Difference between revisions of "Electricity"
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'''Electricity''' is the most versatile kind of [[energy]] used on [[Earth]]. It plays an important part in almost every modern [[:category:technology|technology]]. Electricity can be transmitted easily over a distance via [[cable]]s. It can be transformed into several other energy forms. A [[settlement]] on [[Mars]] can hardly be imagined without electricity. | '''Electricity''' is the most versatile kind of [[energy]] used on [[Earth]]. It plays an important part in almost every modern [[:category:technology|technology]]. Electricity can be transmitted easily over a distance via [[cable]]s. It can be transformed into several other energy forms. A [[settlement]] on [[Mars]] can hardly be imagined without electricity. | ||
| − | ==Generation== | + | ==Generation== |
Electrical energy can be produced directly in several ways. | Electrical energy can be produced directly in several ways. | ||
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* [[Solar panel|Solar Panel]] | * [[Solar panel|Solar Panel]] | ||
| − | [ | + | ===Mechanical Generators=== |
| + | The interactions between moving [[magnet|magnets]] or [[electromagnet|electromagnets]] can be used to produce electricity. | ||
| + | * [[Generator]] | ||
| + | * [[Magnetohydrodynamic generator|MHD Generator]] | ||
| + | * [[Dynamo]] | ||
| + | * [[Alternator]] | ||
| + | * [[homopolar generator|Homopolar Generator]] | ||
===Thermoelectric Generators=== | ===Thermoelectric Generators=== | ||
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* [[Electrochemical cell|Electrochemical Cell]] | * [[Electrochemical cell|Electrochemical Cell]] | ||
| − | + | ==Uses of Electricity== | |
| + | Electricity can be directly used to produce | ||
| + | * Heat | ||
| + | * [[lighting|Light]] | ||
| + | * Movement of machine parts. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Electrical energy can be directly stored in [[capacitors]] and [[inductors]], but only in very small amounts. Large amounts can be [[energy storage|stored indirectly in other energy forms]]. | ||
==Significance for a Martian colony== | ==Significance for a Martian colony== | ||
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For some settlement applications electricity can not be avoided. This is true for [[radio link]] and night time lighting. | For some settlement applications electricity can not be avoided. This is true for [[radio link]] and night time lighting. | ||
| − | + | ===Alternatives=== | |
| + | Although there is some comfort in using electricity for a variety of applications, there are on the other hand some disadvantages to be considered. The storage of large amounts of electrical energy is a problem. Moreover, every transformation causes some loss of energy. The following alternatives may provide an advantage: | ||
| + | * Movement of machine parts can alternatively be created by muscle work, [[pneumatics]] or [[hydraulics]]. Muscle work is, for a certain degree, always available. Combination with [[physical exercise]] should be considered. [[Compressed-air]] is an easy storage for pneumatic energy. | ||
| + | * Heating can be avoided with a thick thermal [[insulation]]. At best the human metabolism and the lighting cause enough heat for a comfortable room temperature. | ||
| + | * Automation can be implemented with pneumatics. | ||
==See Also== | ==See Also== | ||
Revision as of 08:51, 29 October 2012
Electricity is the most versatile kind of energy used on Earth. It plays an important part in almost every modern technology. Electricity can be transmitted easily over a distance via cables. It can be transformed into several other energy forms. A settlement on Mars can hardly be imagined without electricity.
Contents
Generation
Electrical energy can be produced directly in several ways.
Photovoltaics
The conversion of photons to electricity.
Mechanical Generators
The interactions between moving magnets or electromagnets can be used to produce electricity.
Thermoelectric Generators
A thermoelectric generator produces electricity from differences in thermal energy between two or more areas.
Piezoelectrics
Piezoelectricity is the generation of electricity as a direct result of mechanical deformation.
Electrochemistry
Uses of Electricity
Electricity can be directly used to produce
- Heat
- Light
- Movement of machine parts.
Electrical energy can be directly stored in capacitors and inductors, but only in very small amounts. Large amounts can be stored indirectly in other energy forms.
Significance for a Martian colony
Inevitabilities
For some settlement applications electricity can not be avoided. This is true for radio link and night time lighting.
Alternatives
Although there is some comfort in using electricity for a variety of applications, there are on the other hand some disadvantages to be considered. The storage of large amounts of electrical energy is a problem. Moreover, every transformation causes some loss of energy. The following alternatives may provide an advantage:
- Movement of machine parts can alternatively be created by muscle work, pneumatics or hydraulics. Muscle work is, for a certain degree, always available. Combination with physical exercise should be considered. Compressed-air is an easy storage for pneumatic energy.
- Heating can be avoided with a thick thermal insulation. At best the human metabolism and the lighting cause enough heat for a comfortable room temperature.
- Automation can be implemented with pneumatics.
