Pressure as a renewable source of energy

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of generating electricity from pressure, exploring various machines and devices that might utilize pressure as a renewable energy source. Participants consider both theoretical and practical applications, including existing technologies and the limitations of pressure as an energy source.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant is designing a machine to produce electricity using pressure and inquires about existing devices that achieve this.
  • Another participant suggests researching piezoelectrics, although they note that these are not typically considered power generators for large-scale electricity production.
  • It is pointed out that pressure alone cannot generate electricity without a difference in pressure, and that something must flow between regions of different pressure.
  • Central station steam plants are mentioned as utilizing pressure to generate electricity, but it is clarified that they require an energy source to produce steam.
  • Hydroelectric dams are cited as examples of systems that use the pressure of water to generate energy, indicating a pattern in the utilization of pressure in energy generation.
  • A comparison is made between using pressure and using high temperature to generate electricity, suggesting that both require specific conditions to be effective.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the viability of using pressure as a direct source of electricity generation. While some acknowledge existing technologies that utilize pressure, others emphasize the necessity of specific conditions, such as pressure differentials, to effectively harness energy.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations regarding the understanding of pressure as a standalone energy source and the need for additional mechanisms or conditions to facilitate electricity generation.

abdo799
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I am designing a machine to produce electricity , using pressure as a source of energy.
So my question is simple, is there any machine or device that are used to produce electricity from pressure?
 
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Yes, google piezoelectrics.
 
Note that anything that leaves the pressure unchanged will not produce electricity.
 
Central station steam plants use lots of pressure to make electricity, though not directly of course.
 
mikeph said:
Yes, google piezoelectrics.
I know about piezoelectrics , they are not considered as power generators though, i am talking about a generator , to generate electricity on a bigger scale, like solar or wind
 
SteamKing said:
Central station steam plants use lots of pressure to make electricity, though not directly of course.

doesn't a steam plant need a source of energy to produce steam ?
 
abdo799 said:
doesn't a steam plant need a source of energy to produce steam ?
They sure do. But pressure doesn't exist by itself, in a vacuum, so to speak.
 
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Pressure by itself cannot be used to power anything. For that you need 2 regions of different pressure.
 
Hydroelectric dams (usually) also utilize the pressure energy of pressurized water to produce energy. Are we detecting a pattern yet?
 
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  • #10
mrspeedybob said:
Pressure by itself cannot be used to power anything. For that you need 2 regions of different pressure.
And something flowing between them.
 
  • #11
It's like saying, I'm going to use me some high temperature to make an electric generator.
 
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  • #12
Ok , thanks for your help
 

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