Eddy current losses, also known as Foucault losses, are a type of energy loss that occurs in conductive materials when they are exposed to changing magnetic fields. These losses are caused by the circular currents, known as eddy currents, that are induced within the material.
When a conductive material is placed in a varying magnetic field, the magnetic flux passing through the material changes. According to Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction, this changing magnetic flux induces an electromotive force (EMF) within the material, which in turn causes the flow of eddy currents.
Eddy currents circulate within the conductive material in closed loops, creating their own magnetic fields. These magnetic fields oppose the original changing magnetic field, resulting in a resistance to the flow of current. This resistance leads to the conversion of electrical energy into heat, causing energy losses in the form of heat.
The magnitude of eddy current losses depends on various factors, including the conductivity and thickness of the material, the frequency of the changing magnetic field, and the geometry of the material. Thicker materials and higher conductivities tend to have higher eddy current losses.
To minimize eddy current losses, certain techniques can be employed, such as using laminated or layered materials that reduce the path for eddy currents, or using materials with lower electrical conductivity. These techniques are commonly used in the design of transformers, electric motors, and other electrical devices to improve their efficiency and reduce energy losses.