B Thermodynamics of Resistive Heating at Low Power

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Resistive heating in a thermally sealed chamber raises questions about achieving high temperatures at low power inputs. The steady state temperature is determined by the balance of heat input and heat loss, with heat loss being the limiting factor. While a lower power input can eventually heat the chamber, the element will always be hotter than the chamber, requiring larger surface areas for higher power elements to radiate heat effectively. The discussion also explores the concept of a 'thermal battery' for heat storage, suggesting alternatives like wax for better thermal management compared to water. Overall, the feasibility of using low-grade heat and different materials for thermal storage is emphasized.
  • #31
Bucket o' Magma. I wonder how much a paint-can sized Dewar would cost.

A ~9cm dia opening should radiate 1kw @ 1,000C
 
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  • #32
hmmm27 said:
Bucket o' Magma. I wonder how much a paint-can sized Dewar would cost.

A ~9cm dia opening should radiate 1kw @ 1,000C
Of course there would have to be some sort of safety screen covering the opening just like in a resistive element space heater. Good idea about the Dewar.
 
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  • #33
Baluncore said:
To radiate 10 times the heat, will require 10 times the area, or 10 times the temperature difference, or a blend of those two. The product of element area by temperature difference will be proportional to the power.
The power radiated goes like T to the fourth power, T being.the absolute temperature. To me, this implies that you need to multiply the delta T (between the wire and its environment) by only the quartic root of 10 if you want to x10 the power emitted, i.e. 1.78, roughly. What am I missing?
 
  • #34
fluidistic said:
What am I missing?
I don't know.
I think you are assuming black body radiation from the element. But some energy radiated from the element to the sand would be reflected back to the element.
I was assuming the thermal resistance of the layer of sand that surrounds the heating element would limit heat transfer to the sand.
 

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