How Does an Eddy Current Inverter Work?
An eddy current inverter is any device that can cause the loss of energy by transforming one type of energy into another. Eddy current inverters are commonly used in situations where transformed energy is used to resist other types of energy.
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Function
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A conductor that sets up a swirling current by changing the magnetic field is known as an eddy current inverter. Eddy currents tend to oppose each other, which results in a loss of energy. In some applications, an eddy current inverter is desirable, such as in building the braking system in trains.
Effects
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An eddy current inverter refers to the process of transforming currents into more useful forms of energy. For example, kinetic energy can be turned into heat. The loss of energy works in train systems, for example, because the metal wheels are exposed to a magnetic field which is generating eddy currents. The interaction between the wheels and the magnetic field causes the wheels to slow down and brake.
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Significance
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The eddy current system works because the current resists the change in the electromagnetic field, so a force that is produced is also resisted, which factors into the inverter aspect of the eddy current inverter.
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References
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