Nuclear power appears to be a powerful way to make steam that spins a turbine. Same with geothermal, wind, & hydro. Maybe not solar? Isn’t energy lost in the multiple energy conversions (heat, water state, kinetic)? Is it theoretically possible to have a power source that more directly moves electrons through a circuit? If solar is the only one that can, it’s limited in efficiency and where it can be used. What about power generation undersea or on Ganymede or something?
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Current can be generated by moving wire near a magnetic field; or, moving the magnetic field near a loop or wire. Rotating motion is not the only way to do this but is a great way to do this. Imagine a device where you move a loop of wire in a straight line through a magnetic field – no matter how long it is, ultimately you have to move your wire back where it started!
There are other ways to generate electrical flow more directly. Other than PV, they tend to have drawbacks or be less efficient. The Seebeck effect generates voltage from a heat difference – the energy you can get is less than 10% of the heat energy flowing through the part. PV is now >20% but won’t ever hit 50% for example.
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