Reverse Conducting IGBT - A new Technology to Increase the Energy Efficiency of Induction Cookers

This paper discusses the usage of Reverse Conducting IGBTs in resonant converters of single plated induction cooker appliances. At first, the technology of such IGBTs is introduced. In order to provide insight into the IGBT and to enable predictions of the IGBTs behavior in applications, a virtual prototype for SPICE simulators and a procedure to set up simulations of the induction cooker converter is presented. Measurements confirm the benefits of Reverse Conducting IGBTs in this application. It is shown that the latest generation of these IGBTs increases the efficiency of the system. This leads to a lower temperature increase during operation and allows the use of smaller heatsink for example.