Turning heat into sound waves is no new a concept for decades. Scientists have been doing this, using simple devices called acoustic heat engines. But, with the demand for alternative energy sources soaring, led by the increasing concerns for global warming or increasing consumption of energy, they don’t seem to be satisfied, not exploring this field of physics as well. Scientists have taken this transformation of heat energy a step further by converting it into usable electricity! They have successfully converted heat to sound energy and then to electricity by miniaturizing and optimizing the devices.
This development, if proved true, could open new horizons to super-efficient power plants, cars, and computers. A new generation of solar cells can also be produced using the technology.
This is how the conversion process is explained: Acoustic heat engines usually use a copper plate to conduct heat to a high-surface-area material like glass wool, which then heats the surrounding air. The movement of the hot air generates a single frequency sound wave, rather like a flute. And this in turns vibrates a piezoelectric electrode, producing voltage.
Scott Backhaus, who studies thermoacoustics at the Los Alamos National Laboratory said,
I realise anything to do with energy is really important these days. But we’re working on some applications for diesel engines, and I can tell you we’re not getting anywhere near 40% efficiency. I’m sceptical.
Ah! If all goes well, before it is placed on shelves across the nations, the technology could be installed on natural gas and coal-fired power plants for efficient production of electricity.
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