Patent ID: 6148019
Filing Date: 2000-11-14
Classification: H02M,H05B

Abstract:
A system for melting metal and holding molten metal at a selected temperature, comprising:an induction furnace having a maximum power consumption;a rectifier unit arranged to receive an AC electric supply power and to output a DC electric power; anda plurality of inverter modules selectively connected in parallel to form an inverter unit, each module of said plurality of inverter modules having a selectively connectable input to a DC common connection for receiving said DC electric power from said rectifier unit and a selectively connectable output to an AC common connection for delivering an AC electric power to said induction furnace, each module of said plurality of inverter modules having an electrical capacity less than said maximum power consumption of said induction furnace;wherein said AC electric power from said plurality of inverter modules is used to selectively melt metal or hold molten metal at a selected temperature.