Energy Conversion: How to Convert Heat to Electricity

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the feasibility of converting heat energy into electrical energy, exploring various methods and technologies, including thermoelectric devices and photovoltaic cells. The scope includes theoretical and practical aspects of energy conversion, excluding traditional boiler engines.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants inquire about the possibility of converting heat energy into electrical energy, specifically excluding boiler engines.
  • One participant mentions thermoelectric devices, such as Peltier junctions, as a method for this conversion, but later suggests that they may better be described in terms of a different effect.
  • Another participant raises the question of whether photovoltaic cells can be utilized for converting heat energy, particularly in the context of infrared wavelengths.
  • A further contribution introduces the concept of paramagnetic refrigeration as a method related to heat energy manipulation, although its direct connection to electrical energy conversion is not clarified.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express various viewpoints on the methods of converting heat to electricity, with no consensus reached on the best approach or the effectiveness of the mentioned technologies.

Contextual Notes

Some claims depend on specific definitions of energy conversion methods, and the discussion includes unresolved questions about the efficiency and applicability of different technologies, such as thermoelectric devices and photovoltaic cells in specific wavelengths.

derekmohammed
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Hi,

Is it possible to convert heat energy into electrical energy. (Excluding boiler engines, ect...) Following along the lines of capacitance and capitors...

Thanks.
Derek Mohammed
 
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derekmohammed said:
Is it possible to convert heat energy into electrical energy.
Peltier junctions (thermoelectric devices) do this:
http://www.hi-z.com/



Edit: Actually, it might be more accurate to describe a thermoelectric device as exploit the http://www.autobahn.mb.ca/~het/energy/pv_fqa.html#Section02D , rather than the Peltier effect.[/color]
 
Last edited by a moderator:
derekmohammed said:
Hi,

Is it possible to convert heat energy into electrical energy. (Excluding boiler engines, ect...) Following along the lines of capacitance and capitors...

Thanks.
Derek Mohammed


What about photovoltaic cells?
 
Are there PV cells that work in Infrared wavelengths?

Clausius2 said:
derekmohammed said:
Is it possible to convert heat energy into electrical energy.
What about photovoltaic cells?
http://www.autobahn.mb.ca/~het/energy/pv_fqa.html#Section02N


--
02N) Are there PV cells that work in Infrared wavelengths?

Yes. See: http://www.autobahn.mb.ca/~het/energy/pv_fqa.html#Section02O ?
--
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Also, I will mention paramagnetic refridgeration, a technique used to cool things towards absolute zero by letting heat flip little magnetic dipoles.
 

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