1 Answer
Yes, eddy currents are involved in the operation of some electric heaters, but they are not the primary mechanism. In electric heaters, the main principle is usually resistive heating, where an electric current passes through a resistor (typically a metal or alloy), and the resistance causes the material to heat up.
However, in certain types of heaters, particularly in induction heaters, eddy currents play a role. In an induction heater, an alternating current (AC) flows through a coil, creating a changing magnetic field. This magnetic field induces eddy currents in the metal object being heated, which in turn causes the metal to heat up due to the resistance to the flow of these currents.
So, while eddy currents are not the primary source of heat in most common electric heaters (like electric room heaters or water heaters), they are used in specific heating applications like induction heating to heat metals quickly.
However, in certain types of heaters, particularly in induction heaters, eddy currents play a role. In an induction heater, an alternating current (AC) flows through a coil, creating a changing magnetic field. This magnetic field induces eddy currents in the metal object being heated, which in turn causes the metal to heat up due to the resistance to the flow of these currents.
So, while eddy currents are not the primary source of heat in most common electric heaters (like electric room heaters or water heaters), they are used in specific heating applications like induction heating to heat metals quickly.