Can Sound Waves Be Used as a Renewable Energy Source?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on innovative ideas for harnessing energy from natural sources, specifically soundwaves from mines and waterfalls, and the potential of using steam from volcanoes. A key point raised is the extremely low energy density of sound waves, which makes them impractical for energy extraction. Suggestions include using membranes at mine exits or waterfalls to capture energy without harming aquatic life, and exploring the viability of geothermal energy from volcanoes. The conversation emphasizes the importance of considering the cost-effectiveness and actual energy output of any proposed systems, questioning whether the energy produced justifies the investment. Other creative ideas presented include using materials like black sponges to absorb vapor for agricultural purposes and employing magnetic fields in drilling operations. The discourse encourages a balance of creativity with scientific principles to develop feasible energy solutions.
Sariaht
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What about using soundwaves from mines and waterfalls as an energysource?

you could put a membrane in the exit of the mine, or over a waterfall. Then we would get energy without killing the fish!

How about periodically fill a volcano with saltwater and use the steam as an energysource like with a geiser and as a sweat water resource at the same time!
 
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One problem: sound energy densities are extrordinarily low. Tiny fractions of a watt per square meter.
 
Originally posted by russ_watters
One problem: sound energy densities are extrordinarily low. Tiny fractions of a watt per square meter.

Even around waterfalls?
 
Originally posted by Sariaht
Even around waterfalls?
?


Yes, even around waterfalls...even around airports. sound waves carry pretty much no energy worth attempting to harness. If they did, even moderately loud noises would destroy our eardrums.
 
Pendulumns at the poles following the magnetic pole?
 
Originally posted by Sariaht
Pendulumns at the poles following the magnetic pole?

Instead of just blindly throwing out ideas, how about suggesting (a) how you would use them as an energy source, and (b) what you would use the energy for.
 
Sariaht, in any event you certainly possesses creativity, and somewhat responsibily structured at that(as oppossed to seriously off-the-wall theorist we hear from time-to-time) I love it!
In neither of your posts here have you claimed anything like "free-energy" rather you are searching for natural, unused sources of energy to be utilized. Excellent.
With that endeavor, also focus on whether or not the cost of establishing a particular energy extraction system and the actual energy produced is financially attractive. This doesn't mean that the system has to immediately start paying for itself. No! What system does?!
But it does have to be reasonable with regards to time. That is, if a certain system pays for itself in, say, 3-7 years, than I would say that it is a viable technology.
It also has to be reasonable with regards to power produced.
If a system pays for itself in 5-years yet only produces, say, 10-watts of electricity, is it REALLY worth the effort?
Keep these things in mind, and certainly keep your creativity.
 
Thank you very much!


What about putting a black spunge (made from oil) above the sea surface near the equator and let it absorb the vapour, so that you can through sand on top and grow vegetables and stuff on it? The spunge could float on an iron fence held up by a giant plastic ring. And stay put with an iron chane connected to the seabottom and to a generator that uses the wave-energy to warm the water underneath the ring.
 
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Originally posted by Sariaht
Thank you very much!


What about putting a black spunge (made from oil) above the sea surface and let it absorb the vapour, so that you can grow vegetables and stuff on topp of it?

You're like my 4 year old nephew. Has an active imagination...but no real sense of scientific concepts.
 
  • #10
That's funny

A boy sneaking around looking at other peoples theories "just for fun" is what you are neutroncount.
 
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  • #11
How about giving a plate inside the drills in the mines a charge so that the magnetic field change the frequencies inside the mountain to frequencies helping in the drilling?
 
  • #12
Some materials get's harder in magnetic or electrostatic fields!

This could be used in skyscrapers etc, as a protection against fow.

Or in spaceships.
 
  • #13


Originally posted by Sariaht
A boy sneaking around looking at other peoples theories "just for fun" is what you are neutroncount.
Another way to interpret neutroncount's message is that if you would learn some physics it would greatly focus your creativity and make it much more likely for you to actually do something useful. Creativity is a wonderful thing, but on its own its just taking shots in the dark.
 
  • #14
Thank you Russ.

It's not like I'm stalking you Sariaht. But when I read your threads or comments, sometimes I'm perplexed by their seemingly random direction and interesting logic processes.
 
  • #15
Thank you neutroncount.

And Russ, I'll try.

By the way. How about giving bluegreen bacterias a communication gene?
We could try and make a such. Maybe they would develop consciousness?
 
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