The energy demand of the world is constantly increasing at an alarming rate. The sources for energy are few, dangerous in some cases and mostly exhaustible in nature. Making matters worse is the price of these dwindling resources. Pondering over this dilemma reminded me about a phenomenon that was rather eye-opening. Some of us recall the little sticker on our mobile phones. These stickers would light up when a call was made or received and while texting as well. This rather simple trick may hold the key to what I like to call recycled energy.
The idea here is simple. Recycle energy that is "lost" when converted into another form of energy from various scenarios. A typical pylon (High-voltage power distribution tower) may produce enough energy to light up 1300 fluorescent tubes without the tubes even being attached physically to a power source. How is this possible? The key lies in Electro-Magnetic Radiation (EMR). Every electronic device that we use emits a certain amount of EMR. People, in fact also produce and are affected by this form of radiation.
Nikola Tesla was a pioneer in the field of electronics and wireless transmission. A quick look at his work reveals the potential this source of energy holds. In one case, light bulbs in houses around 100 feet from lab lit up during his experiments into wireless transmissions. The fact it was done accidentally is further testament to this incredible concept. Nikola Tesla's work is a starting point to look into the idea of recycling energy.
While we always looked at tangible sources that we could control there was another phenomenon that shows us the vastness of a possible energy source. That natural effect is called St. Elmo's fire. In real life situations this typical occurs during a severe thunderstorm and is mostly seen occurring at the tip of sharp objects such as lighting arrestors. They can also be seen on water in open seas during such weather conditions.
Electro-Magnetic Radiation as I mentioned earlier is produced by any electronic device. Research into converting EMR to useable energy may allow us to, at the least, reduce the footprint on energy demands. Since electronic devices produce EMR it may be possible that in future highly efficient variants of these converters could possibly serve as the sole source of power with the assistance of a series of capacitor. Electric vehicles could take advantage of this idea to gain longer range without recharging. It may even be possible to make self-sustaining electric vehicles.
Then there is the advantage that this idea can be deployed in remote areas where it is difficult to provide electricity due to poor infrastructure or due to the extreme conditions of the location.
Some key facts:
1. The average EMR output from a mobile phone is approx. 1W.
2. Pylons create tremendous amounts of heat due to the resistance required to create very high voltages needed for long distance power transmission.
3. EMR from an average pylon can power more than 1000 tubes. Each tube requires approx. 20W. That means each pylon produces enough EMR equivalent to 20KW.
If you would like to do some further reading I suggest that you start here:
Electro-Magnetic Radiation
Nikola Tesla
St. Elmo's Fire
Richard Box
While we always looked at tangible sources that we could control there was another phenomenon that shows us the vastness of a possible energy source. That natural effect is called St. Elmo's fire. In real life situations this typical occurs during a severe thunderstorm and is mostly seen occurring at the tip of sharp objects such as lighting arrestors. They can also be seen on water in open seas during such weather conditions.
Electro-Magnetic Radiation as I mentioned earlier is produced by any electronic device. Research into converting EMR to useable energy may allow us to, at the least, reduce the footprint on energy demands. Since electronic devices produce EMR it may be possible that in future highly efficient variants of these converters could possibly serve as the sole source of power with the assistance of a series of capacitor. Electric vehicles could take advantage of this idea to gain longer range without recharging. It may even be possible to make self-sustaining electric vehicles.
Then there is the advantage that this idea can be deployed in remote areas where it is difficult to provide electricity due to poor infrastructure or due to the extreme conditions of the location.
Some key facts:
1. The average EMR output from a mobile phone is approx. 1W.
2. Pylons create tremendous amounts of heat due to the resistance required to create very high voltages needed for long distance power transmission.
3. EMR from an average pylon can power more than 1000 tubes. Each tube requires approx. 20W. That means each pylon produces enough EMR equivalent to 20KW.
If you would like to do some further reading I suggest that you start here:
Electro-Magnetic Radiation
Nikola Tesla
St. Elmo's Fire
Richard Box
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| Image Credit: richardbox.com |
Energy recycling is as easy as it sounds, purchase a solar installation and join the green team!! Cause we're taking over the market within a decade or so. We're gonna kick that oil drum to the freaking curb.
ReplyDelete-Sharone Tal
Solar New Jersey