An Improved LLC Resonant Inverter for Induction-Heating Applications With Asymmetrical Control

This paper proposes a modified LLC resonant load configuration of a full-bridge inverter for induction-heating applications. The LLC load configuration is a combination of a series inductor, a matching transformer, and an inductor and a capacitor connected in parallel. The output power is controlled using the asymmetrical voltage-cancellation technique. With the use of a phase-locked loop control, the operating frequency is automatically adjusted to maintain a small constant lagging phase angle under load-parameter variation during the heating process. The proposed configuration has the benefit of smaller inductance and inherent short-circuit protection capability in case a short circuit occurs at the induction coil or from transformer saturation. The validity of the proposed method is verified through computer simulation and hardware experiment at an operating frequency range of 108.7-110.6 kHz.