See also:
Lord Kelvin's thunderstorm: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kelvin_water_dropper
Vaneless ion wind generator: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vaneless_ion_wind_generator
New scientific device creates electricity from snowfall
31–37 of 37 posts
Re: New scientific device creates electricity from snowfall
#32[deleted]
Re: New scientific device creates electricity from snowfall
#33A lot of comments here seem to be missing the point. This isn't supposed to add electricity to the grid. It just makes a self sufficient weather station to measure snowfall. Which is cool. A lot of times you'd want to measure such things away from the grid without having to worry about batteries. Something I'm curious about is whether similar tech could be used to self sufficiently measure pollen.
I think the article does't clarify that point, because it says:
"The new device could be integrated into solar panels to provide a continuous power supply when it snows, he said."
Re: New scientific device creates electricity from snowfall
#34A lot of comments here seem to be missing the point. This isn't supposed to add electricity to the grid. It just makes a self sufficient weather station to measure snowfall. Which is cool. A lot of times you'd want to measure such things away from the grid without having to worry about batteries. Something I'm curious about is whether similar tech could be used to self sufficiently measure pollen.
I think the article does't clarify that point, because it says: "The new device could be integrated into solar panels to provide a continuous power supply when it snows, he said."
>“The device can work in remote areas because it provides its own power and does not need batteries,” said senior author Richard Kaner
Second paragraph.
The point is, when it snows, often the sun is blocked, or the solar panels might get covered. While it is snowing this device can continue to work without batteries.
Re: New scientific device creates electricity from snowfall
#35Earlier quoted context omitted.
I think the article does't clarify that point, because it says: "The new device could be integrated into solar panels to provide a continuous power supply when it snows, he said."
>“The device can work in remote areas because it provides its own power and does not need batteries,” said senior author Richard Kaner Second paragraph. The point is, when it snows, often the sun is blocked, or the solar panels might get covered. While it is snowing this device can continue to work without batteries.
I think for clarity, the article should touch on the magnitude of the power output in human terms.
For example, some models of the Nissan Leaf electric car have a small solar panel on the roof.
Surprisingly, I think this is a selling point for the car or the option package that includes the panel because people think this car will give you many miles of free driving.
However, it's supposed to maintain the 12v battery, but its 5 watts of power might not be sufficient power for even that minor task.
Re: New scientific device creates electricity from snowfall
#36Despite my strong skepticism of this technology being used as a replacement or even supplement for solar panels anytime in the near future, I really admire the creative thought process that led them to get even the miniscule results they did. I'm not a chemist or phyhsicist in any regard, so I can't say whether this could be the stepping stone to something more large scale down the line. Could anyone shed light on wh…
In the paper, the product produces 0.2 mW/m^2 Solar panels produce 175W/m^2 for comparison. If this ever produced 1W/m^2 I'd be shocked.
Is the power enough to melt the snow to clear the panels of the snow. That could be a good use for it. Solar pan
Re: New scientific device creates electricity from snowfall
#37Earlier quoted context omitted.
In the paper, the product produces 0.2 mW/m^2 Solar panels produce 175W/m^2 for comparison. If this ever produced 1W/m^2 I'd be shocked.
Is the power enough to melt the snow to clear the panels of the snow. That could be a good use for it. Solar pan
It is not.
It takes 2.09J/g to heat ice 1 degree.