Why don't they use Pyromagnetic Generators in nuclear power plants?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the potential use of pyromagnetic generators in nuclear power plants and other thermal energy applications. Participants explore the feasibility, efficiency, and technical challenges associated with this technology compared to traditional methods of energy conversion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions why pyromagnetic generators are not used in nuclear power plants, suggesting that they could eliminate energy loss during thermal to mechanical and mechanical to electrical conversion.
  • Another participant expresses unfamiliarity with pyromagnetic generators, speculating they might relate to magnetohydrodynamics, which could pose safety concerns with radioactive materials.
  • A participant describes a design based on a translation from Serbian, detailing components such as permanent magnets, ferromagnetic pipes, and coils that could generate electricity through electromagnetic induction.
  • Another participant critiques the design linked to Tesla, arguing it resembles existing steam-powered systems and may involve more moving parts than traditional turbines.
  • One participant explains that the efficiency of thermoelectric devices, which might be confused with pyromagnetic generators, is low compared to conventional thermodynamic cycles.
  • Another participant acknowledges the significant energy waste in current systems, reflecting on the efficiency discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the feasibility and efficiency of pyromagnetic generators, with no consensus reached on their potential application in power generation. Some participants propose technical designs while others question their practicality and efficiency compared to existing technologies.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference various technical concepts and designs, but there are limitations in the clarity of the proposed mechanisms and their efficiency. The discussion includes assumptions about the operation of pyromagnetic generators and their comparison to established technologies.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in energy generation technologies, particularly those exploring alternative methods to traditional thermal and mechanical conversion processes.

ludi_srbin
Messages
137
Reaction score
0
I just read some stuff on pyromagnetic generators, and my first thought was why don't they use the pyromagnetic generators in nuclear power plants and in any power plants that use thermal energy? You would skip conversion from thermal to mechanic, and then from mechanic to electric. I'm sure that a lot of energy is lost when convertring to and from mechanic energy? Are there some technical problems that I'm unaware off?
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
I must admit that I've never heard of that technology, unless it's some form of magnetohydrodynamics. That would require a high-speed movement of the working fluid (gas flow, particles, etc.) which might not be attainable safely with radioactive substances. If, on the other hand, it's some sort of thermionic conversion, perhaps it can't handle the power density needed in a commercial generator. Please provide more information about it. If it's something new, I want to learn about it.
 
Well I have it before me in Serbian so my translation might not be accurate.

It says "Generator would consist off permanent magnet or electromagnet A, isolation box B (that is the best translation for "izolaciono kuciste" IgorS or Nikola Tesla might help out here) in which the feromagnetic pipes C would be, and arround the issolation box there would be coil E and E' in which, according to Faradey's Law of electromagnetic induction, create electromotor forces which would give the electricity...Well let me find some good dictionary or english version of the next part.
 
Here is the closest English version I could find.

http://peswiki.com/index.php/Directory:Accelerated_Magnetic_Piston_Generator
 
The English link you provided is just a variation on a theme... using steam to power a magnet to pass though a coil... this on is just linear instead of rotational like the turbines in use now. If anything, it looks like it requires more moving parts than a turbine system does.
 
The version I'm reading (Patented by Tesla) would work something like this:
If feromagnet pipes are on temperature below Curie point than they are good conductors of magnetomotor force. But if you let a fluid with raised temp. which would heat up the pipes above the Curie point then the magnetomotor force in the magnetic circut of the generator would change, which would, according to Faradeys law of electromagnetic induction, produce electromotor force in the coil. Then you could reverse the process and let the cold fluid into the pipes which would cool down the pipes below Curie point again changing the magnetomotor force of the magnetic circut of the generator and the electromotor force would be created in the coil again. That is what says in this Tesla's patent.
 
I think you mean thermoelectric. Ie, a peltier device. The reason they don't use them is efficiency. They top out at about 10%, whereas once-through thermodynamic cycles (no form of heat recovery, cogen, etc.) are anywhere from 30-40% efficient.

http://www.aist.go.jp/aist_e/latest_research/2005/20050617/20050617.html
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Man, it is sad that 60 % of energy is wasted. Thanks for the clarifying that for me.
 
ludi srbin, i am so sorry I was not here to rescue you although you are doing very well. I''ll be studying EE in Toronto. Pls keep in touch. Thank you.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
31
Views
4K
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
4K
  • · Replies 32 ·
2
Replies
32
Views
7K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 38 ·
2
Replies
38
Views
6K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 74 ·
3
Replies
74
Views
11K
  • · Replies 27 ·
Replies
27
Views
4K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
2K