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

  • Thread starter Thread starter atom888
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the potential of the pyroelectric effect to generate electricity from heat and its implications for engine efficiency. Participants explore the feasibility of harnessing this effect in practical applications, particularly in relation to energy conversion and efficiency challenges.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Debate/contested, Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that materials exhibiting the pyroelectric effect could lead to engines with near 100% efficiency by harnessing electrical potential from temperature differences.
  • Others argue that the efficiency of pyroelectric energy conversion is significantly less than 100%, questioning the feasibility of such claims.
  • A participant suggests using waste heat from a condenser to improve overall energy output, although this raises questions about the specific application of the pyroelectric effect in this context.
  • Another participant challenges the relevance of the photoelectric effect in relation to condenser heat, emphasizing the need for energetic photons for electricity generation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach consensus on the efficiency of pyroelectric energy conversion or its practical applications, with multiple competing views presented regarding its potential and limitations.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the specific mechanisms of energy conversion and the definitions of efficiency in the context of the pyroelectric effect and its application to engines.

atom888
Messages
91
Reaction score
0
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.
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
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.
 

Similar threads

How to calculate the electrical power output using the Organic Rankine Cycle?
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
5K
Calculation of electrical mean free path in nanomaterials?
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
3K
Can We Create Coolness Without Heat Using Innovative Technologies?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Gravity Based Electricity Generator
  • · Replies 74 ·
3
Replies
74
Views
10K
Heat pump efficiency calculations - Compressor power issue
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
4K
High Temperature and Very High Temperature Materials
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
High School Can a Heat Pump and Stirling Engine Create a Perpetual Energy Cycle?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
4K
AIK, this is the best I can do for you.
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Undergrad 64% n.th + COP4 = more heat out of fuel than its calorific value?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Undergrad Nuclear power plant vs coal power plant efficiency
  • · Replies 32 ·
2
Replies
32
Views
6K