Most efficient way to convert mechanical energy into heat.

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the most efficient methods to convert mechanical energy into heat, exploring various approaches, mechanisms, and considerations related to friction and other processes. Participants examine theoretical and practical aspects of this energy conversion, including applications in specific systems like pulleys and fluid dynamics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that mechanical friction and fluidic friction are primary methods for converting mechanical energy to heat.
  • It is proposed that converting work to heat is generally 100% efficient, as energy conservation implies all mechanical energy will eventually become heat unless stored otherwise.
  • One participant questions the goal of obtaining high-quality (low entropy) heat from mechanical processes.
  • Several participants mention that friction is the main mechanism for generating heat, especially in practical applications like automotive brake pads.
  • Ideas for generating heat include using bad axle bearings, stirring fluids to create shear, and employing devices like tilt hammers and air compressors to compress air and generate heat through work.
  • Participants also humorously suggest unconventional methods, such as lighting materials on fire or creating fire by spinning wood.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that friction is a key method for converting mechanical energy into heat, but there are multiple competing views on the best specific methods and mechanisms to achieve this conversion. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the most efficient or suitable approaches for different contexts.

Contextual Notes

Some responses depend on specific applications or conditions, such as the type of mechanical system in use (e.g., pulleys, fans) and the availability of resources. There are also assumptions about the efficiency of various methods that may not be universally applicable.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals interested in mechanical engineering, thermodynamics, or those working on projects involving energy conversion and heat generation.

ciurio
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Hi

What is most efficient way to convert mechanical energy into heat?
 
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ciurio said:
Hi

What is most efficient way to convert mechanical energy into heat?

Well you don't have a lot of choices, mainly mechanical friction or fluidic friction. Between the two I'd say mechanical friction is pretty good at converting work to heat, but if you need to harvest the heat drag in a fluid might be the way to go...
 
virtually any way you do it will be 100% efficient.
 
Perhaps the intended question was: what's the best way to get high quality (low entropy) heat from a mechanical process?
 
russ_watters said:
virtually any way you do it will be 100% efficient.
Exactly. Converting work to heat is relatively easy and conservation of energy says that all the mechanical energy must be converted to some other form so unless that energy is being stored as kinetic energy, potential energy or some other form that DOESN'T create heat, it's all going to be heat. For example, expanders used in industry (ie: to remove work energy from a fluid stream) convert that work to heat using either hydraulic resistance or electrical resistance. Same for engine http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dynamometer#Types_of_absorption.2Fdriver_units".
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Q_Goest said:
Exactly. Converting work to heat is relatively easy and conservation of energy says that all the mechanical energy must be converted to some other form so unless that energy is being stored as kinetic energy, potential energy or some other form that DOESN'T create heat, it's all going to be heat. For example, expanders used in industry (ie: to remove work energy from a fluid stream) convert that work to heat using either hydraulic resistance or electrical resistance. Same for engine http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dynamometer#Types_of_absorption.2Fdriver_units".

and how can we generate heat from mechanical energy? if we want to generate heat from some pulley system how can we do that?
 
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94yashwanth said:
if we want to generate heat from some pulley system how can we do that?

Really bad axle bearings... :rolleyes:
 
Light it on fire

But seriously, unless you have combustion or other chemical reactions, you will have to rely on friction to make your heat. That's easy enough to do.
 
  • #10
Travis_King said:
Light it on fire

But seriously, unless you have combustion or other chemical reactions, you will have to rely on friction to make your heat. That's easy enough to do.


and how to generate heat from that...i know that's easy but according to my project i need to plan out which would be suitable so kindly pls list out all the possible ways plsssss...
 
  • #11
94yashwanth said:
and how to generate heat from that...i know that's easy but according to my project i need to plan out which would be suitable so kindly pls list out all the possible ways plsssss...

Dude... unless you have access to national level multibillion dollar laboratory facilities, your only hope is friction. How you want to generate that is up to you. Something akin to automotive brake pads might be worth looking at as a starting point.
 
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  • #12
Danger said:
Dude... unless you have access to national level multibillion dollar laboratory facilities, your only hope is friction. How to want to generate that is up to you. Something akin to automotive brake pads might be worth looking at as a starting point.

soo...wat do u think will be the best way to get more heat from a pulley system through fricton...meant ...wats the best way to achieve as per ur opinion!
 
  • #13
How about shearing a fluid? Make a device that stirs a liquid and the liquid will heat up. The more difficult it is to stir, the better.
 
  • #14
How about using your pulley to drive a tilt hammer, driving a reciprocating air compressor, and squishing that air through an orifice, then using that compressed air to drive a little air turbine, connect that to a generator, and connect that to a set of heating elements. That would make some heat.
 
  • #15
make fire by spinning a piece of wood. That's the oldest example of mechanical friction causing heat that I know of.
 
  • #16
brewnog said:
How about using your pulley to drive a tilt hammer, driving a reciprocating air compressor, and squishing that air through an orifice, then using that compressed air to drive a little air turbine, connect that to a generator, and connect that to a set of heating elements. That would make some heat.

You are a cruel man... :biggrin:
 
  • #17
Is the pulley allowed to drive another device?
 
  • #18
iaing94 said:
Is the pulley allowed to drive another device?


yeah it is connected to a rotating fan in the cylonic separation tank
 

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