Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

I am a highschool student conducting a research project that pertains to electrical engineering. I am wondering if an EMF generator (specifically a back emf permanent electromagnetic motor generator), like a Bedini motor or SSG motor,would be able produce a high enough C.O.P.,to possible supply work (light source) as well as recharge its own operator (12V battery). The surplus constant power left after supplying the 12V battery does not have to be high, maybe just enough to power a couple of l.e.d.'s. Thank you for your time and consideration.

mkhashimoto22 - Somewhere between myth and lore exists the Bedini motor. You are entering the realm of perpetual motion. A great experiment would be to build a functioning Bedini motor and actually make careful enough measurements to prove why it really doesn't violate the 2nd law of thermodynamics. Use others experiments as the basis. There is an abundance of information about the Bedini and Adams motors where you could research what has been demonstrated, some of the claims being made, and start to understand why it has been difficult to debunk. We all know that a stage magician can create incredible illusions; the Bedini motor demonstrations and measurements are akin to the magicians sleight of hand. Like the fabled "200 mile per gallon carburetor", the Bedini remains a staple for many who followed in the steps of those that believe they have discovered a free energy source in the universe.

I think your intended experiment might approach a very efficient motor-generator-battery experiment, but eventually it will stop.

Rick Marz

rmarz- thank you for valuable input on my ideas. I did as well have some skepticism when hearing of a generator that could be classified as a perpetual motion machine of the second kind. I will see if I can follow an alternate route for my experiment before of after seeking the truth behind the Bedini motor, perhaps finding one that can provide work at the cost of small amounts of drain on the operator, perhaps a less efficient but more realistic solution. The reason I had initially proposed this idea because I find many faults with present day bicycle dynamos. What would your thoughts be on continuing with the use of a brushless dc motor or alternator? -I am thankful for your thoughts

mkhashimoto22,

What you are considering here is exactly how modern "hybrid" automobiles and trucks operate.

Their primary source of power is a bank of batteries that power an electric motor. When the operator applies the brakes, they actually convert the motor into a generator. That generator takes the kinetic energy from the wheels and puts it back into the batteries. Because there are losses in the system - wind resistance, heat generated by the tires, and friction in the transmission and bearings of the vehicle - one can never return as much energy to the batteries as one takes out. So, periodically, the batteries need to be externally recharged, either by plugging the vehicle into the mains, or by running a gasoline motor to run the generator.

You could learn a lot about your ideas by studying hybrid vehicles.

Have fun!

ednau3,

Thank you for your replies, they have helped me in many ways.