Myuncle Posted June 8, 2015 Posted June 8, 2015 Why they don't seal the turbines inside a vacuum? By watching this clip, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WTt_hoWtMIc, is clear that a wheel would spin much longer inside a vacuum. So, let's say that you use a normal wind turbine (or solar panels) to activate 10 other turbines sealed in a vacuum. It would be like multiplying the energy. What do you think?
Strange Posted June 8, 2015 Posted June 8, 2015 Why they don't seal the turbines inside a vacuum? I think the clue is in the name: if they were in a vacuum, there would be no wind to make them turn. So, let's say that you use a normal wind turbine (or solar panels) to activate 10 other turbines sealed in a vacuum. It would be like multiplying the energy. What do you think? You mean use the electricity you generate to turn the wind turbines? That seems like a waste of electricity...
Endy0816 Posted June 8, 2015 Posted June 8, 2015 So, let's say that you use a normal wind turbine (or solar panels) to activate 10 other turbines sealed in a vacuum. It would be like multiplying the energy. What do you think? You would take additional conversion and friction losses, lowering total energy output. Instead of simply: Mechanical to Electrical you end up with: Mechanical to Electrical to Mechanical to Electrical
Myuncle Posted June 8, 2015 Author Posted June 8, 2015 (edited) You would take additional conversion and friction losses, lowering total energy output. Instead of simply: Mechanical to Electrical you end up with: Mechanical to Electrical to Mechanical to Electrical If you end up with lowering the energy output, I can't argue with that. I was hoping it would be the opposite. I imagined turbines sealed in a vacuum, in a horizontal position, to lower the friction you could even put rollerblade wheels at the end of the blades. And also they could be placed underground. How much energy is required to spin them, if you can push them by hand, why not using a bit of electricity? Edited June 8, 2015 by Myuncle
Strange Posted June 8, 2015 Posted June 8, 2015 How much energy is required to spin them, if you can push them by hand, why not using a bit of electricity? It is a rule that it requires more energy to turn them than you can get out. TAANSTAFL Or: You can't win (first law of thermodynamics) You can't break even (second law of thermodynamics) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laws_of_thermodynamics
Endy0816 Posted June 8, 2015 Posted June 8, 2015 If you end up with lowering the energy output, I can't argue with that. I was hoping it would be the opposite. I imagined turbines sealed in a vacuum, in a horizontal position, to lower the friction you could even put rollerblade wheels at the end of the blades. And also they could be placed underground. How much energy is required to spin them, if you can push them by hand, why not using a bit of electricity? I think what you are thinking of is the generator portion. You could seal that in a vacuum and it will work just fine. Main issues then become maintaining the vacuum while still operating the generator and getting rid of heat. to lower the friction you could even put rollerblade wheels at the end of the blades. Generators have indeed made use of roller and ball bearings.
Greg H. Posted June 9, 2015 Posted June 9, 2015 It is a rule that it requires more energy to turn them than you can get out. TAANSTAFL Or: You can't win (first law of thermodynamics) You can't break even (second law of thermodynamics) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laws_of_thermodynamics And my favorite: You can't quit the game.
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