Apparatus and method for converting electrical energy into heat energy

A heat-generating apparatus for converting electrical energy into heat energy comprising semiconductor means having a plurality of more than two semiconductor regions with junctions therebetween, a first of said regions serving as a control element, said first region in combination with a second region and other regions and junctions therebetween constituting a heat-producing section of said semiconductor means when an alternating current voltage of predetermined magnitude is connected thereacross,

• an alternating current voltage source connected to said first and second regions, the connections between said source and said first and second regions being bi-directionally conductive, said alternating current voltage and the impedance of said heating section providing a current through the latter at a value which maximizes the power loss thereacross thereby raising the temperature thereof to a predetermined level, and means proportioned and arranged for transferring the heat generated at a rate that maintains such power loss but prevents exceeding the same to an extent as will damage said semiconductor means.