A Study on Electrical Energy Saving Technology of an Induction Heating Boiler Using a Vegetable-Oil Thermal Medium

The growing demand for high-efficiency and low-carbon heating technologies has accelerated interest in alternative energy systems for aquaculture operations. This study investigates an induction heating boiler that integrates magnetic reluctance and electromagnetic induction to achieve enhanced thermal performance. Vegetable oil is employed as the thermal medium to improve heat stability, electrical insulation, and environmental sustainability. An 80-kW prototype was tested under real operating conditions in an inland seawater aquaculture facility. Experimental results showed that the system provided the same heating capacity of 160,000 kcal/h as a conventional electric boiler while consuming only 43% of the electrical power. The resulting relative thermal efficiency was measured at 232.5%, contributing to an estimated annual electricity cost reduction of approximately 55 million KRW and a CO₂ emission reduction of 365 tCO₂eq. The vegetable-oil medium maintained stable physical and electrical properties without significant degradation during continuous operation. These findings confirm that the proposed system offers high energy efficiency, operational safety, and low environmental impact. The results demonstrate strong potential for applying induction heating technology to industrial and aquaculture heating systems, particularly in support of national carbon-neutrality goals.