Sähköresistansslämmitys

Sähköresistanssilämmitys, commonly known as resistive heating, is a process that converts electrical energy into heat through the passage of electric current through a resistive material. This principle is based on Joule's first law, which states that the heat generated is proportional to the electrical resistance of the material and the square of the current flowing through it.

The resistive element, typically made of alloys like nichrome (nickel-chromium) or Kanthal (iron-chromium-aluminum), has a high electrical resistance. When an electric current flows through this element, its atoms vibrate more vigorously due to collisions with electrons, thereby releasing thermal energy. The amount of heat produced can be controlled by adjusting the voltage or current supplied to the resistive element, or by changing its resistance value.

Resistive heating is widely used in various applications, from everyday household appliances like electric heaters, ovens, and toasters to industrial processes such as industrial furnaces and electric boilers. It is a simple, reliable, and efficient method for generating heat, although its efficiency in terms of energy conversion can be high, the overall energy efficiency of a system using resistive heating depends on factors like insulation and heat distribution. The primary advantage is its direct conversion of electricity to heat, with minimal energy loss as other forms of energy.