Converting Directly into electrical energy

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around methods to convert various forms of energy directly into electrical energy, specifically seeking alternatives to traditional thermal energy conversion methods that typically involve spinning turbines. Participants explore different energy sources and conversion technologies.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants inquire about methods to convert energy directly into electrical energy without using thermal processes, specifically questioning the reliance on steam and turbines.
  • One participant suggests that various forms of energy can be converted into electrical energy, including chemical energy through fuel cells, mechanical energy via generators, and light using photovoltaics.
  • Another participant mentions thermoelectric generators as a method to convert temperature differences into electricity, noting their inefficiency and specific applications in spacecraft.
  • Commercial energy conversion methods discussed include hydroelectricity, wind power, and photovoltaics, while concepts and prototypes mentioned include solar updraft towers, tidal power plants, wave power plants, and osmotic power plants.
  • There is a query about the most efficient method for energy conversion, highlighting the interest in efficiency comparisons among different technologies.
  • One participant states that chemical energy can be converted to electrical energy with high efficiency in batteries and fuel cells, providing specific efficiency figures.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express multiple competing views on the methods and efficiencies of energy conversion technologies. There is no consensus on a single most efficient method, and the discussion remains unresolved regarding the best alternatives to traditional thermal energy conversion.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully defined the specific energy sources they are considering, which may affect the discussion. The efficiency claims are based on different technologies and may depend on various factors not fully explored in the thread.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals interested in renewable energy technologies, energy conversion methods, and efficiency comparisons in electrical energy generation.

michojek
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Is there any known method to convert straight into electrical energy?

without all that 'steam' part? xD
 
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michojek said:
Is there any known method to convert straight into electrical energy?

without all that 'steam' part? xD
Are you talking about converting thermal energy into electrical energy capable of doing useful mechanical work?

AM
 
Converting what into electric energy?

Chemical energy? Fuel cells (for some chemical reactions)
Mechanical energy? Generators
Light? Photovoltaics
Something else?
 
*Sorry for not making it clear,

I mean as, where all of our energy in the modern society is made through
spinning turbines by through thermal energy

so is there an alternative?
Other than *photovoltaics
 
michojek said:
*Sorry for not making it clear,

I mean as, where all of our energy in the modern society is made through
spinning turbines by through thermal energy

so is there an alternative?
Other than *photovoltaics
It depends on the source of energy. What is the source of energy?

AM
 
You can convert a temperature difference directly into electricity using a thermoelectric generator. However they are very inefficient. Their primary use is for radioisotope thermal generators on spacecraft where the reliability of having no moving parts is more important than pure efficiency.
 
Commercial concepts:
Hydroelectricity
Wind power
Photovoltaics (a bit expensive, but that might change)

Concepts/Prototypes:
Solar updraft tower -> heat is involved, but not in the conventional way
Tidal power plants
Wave power plants
Osmotic power plants (http://www.reuters.com/article/2009/11/24/us-norway-osmotic-idUSTRE5AN20Q20091124)

Possible:
Fuel cells (with hydrocarbons as fuel)
Thermoelectric generators
+ anything I forgot
 
So which is the most *efficient way?
 
Chemical energy can be converted to electrical energy with an efficiency of well over 90% in a battery. Other sorts of chemical energy can be converted to electrical with efficiencies up to around 65% in a fuel cell.
 

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