Analysis of the Influence of Selected Parameters of a Cold Crucible Induction Furnace on Its Electrical Efficiency

This publication presents the results of numerical simulations concerning changes in the cold crucible design, the influence of the cold crucible melting process parameters, and the impact of the computational model on electrical efficiency and, consequently, on energy savings. The simulation was conducted in 3D, but it is limited only to electromagnetic field analysis. A total of 24 computational models were tested. Variants differed in the design of the crucible itself, the extent of charge adhesion to the crucible (operating parameters), and the charge model (charge shape, including the meniscus and cylindrical charge). Of the aspects considered, the extent of charge adhesion to the crucible bottom and walls had the greatest impact on electrical efficiency.