase electrical power
Heat Dissipation System
Specifications of a cooling or heat dissipation system.
Coil
- Modular, adaptable design specifications for primary coil windings
Melt Chamber
- Geometical design of melt chamber and basic power transfer calculations
- Should include provisions for loading and pouring.
Other Considerations
- Complete bill of materials
- Fabrication files for circuit and other components
- Sourcing information for components
- System design and process flow drawings
If you think there are missing or incorrect details here, please help correct that.