Thermal Analysis of Induction Cooktops: a Comparison of Theoretical & Experimental Model to Calculate the Thermal Efficiency of Induction Cooktops

Induction cooking is not a radically new invention; it has been widely used all around the world. With recent improvements in technology and the consequent reduction of component costs, Induction cooking equipment is now more affordable than ever. According to the U. S. Department of Energy, the efficiency of energy transfer for an induction hob is 84%, versus 38% for Gas stove and 68% for a smooth-top non-induction electrical unit, for an approximate 16% saving in energy for the same amount of heat transfer. This study reveals the thermal analysis and efficiency of an induction cooktop with the detailed calculations and analysis of each component through mathematical and experimental models. To calculate the efficiency of the induction cooktop, a standard experiment has been performed. A Matlab model has been developed to calculate different parameters for heat sink. Extensive studies on calculation of heat loss in copper coil for different dimensions of pancake coils lead us to calculate the efficiency theoretically, however, this study is still under research and development phase.