Magnetic Induction Heats Water
[Greenhill Forge] developed an off-grid water heating system using magnetic induction, where eddy currents generate heat in a copper tube through which water flows. The system was tested using a power drill to spin the rotor, achieving a heating rate of 575 watts, with potential to reach 14.5 kW with faster rotation. When paired with renewable energy sources like wind or water turbines, this method offers a sustainable alternative to combustion-based water heating.
- ▪The induction heater uses a copper tube stator that allows water to flow through and absorb heat generated by eddy currents.
- ▪During testing, the system heated 1.5 liters of water from 7.9°C to 24.4°C in three minutes.
- ▪The setup achieved 575 watts of heating power, with potential to reach 14.5 kW using a faster mechanical drive.
- ▪The rotor uses permanent magnets from a previous generator built by [Greenhill Forge].
- ▪This system could be powered sustainably using wind or water turbines in off-grid applications.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Magnetic Induction Heats Water No comments by: Bryan Cockfield May 1, 2026 Title: Copy Short Link: Copy Producing hot water off-grid is a surprisingly energy-intensive activity, and although it looks simple on its surface it can get quite complicated especially when used in large scale for something like providing hot water for an entire home. When using combustion to heat the water there needs to be proper venting as well as control of the fuel, and even storage of the hot water needs to be meticulous to avoid certain pathogens. [Greenhill Forge] has built an off-grid solution for heating hot water that doesn’t necessarily rely on any combustion, though, provided he can find something to spin his custom electric machine. The machine in question is, of course, an induction heater.
…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Hackaday.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from Hackaday
