Can the Pyroelectric Effect Power Engines and Generate Electricity from Heat?

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The pyroelectric effect refers to materials generating electrical potential when subjected to temperature changes, suggesting potential for high-efficiency engines. However, current efficiency levels for pyroelectric energy conversion are significantly below 100%. Utilizing waste heat from condensers could enhance overall energy output, though the process still involves inherent inefficiencies. The discussion also highlights misconceptions about using the photoelectric effect with condenser heat, emphasizing that it requires energetic photons, which are not present in sufficient quantities from warm objects. Overall, while the pyroelectric effect offers promising avenues for energy generation, practical applications face significant efficiency challenges.
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The term defines a material possesses electrical potential under different in temperature. That means we can harness power. That means we can make engine with a near 100% efficiency.
 
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No the efficiency of pyroelectric energy conversion is still well less than 100%. Was that your point?
 
uart said:
No the efficiency of pyroelectric energy conversion is still well less than 100%. Was that your point?

use the waste heat in the condenser before it go out to the reservoir . Of course there still efficiency in the process but we getting some more worked out of the whole thing.
 
What condenser? And how would you use the photoelectric effect on condenser heat? It requires photons - energetic ones, at that. You can't just point a solar panel at a warm object and expect it to generate a bunch of electricity from the handful of far infrared photons it receives.
 
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