Promoting induction heating – steam generators for medical sterilisation: Investigation of energy-efficient design guidelines

Authors

  • Kamal Jemmad National Higher School of Electricity and Mechanics (ENSEM), Hassan II University, Casablanca
  • Abdelhamid Hmidat National Higher School of Electricity and Mechanics (ENSEM), Hassan II University, Casablanca
  • Abdallah Saad National Higher School of Electricity and Mechanics (ENSEM), Hassan II University, Casablanca

Abstract

Saturated steam sterilizers are one of the most energy consuming medical equipment in hospitals due to indirect ohmic heating. Induction heating (IH)-based steam generation is established as an energy efficient technique in industry but it is not yet developed in the medical sterilization. This paper exposes energy-efficient design features to promote this technology in this field. Based on a developed method, many key points protrude therefrom: the selection of an advantageous "inductor-susceptor" combination is decisive. Frequency has opposite effects, so should be given the utmost attention. Inductor losses are reviewed by discussing coil wrapping, water cooling, and multi-coil design for high powers. Whereas susceptor energy-efficient design involves, magnetic stray field, susceptor geometry, skin depth, and eddy currents back electromotive force effect. Susceptor-inductor coupling is relevant too. Finally, thermal transfer optimization from susceptor to water involves insulation, frequency and turbulence. Based on these parameters, a step can be put forward to launch prototypes and explore fully IH opportunities in this field to design more energy efficient equipment.

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Published

2022-07-14

Issue

Engineering Review, Vol. 42, No. 1

Section

Articles

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