- #1
Rahulkumar999
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It is possible to convert frictional energy into electrical energy directly?... please tell me and if possible give me the formulae...
Conversion of friction energy in to electrical energy is possible?
- Thread starter Rahulkumar999
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Discussion Overview
The discussion centers around the possibility of converting frictional energy into electrical energy, exploring various methods and applications, including regenerative braking and the triboelectric effect. Participants examine theoretical and practical aspects of this conversion, as well as the efficiency and feasibility of such processes.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Technical explanation
- Conceptual clarification
- Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- Some participants inquire about the direct conversion of frictional energy into electrical energy and request formulas related to this process.
- One participant mentions that heat engines can convert heat produced by friction into electricity, referencing thermoelectric generators, but notes that reducing friction is often more cost-effective.
- Another participant introduces the concept of regenerative braking in electric vehicles, suggesting it utilizes components similar to a generator.
- A participant clarifies that regenerative braking relies on friction between tires and the road, while also questioning the possibility of braking without friction.
- One participant provides a formula for power dissipation due to friction, indicating the relationship between mass, gravitational force, coefficient of friction, and velocity.
- Another participant suggests that the triboelectric effect can produce electricity directly from friction, citing the example of a Van de Graaff generator.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing views on the feasibility and efficiency of converting frictional energy into electrical energy. While some acknowledge methods like regenerative braking and the triboelectric effect, others emphasize the challenges and limitations associated with capturing energy from friction.
Contextual Notes
There are unresolved assumptions regarding the efficiency of energy conversion methods discussed, as well as the specific conditions under which these conversions might be effective.
Who May Find This Useful
This discussion may be of interest to individuals exploring energy conversion technologies, electric vehicle systems, and the principles of friction and electricity generation.
- #2
billy_joule
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Could you give some more information?
Some heat engines can convert heat produced by friction directly into electricity:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermoelectric_generator
But in almost all cases it's cheaper and easier to reduce friction in the first place rather than try to capture energy lost due to friction (usually very low quality energy)
Some heat engines can convert heat produced by friction directly into electricity:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermoelectric_generator
But in almost all cases it's cheaper and easier to reduce friction in the first place rather than try to capture energy lost due to friction (usually very low quality energy)
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- #3
berkeman
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Rahulkumar999 said:
Welcome to the PF.
That's what is used for much of the braking in electric vehicles -- are you familiar with "regenerative braking"?
- #4
rcgldr
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That uses some part of the drive train using components similar to a generator, and doesn't rely on friction (other than the friction between tires and road that coexists with the torque to drive the drivetrain when it's acting as a generator).berkeman said:
- #5
CWatters
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Friction is a force not energy. As for equations...
If you had a block of mass m being dragged along a surface at constant velocity v and the coefficient of friction was u then the power dissipated as heat would be roughly..
Power = force * velocity = mguv
If you had a block of mass m being dragged along a surface at constant velocity v and the coefficient of friction was u then the power dissipated as heat would be roughly..
Power = force * velocity = mguv
- #6
berkeman
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rcgldr said:
Bingo! Without friction, regenerative braking would not be possible.
- #7
Merlin3189
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So without friction would any braking be possible?berkeman said:Bingo! Without friction, regenerative braking would not be possible.
Perhaps we could use air braking, then use the air pressure to drive a turbine to provide regenerative energy.
- #8
David Lewis
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Friction can produce electricity directly via triboelectric effect, as in a Van de Graaff generator.
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