THERMAL MANAGEMENT AND EMC Thermal loop solutions:


a path to improved performance, sustainability and compliance in heat treatment


Heat treatment processes are a crucial component of many manufacturing processes; thermal loop solutions have become increasingly popular for achieving improved temperature control and consistent outcomes.


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any OEMs are missing opportunities where thermal loop solutions offer more than just greater control. In this article, Peter Sherwin, global business development manager for heat treatment, and Thomas Rüecker, senior business development manager for heat treatment at industrial heating technology supplier Watlow, explores the possibilities of thermal loop solutions.


A thermal loop solution is a closed loop system with several essential components, including an electrical power supply, power controller, heating element, temperature sensor and process controller. The electrical power supply provides the energy needed for heating, the power controller regulates the power output to the heating element, the heating element heats the material, and the temperature sensor measures the temperature. Finally, the process controller adjusts the power output to maintain the desired temperature for the specified duration, providing better temperature control and consistent outcomes.


Performance benefits


Heat treatment thermal loop solutions offer several advantages over traditional heat treatment methods, including improved temperature control and increased efficiency. The thermal loop system provides precise temperature control, enabling faster heating and cooling and optimised soak times. In addition, the complete design of modern thermal loop solutions includes energy-efficient heating and overall ease of use.


Thermal loop solutions can also be integrated with Industry 4.0 frameworks and data management systems to provide real-time information on performance. Combining AI and machine learning algorithms can also provide additional


performance benefits, such as the ability to analyse data and identify patterns for further optimisation.


The effectiveness of heat treatment thermal loop solutions can be measured using metrics such as overall equipment effectiveness (OEE). OEE combines metrics for availability, performance, and quality to provide a comprehensive view of the efficiency of a manufacturing process. By tracking OEE and contextual data, organisations can evaluate the effectiveness of their heat treatment thermal loop solutions and make informed decisions about optimising their operations.


Supporting sustainability Heat treatment thermal loop solutions provide several sustainability benefits, including reduced energy consumption and waste. The power controller regulates the power output to minimise energy waste, and the possible integration with renewable energy sources provides a complete power solution that spans from element design to recycling. The thermal loop solutions, in combination with insulation design and materials, provide energy-efficient solutions


44 JULY/AUGUST 2024 | ELECTRONICS FOR ENGINEERS


that contribute to sustainability and reduce the environmental impact of heat treatment processes.


When discussing these systems in the context of greenhouse gas emissions and the environmental impact, it’s essential to consider Scopes 1 (direct emissions), 2 (indirect emissions from energy), and 3 (other indirect emissions), as well as the less common Scope 4 (avoided emissions).


At the component level, energy savings can be realised using current technology. Advanced Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCRs) provide predictive load management functions and hybrid firing algorithms contribute to sustainability by optimising the energy usage of heat treatment processes. These SCRs offer real-time monitoring and control of energy consumption, while predictive load management systems use specific algorithms to manage peak power loads and adjust to optimise for local conditions, such as load shedding or load sharing.


Adaptive thermal system (ATS) solutions are the next frontier of thermal loop solutions. Watlow has decades of experience with thermal systems to help engineers and


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