Induction heating vs Current heaing

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

This discussion compares the heat generation in a metal rod when heated by induction versus direct current. Both methods utilize a frequency of 20kHz and an amperage of 10 amps. The key difference lies in the skin depth effect, where direct current primarily heats the outer surface of the rod, while induction heating generates eddy currents that penetrate deeper into the material. The mechanisms of heating are fundamentally similar, involving electron motion, but the efficiency and depth of heat penetration differ significantly between the two methods.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of skin depth in conductive materials
  • Knowledge of induction heating principles
  • Familiarity with eddy currents and their effects
  • Basic electrical engineering concepts, particularly AC current behavior
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the mathematical calculations for skin depth in various materials
  • Explore the principles of eddy current heating and its applications
  • Learn about the efficiency differences between induction heating and resistive heating
  • Investigate the impact of frequency variations on heating effectiveness in induction systems
USEFUL FOR

Electrical engineers, materials scientists, and professionals involved in heating technologies will benefit from this discussion, particularly those focused on optimizing heating methods for metal processing.

artis
Messages
1,479
Reaction score
976
I've been thinking and can't come up with a satisfying answer. Would there be a difference in the amount of heat generated in a given time in a metal rod if it was heated by
a) induction
b) current passing through the same length of rod

Given that the current is the same amperage and frequency in both cases, also not taking into account the losses in current in the induction case.

So let's say you use 20kHz at 10 amps in one situation you simply pass that current down a metal rod , the current runs on the outer surface of the rod at the skin depth of the frequency given.
In the other case the same current runs through a coil creating a B field which then penetrates the metal rod to a skin depth.

So would there be any differences?
Are the skin depths the same both for the current through rod as well as B field penetrating rod case?

What about the mechanism for heating, in the current case it is the motion of electrons interacting with the atomic structure but in the induction case it also seems the same only due to eddy currents. The heat passed deeper than skin depth is then simply due to secondary interactions caused by the skin depth movement of electrons?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
a) induction is interpreted in effect as generated induction current. Since a) and b) are both currents, I think their effects are compared with how much current they experience.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: vanhees71

Similar threads

  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
987
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 60 ·
3
Replies
60
Views
7K