Induction coils play a vital role in many electronic circuits, from power supplies to audio amplifiers. However, one issue that often arises when using induction coils is the heat generated by the coil, which can impact the circuit’s performance and even cause damage. This blog is about ways to reduce the heat produced by induction coils and lessen their impact on circuits by exploring ways to reduce the amount of heat generated by them.
Heat generated by the inductor coil plays a significant role in circuit design. Heat will cause the temperature of the inductance coil to rise, and the temperature has a great influence on the inductance coil, and the resistance of the coil generally increases with the temperature. This article will introduce the method of reducing the heat generated by the inductance coil to the coil, with the hope that it will be of some help to you.
What Causes Heat in Induction Coils?
Before we delve into the methods of reducing the heat impact of induction coils, it’s essential to understand what causes the heat in the first place. The primary reason for the heat generated in induction coils is due to the resistance of the wire used in the coil. When current flows through the wire, it encounters resistance, and this resistance causes the wire to heat up. The heat generated increases with the current flowing through the coil, so the larger the current, the more significant the heat generated.
Another reason for the heat generated in induction coils is due to eddy currents. Eddy currents are induced in the core material by the alternating magnetic field created by the coil. These currents produce heat, which can be significant and can impact the circuit’s performance.
Methods to Reduce the Heat Generated by Induction Coils:
1.Increase the wire size
One of the simplest ways to reduce the heat generated by induction coils is to increase the wire’s size used in the coil. A thicker wire has lower resistance, which means that it generates less heat. However, this approach has its limitations as a larger wire would take up more space and increase the size of the coil, which may not be feasible in some applications.
2.Increase the number of turns
Increasing the number of turns in the coil can also help reduce the heat generated. A higher number of turns will increase the resistance of the coil, reducing the current flowing through it, which in turn reduces the heat generated.
3.Use thermally resistant, high-conductivity electronic components
Every electronic component in every circuit has a thermal impedance, and the value of that impedance can indicate the medium’s heat transfer capabilities. Depending on the material, the external area, the purpose of use, and the location of installation, the thermal resistance value varies. Using high thermal conductivity electronic components with thermal impedance reduces the heat conduction of inductor coils most effectively.
4.See a better core material
The core material used in the induction coil can also have an impact on the heat generated. A better core material will have a lower magnetic reluctance, reducing the eddy currents and the resulting heat. Using ferrite cores or laminated iron cores can significantly reduce eddy current losses.
5.Cooling fan on circuit board dissipates heat
In order to dissipate the heat generated by the circuit, the cooling fan is the most widely used product on the market. The heat from the circuit is continuously transferred to the surrounding air by changing the hot air surrounding the inductor coils with cold air from forced convection. In general, the cooling fan can increase heat dissipation capacity by 30%. However, it produces vibration and noise, so it is only suitable for traditional or modern equipment such as relatively large computers, auto parts equipment, frequency converters, hardware tools, and refrigeration appliances.
6.Increase the air gap in the core
Increasing the air gap in the core can also help reduce the heat generated by induction coils. The air gap in the core increases the magnetic reluctance, reducing the eddy currents and the resulting heat. However, this approach also has its limitations as it can impact the inductance of the coil.
7.Reduce the operating frequency
The frequency of operation can also impact the heat generated by induction coils. A lower operating frequency will reduce the eddy current losses, reducing the heat generated. However, reducing the operating frequency can also impact the performance of the circuit, so it’s essential to find a balance between the two.
8.Increase the efficiency of the circuit
Increasing the efficiency of the circuit can also help reduce the heat generated by the induction coil. A more efficient circuit will draw less current, reducing the heat generated in the coil. Adhesives and thermal pastes that are thermally conductive perform just as they sound, providing excellent thermal conductivity to enhance the heat dissipation of electronic components in the circuit. Heat is often spread on the surface of an inductance coil of electronic components to conduct it to a radiator, which absorbs the heat and dissipates it to the outside of the circuit. As an effective means of improving heat dissipation capacity and stability of electronic components, heat dissipation paste has certain characteristics such as moisture-proof, dust-proof, and anti-corrosion.
Induction coils are integral parts of many electronic circuits, and reducing their heat generation will ensure that the circuit performs well. The methods mentioned in this blog can help reduce the heat generated by induction coils, although there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Using a combination of these methods can help ensure that the induction coil won’t negatively affect the circuit.
