Generating Electricity with Casimir Force and Piezo-Electric Material

In summary, the conversation discusses the possibility of generating electricity by oscillating a piezoelectric material with the use of the Casimir force between two metal plates. The design proposed involves using the Casimir effect to squeeze or strain the material, causing it to resist and create a harmonic oscillation. However, this design may not work due to the laws of conservation of energy and momentum. The conversation also touches on the idea of using multiple tiny versions of this design to produce a practical current, but potential issues with energy creation are pointed out.
  • #1
Jonny_trigonometry
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could you generate electricity by occilating a peizo-electric material by the use of the casimir force between two metal plates?

As the plates squeeze or strain the material (via casimir effect), the material would resist the squeezing or straining (due to hooke's law), and would resist to a point where it can't push or pull them anymore, at which point the plates would start to squeeze or strain the material again and therefore the system would occilate...
 
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  • #2
please pardon my sorry excuse for a design, and drawing.

In this design, if a potential difference is established and the metal plates aren't insulated from the peizoelectric material, then the whole thing also turns into a capacitor which would further add a force in line with the casimir force, and the system would occilate with increased amplitude than with just the casimir force alone... i think.

maybe millions of these things (provided they are tiny enough) could be connected together to produce a practical current.
 

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  • #3
Ah ha, a potential motion machine in disguise :)

I'd imagine what would happen would be that you'd just get a force equilibrium condition happening where attractive force = restorative deformation force. Certain conditions need to be met to have a harmonic oscillator, and this isn't going to meet any of them!
 
  • #4
Jonny_trigonometry said:
please pardon my sorry excuse for a design, and drawing.

In this design, if a potential difference is established and the metal plates aren't insulated from the peizoelectric material, then the whole thing also turns into a capacitor which would further add a force in line with the casimir force, and the system would occilate with increased amplitude than with just the casimir force alone... i think.

maybe millions of these things (provided they are tiny enough) could be connected together to produce a practical current.

In physics, there is well known conservation laws that hold: energy and momentum.
When you try to build a system, you must not forget this basic principle: where the energy comes from and where does it go? It is always an exchange (no creation).

Apply this conservation to your ideal system. You will understand that the created current comes either from the energy you have used to separate the plates or the energy to precharge the capacitor. No energy creation.

If you have a problem in understanding that, replace your metal plates by an ideal inductor.

Without Energy-momentum conservation, we loose all the physical laws (at least the ones I know : ).

Seratend.
 
  • #5
"I'd imagine what would happen would be that you'd just get a force equilibrium condition happening where attractive force = restorative deformation force. Certain conditions need to be met to have a harmonic oscillator, and this isn't going to meet any of them!" - James Jackson

ya, you're right. Now that I think of it, in order for it to occilate, the casimir effect would have to decrease as the plates grew closer together, not increase. Thanks!
 

1. How does generating electricity with Casimir force and piezo-electric material work?

Casimir force is a quantum mechanical phenomenon that arises from the interaction between two uncharged metal plates in a vacuum. When the plates are very close together, they restrict the wavelengths of virtual particles between them, creating a net force that pushes the plates together. Piezo-electric materials, on the other hand, can convert mechanical energy into electrical energy. By placing a piezo-electric material between the metal plates, the Casimir force can be used to compress and deform the material, generating an electric current.

2. What are the advantages of using Casimir force and piezo-electric material for electricity generation?

One of the main advantages is that these materials are highly efficient, converting nearly all of the mechanical energy into electrical energy. They also do not require any external power source, making them self-sustaining. Additionally, they do not produce any emissions or waste, making them environmentally friendly.

3. Is generating electricity with Casimir force and piezo-electric material practical for everyday use?

At the moment, this technology is still in the early stages of development and is not yet practical for everyday use. However, with further research and advancements in technology, it has the potential to become a viable source of electricity in the future.

4. Are there any limitations or challenges associated with this method of electricity generation?

One of the main limitations is the small amount of energy that can be generated using this method. The Casimir force is relatively weak, and the amount of energy produced by piezo-electric materials is also limited. Additionally, the setup for this technology can be complex and costly, which may make it difficult to implement on a large scale.

5. What are some potential applications for generating electricity with Casimir force and piezo-electric material?

This technology has the potential to be used in various applications, such as powering small electronic devices, sensors, and potentially even larger structures like buildings. It could also be integrated into renewable energy systems, such as wind and ocean energy, to increase their efficiency and sustainability.

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