Optimization of the shape of an induction heating device in the presence of skin effect in the coils

Purpose: The optimization of the cross section of an axisymmetric induction heating device is performed by means of genetic algorithms (GAs). Design/methodology/approach: The hybrid finite element method–Dirichlet boundary condition iteration method is used to deal with the unbounded nature of the field. The formulation of the electromagnetic problems takes into account skin and proximity effects in the source currents. Findings: The convergence of GAs towards the optimum is very fast, since less than a thousand analyses have been necessary. Originality/value: A special derivation of the finite element global system is presented which allows us to save computing time.