Best way to harness electricity from

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    Electricity
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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the feasibility of harnessing electricity from a steel ball bearing moving through a magnetic field, exploring the potential design of a generator using copper rails. Participants consider the mechanics of electromagnetic induction and the effectiveness of different materials in generating electricity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes using a steel ball bearing moving through a magnetic field, supported by copper rails, to generate electricity.
  • Another suggests that this idea could represent a novel electrical generator and encourages testing the concept for measurable output.
  • Some participants discuss the role of materials, noting that an aluminum ball may generate stronger eddy currents than a steel ball.
  • There is a debate about the necessity of a rotor in brushless induction generators, with participants discussing the requirements for inducing electricity.
  • One participant challenges the original poster's understanding of electric generators and the scientific method, suggesting that without testing, no conclusions can be drawn.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the viability of the proposed idea, with some supporting the exploration of the concept while others are skeptical about its potential success without empirical testing. There is no consensus on the effectiveness of the proposed method or the terminology used.

Contextual Notes

Some participants highlight the importance of empirical testing and the scientific method, while others focus on theoretical aspects of electromagnetic induction. There are unresolved questions regarding the specific mechanics of the proposed generator design and the effectiveness of different materials.

lasix
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Is there a way to harness electricity from a steel ball bearing moving through a magnetic field?

The ball would be heavy enough to move through the entire magnetic field (downhill) from end to end without being caught in the magnetic field.

Would having 2 copper rails supporting the ball as it passes through the magnetic field work and attach 1 lead + and 1 lead - to each rail?
 
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lasix,

It appears to me that you are suggesting a new, novel electrical generator. If that's true then may I suggest that you build up that apparatus you propose and observe (measure) the resultant output? If your proposal is viable, then you may want to patent it. Just imagine, "Lasix Generators" power entire cities!
 
HaHa! Maybe even use my "real" name - P-a lot.

Yes off to test. Was hoping someone had some experience with this idea in the past to save some time and money...

TY
 
Kinda looks like Bobby made a laugh , :D
 
brushless induction generator huh?
 
Crazymechanic said:
brushless induction generator huh?

I believe that would still require a rotor?
 
yes it would , you need either the field changing or if the field is steady you need the physical parts moving to induce something
 
An aluminium ball will generate stronger eddy currents than a steel ball. I'm not sure how to harness it though.
 
lasix, In your opening post, you asked about the possibility of "harnessing electricity" with your rolling ball.

Evidently you have not constructed your proposed apparatus and tested it yet. If you had, and if you measured the result, you'd have found NOTHING. No new invention, nothing to patent, and nothing to become famous for.

I guess you missed the point: I was urging you to use the scientific method to arrive a some conclusion, but I guess I was too subtle. Will you please read up and study how electric generators function? And, "harness electricity" is not even a scientifically logical term. Learn the basic "right hand rule" and the "left hand rule" about the behaviors of current flow in conductors in magnetic fields. Taking wild stabs in the dark and guessing is NOT the way to discover the fundamental laws of physics.

You might start your search here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_generator
 

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