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ranger
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Is it possbile to covert heat energy (like that from the surface of a hot radiator) to electric energy? Whats the theory behind this?
--thank you.
--thank you.
There are many such possibilities.
ranger said:Is it possbile to covert heat energy (like that from the surface of a hot radiator) to electric energy? Whats the theory behind this?
--thank you.
X-43D said:Usually the electro-mechanical approach is used to generate electricity.
http://www.state.hi.us/dbedt/ert/electgen.html
Jeff Reid said:Some sattelites use radioactive material to heat up thermalcouples for a long lasting electrical energy supply.
The process of converting heat energy to electric energy is known as thermoelectric conversion. It involves the use of thermoelectric materials, which can generate electricity when there is a temperature difference between two sides of the material. This process is also known as the Seebeck effect.
Some examples of devices that use heat energy to generate electricity include thermoelectric generators, solar panels, and steam turbines. Thermoelectric generators are used in spacecrafts and remote power systems, while solar panels convert heat energy from the sun into electrical energy. Steam turbines use the heat energy from burning fuels to produce electricity.
The efficiency of converting heat energy to electric energy depends on the specific method being used. For thermoelectric conversion, the efficiency is typically low, ranging from 5-8%. Solar panels have an efficiency of around 15-20%, while steam turbines have an efficiency of 30-40%. However, new technologies are being developed to improve the efficiency of converting heat energy to electric energy.
The environmental impacts of using heat energy to generate electricity vary depending on the source of the heat energy. For example, burning fossil fuels to produce heat energy can contribute to air pollution and climate change. However, renewable sources of heat energy, such as solar power and geothermal energy, have minimal environmental impacts.
Yes, heat energy can be converted to electric energy on a large scale. In fact, many power plants use heat energy, either from burning fossil fuels or from nuclear reactions, to generate electricity on a large scale. Renewable sources of heat energy, such as solar and geothermal, are also being used to generate electricity on a larger scale as technology advances.