What Are the Best Methods for Harvesting Thermal Energy and Their Efficiency?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around methods for harvesting thermal energy, specifically focusing on ambient and solid thermal energy, as well as their efficiencies and limitations. Participants seek references and articles that outline these methods.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants inquire about articles or references related to harvesting thermal energy and its efficiency.
  • One participant suggests looking into "thermoelectric materials" and mentions the Department of Energy's interest in molten salts for thermal storage.
  • Another participant provides the DOE website link for further information.
  • A participant references the Carnot efficiency as a well-known limitation in thermal energy harvesting, indicating that it cannot be surpassed by cycles powered by temperature differences.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the interest in thermal energy harvesting methods, but there are multiple competing views regarding specific methods and their efficiencies, and the discussion remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the dependence on specific definitions of efficiency and the unresolved nature of various methods discussed.

physior
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hello

is there a good article or reference to outline the available methods to harvest ambient or solid thermal energy and their efficiency and limitations?

thanks!
 
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physior said:
hello

is there a good article or reference to outline the available methods to harvest ambient or solid thermal energy and their efficiency and limitations?

thanks!
Look up "thermoelectric materials".

Also look at what you can find on the DOE website. I recall DOE being interested in projects with molten salts as thermal storage materials.
 
what's the DOE website?
 
physior said:
what's the DOE website?
doe.gov -- Department of Energy (Department of Energy)
 
A well known limitation is the Carnot efficiency. You can't beat that with a cycle powered by temperature differences.
 

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