Quick estimation of the electric efficiency and power factor for crucible induction furnaces

The paper proposes an improved evaluation method for the calculation of the electric efficiency and power factor of the crucible induction furnaces. The method´s advantage is the use of calculation expressions with per unit variables, without any direct dependence on the geometrical dimensions, which allow a quicker estimation of the energetic parameters based on the furnace capacity and physical properties of the charge. The qualitative analysis that argues the method leads to several conclusions useful for the ones who are involved in designing or exploiting crucible induction furnaces.