New Thermocell Could Turn 'Waste Heat' Into Electricity 181
dryriver sends this quote from Phys.org:
"Harvesting waste heat from power stations and even vehicle exhaust pipes could soon provide a valuable supply of electricity. A small team of Monash University researchers ... has developed an ionic liquid-based thermocell (abstract). Thermocell technology is based on harnessing the thermal energy from the difference in temperature between two surfaces and converting that energy into electricity. The new thermocell could be used to generate electricity from low grade steam in coal fired power stations at temperatures around 130C. This would be implemented by having the steam pass over the outer surface of the hot electrode to keep it hot while the other electrode is air or water cooled."
Plans announced to install in Washington DC. (Score:5, Funny)
Greatest source of hot air in the country. Expected to solve the energy crisis.
Re:Hmmmm (Score:5, Funny)
Did Congress repeal the Laws of Thermodynamics?
Yes. And because that makes us all criminals now, it means the NSA snooping is quite legitimate...