Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

sir i have an idea of converting the heat energy into electrical energy using diodes which is the general phenomena for current in reverse bias but i am not in a situation to get the desired instruments to complete my project so can you help me in giving the instruments required for my project.

vivek wrote:i have an idea of converting the heat energy into electrical energy using diodes which is the general phenomena for current in reverse bias

I'm not sure I understand exactly what you are trying to accomplish.

If you are thinking about something that can generate a lot of electrical power from heat energy, I know of no semiconductor properties (diodes are semiconductors) that might prove useful as a primary means of converting heat into electricity. Most of the existing methods for generating electricity from heat involve an intermediate step of mechanical energy being used to turn an electrical generator.

If you are trying to measure temperature, then things like thermocouples and RTD (Resistance Temperature Detector) will provide an electrical analog signal that can be measured to indirectly measure the temperature. A reversed biased diode doesn't make a very good temperature sensor because the leakage current involved is actually producing heat which must be disapated to prevent a thermal run away condition.

The only direct conversion of heat to electrical energy that I'm aware of is via thermocouples and that isn't very efficient and doesn't produce a lot of power.

criag thx for your answer hope this would help me in my further investigation

Is there any instrument or is it possible to convert kinetic energy to electrical energy

Hi Vivek,

Please keep all of your posts in one topic so the experts can better help you. Thanks!

Is it possible to change kinetic energy to electrical energy

thanks for your suggestion melissa

Hi,

The short answer to your question is yes.. If you move a magnet through a coil of conducting wire electrical voltage will be induced in the wire coil. A lot of the electricity we use is generated by converting the kinetic energy of falling water into electrical energy just this way.

You may find this website helpful:

http://tonto.eia.doe.gov/kids/energy.cf ... ergy-forms

If you read a book about electricity and magnetism, or the section about this in a physics textbook, the connection between kinetic energy and electricity will be explained in detail.

You asked a really good and fundamental question. I encourage you to do some reading and explore it further.

Best regards,

Barrett Tomlinson

thanks for your link and to be accurate my idea was it possible to change the kinetic energy applied by us (when we are walking or running) to electrical energy

Hi,

Almost any form of energy can be converted to any other form of energy if you are clever enough.

In your specific example, you might look into a form of flashlight that is being widely sold. The ones I have seeen have a clear plastic case. Inside there is a coil of wire. A large cylinder magnet is free to slide up and down through the coil. To use it you shake the flashlight up and down for a while, which stores a charge om a capacitpr in the flashlight. You can then use the LED in the flashlight to shine light where you need it for a few minutes.

Barrett Tomlinson