How Can a Simple Device Improve Energy Efficiency?

AI Thread Summary
A simple device can significantly enhance energy efficiency by utilizing a Stirling engine to convert waste heat back into electricity, thereby reducing overall energy consumption. This approach not only improves the efficiency of machines but also slightly lessens the load on air conditioning systems in environments like server farms. The focus should be on integrating affordable, expendable devices rather than developing more complex solutions. The potential benefits, while modest per unit, could accumulate to substantial energy savings across multiple machines. Emphasizing simplicity and cost-effectiveness may be key to addressing energy challenges.
dr dodge
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It /is/ neat. I'd be interested to know how they start it.

I also saw a prototype variant a couple of years ago, without the fan, that generated a small (very) amount of electricity from the stirling to reduce the amount consumed. The big potential advantage was that by returning the heat to electricity it reduced both the electricity required to run the machine by improving efficiency but also in turn reduced by a very small amount the load on the air conditioning in the room where the machine is operated. Not a huge amount per machine but taken across an entire server farm it starts getting interesting.
 
I firmly believe that this is where our energy problem solutions should focused.
not on a 'bigger better, new and improved widget" but on how just the addition of a simple, cheap expendable device decreases the energy consumption. Wonder how much they are.

dr
 
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