A common practice in the metal processing industry is the preheating of metals with an induction heater to soften the material and to facilitate the processing. Induction heaters expose the metal to an alternating electromagnetic field where electric power is converted into heat. However, there are technical limits, since, apart from the work piece, also the coil is heated. For non-ferrous metals such as copper and aluminium, the efficiency of conventional systems tops out at maximal 50 %.
The companies Bültmann GmbH and Zenergy Power GmbH have developed a new induction heater using the high-temperature superconductor (HTS) technology. Here, superconducting materials lose their electrical resistance when falling below a certain temperature, and they transmit electricity without any loss. Superconductors do not only scale down the energy demand, but also sizes and weight of many machines dramatically, thus leading to an extremely high efficiency – the heating of copper or aluminium performs at over 90 %.
The HTS technology makes induction heating cheaper than using a gas heater, and no extensive water cooling is needed. Moreover, it almost halves the size of the electrical equipment needed.


Project Operation
Bültmann GmbH
Hönnestr. 31
58809 Neuenrade
Telefon (23 94) 18 231
Info@bueltmann.com
www.bueltmann.com

Cooperation Partner
Zenergy Power GmbH
Heisenbergstr. 16
53359 Rheinbach
Telefon (22 26) 90 60 0
info@zenergypower.com
www.zenergypower.com

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