Can We Achieve 100% Efficiency? Renewable Components Explored

[FeDeX_LaTeX]

Hello;

Is there a 100% efficient component? One where there is no waste energy? Or something that is completely renewable such that all the energy wasted is put back into the component?

 

[xxChrisxx]

No such thing as a 100% efficienct component.

And remember
100% Utilisation =/= 100% Efficiency.

 

[DanielR]

You can convert electrical or mechanical energy to heat with 100% efficiency.

 

[russ_watters]

Yes, DanielR implies, an electric space heater is 100% efficient.

 

[xxChrisxx]

Hmm, very true I didn't think of that, being a mechanical engineer I immediately think of moving parts and heat usually = baaad.

Electric space heaters are a horrible way of providing heating though, as a system. But that wan't what the OP asked : /

 

[Dadface]

Transformers can have efficiencies of over 99%

 

[Q_Goest]

Isn't superconducting wire 100% efficient at transfering electric power?

 

[shungun]

Yes, superconductors are 100% efficient at transferring power/storing electrical energy
but the op wants a component he probably doesn't mean a superconductor...:D

 

[sophiecentaur]

Actually, although an electrical water heater could be thought of as being 100% efficient, the whole 'system' won't be.You will either have to be heating up the kettle (or what ever), which is a waste or you will be losing finite amounts of heat to the surroundings.

A superconductor may be lossless but producing superconductivity involves the input of energy into the refrigeration system - so even that, when viewing the system as a whole, does not provide you with 100% efficiency.

The only way to eliminate loss is to do nothing!

 

[Rajini]

Transformers can have efficiencies of over 99%

Yes somewhere i studied that transformers have the highest efficiency known to date.

 

[xxChrisxx]

Actually, although an electrical water heater could be thought of as being 100% efficient, the whole 'system' won't be.You will either have to be heating up the kettle (or what ever), which is a waste or you will be losing finite amounts of heat to the surroundings.

A superconductor may be lossless but producing superconductivity involves the input of energy into the refrigeration system - so even that, when viewing the system as a whole, does not provide you with 100% efficiency.

The only way to eliminate loss is to do nothing!

Thats the line I was thinking along, it's why I said 100% utilisation and 100% efficiency are different things.

 

[sophiecentaur]

Yes: the term 'efficiency' actually refers to 'Useful' work / energy out.
When it comes to utilisation of energy, the human on a bicycle is not too bad, actually. Ine sarnie will take you a long way.