Generating electricity from universal background radition?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion explores the feasibility of generating electricity from universal background radiation, focusing on the potential for converting this low-level heat into usable energy. It touches on theoretical implications and practical challenges related to energy conversion and efficiency.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether the universal background radiation could serve as a clean and limitless energy source by converting its minuscule heat into electricity.
  • Another participant argues that radiation requires a cold sink to be useful, noting that the photons are not in phase, which complicates energy extraction.
  • A different viewpoint suggests that the energy needed to create a cold sink might negate any energy gained from the temperature gradient, raising concerns about efficiency.
  • One participant encourages the original poster to engage more deeply with the topic and to seek out supportive resources and discussions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the practicality of generating electricity from universal background radiation, with no consensus reached on the feasibility or methods of such energy conversion.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight assumptions regarding energy efficiency and the necessity of a cold sink, which remain unresolved in the discussion.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to individuals exploring unconventional energy sources, as well as those curious about the intersection of physics and energy generation concepts.

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I'm not a physics major or anything (I'm actually a biochem major) but I was just wondering if the universal background radiation that keeps the universe (on average) a few degrees Kelvin warmer than absolute zero could possibly be enough to generate electricity. Essentially this minuscule amount of heat would have to be converted to electricity. It'd be interesting to see because it would be a safe, clean, and essentially limitless source of energy.
 
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Radiation is useless without a cold sink. The photons are not in phase.

Nobody said there is a problem with energy, but there's a problem with useful energy. If you aren't into physics, don't worry about it.
 
I'm guessing the energy required to make a cold sink to establish a temperature gradient would equal the energy gotten out of it (and that's assuming 100% efficiency)? Hm, what if whatever process used to generate electricity also lowered the temperature and did so at the rate of heat diffusion?
 
Curl said:
If you aren't into physics, don't worry about it.

I'm sure that kind of thinking is what pushes mankind forward.

Seriously, if you are interested in your idea, DO worry about it. Start reading, and asking questions. Hopefully the majority of people will be slightly more supportive.

Cheers!
Adrian
 

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