Performance improvement of high frequency solid state welder using zero current switching technique

This paper proposes a high efficiency solid state welder used for induction welding. The cause of low efficiency of the welder is the switching losses in the inverter section because of high switching frequency of the power devices. The efficiency of this part is improved by using the soft switching technique known as zero current switching. Using this technique the other performance parameters are also improved like the voltage stresses on the switching devices, the current form the source is nearly sinusoidal so the power quality of the system improves, which in turn reduces the electromagnetic interference. The welder is simulated with the power IGBT modules as switching devices, and reduction of the cost in terms of cooling is also observed because smaller size of heat sinks are needed for small heat conduction of switching devices.