Electric heating uses relatively inexpensive tools to directly convert electrical energy into heat energy with a conversion efficiency of roughly 100%. Applications that are frequently used include industrial processes, cooking, water heating, and space heating. An electrical appliance that transforms an electric current into heat is called an electric heater. Every electric heater contains a heating element that is an electrical resistor and operates on the principle of Joule heating. When an electric current flows through a resistor, the electrical energy is transformed into heat energy. The active element in most contemporary electric heaters is nichrome wire; the heating element shown on the right is nichrome wire supported by ceramic insulators.
Technological changes in the production of solar panels are increasing demand for silver, a phenomenon that is deepening a shortage in the supply of the precious metal, while there is limited opportunity on the horizon to secure additional mining, reports "Bloomberg". Silver, in paste form, is used for the conductive layer on the front and back of silicon solar cells. But the sector is already starting to produce more efficient variants of cells that use much more metal, and this will contribute to increasing the already growing consumption. Solar power still represents a relatively small portion of total silver demand, but it is growing. According to a report by The Silver Institute, it will account for 14% of consumption this year, up from about 5% in 2014. Much of that growth is coming from China, which is expected to install more solar panels this year than the United States. Demand for silver from the solar industry is growing. Chart: Bloomberg Solar energy is “a great
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