Alternative energy sources

[neddyw]

Ive been sent a Brightminds catelogue (science stuff for kids) and noticed that there are loads of products now available that work off 'green' energy sources - clocks that work off veg or mud, calculators that run on water etc. I appreciate that a calculator needs very little power to operate but why cant this technology be used to produce power for the national grid? If mud can run an alarm clock why doesnt each house have a metal rod stuck in the garden to get electricity to run outdoor lights?

[ll_billym]

Maybe you should buy one and then you would know the answer to your question :-)

The power does not come from the mud or vegetables it comes from the "battery" that is supplied with the clock in the form of specially treated zinc and copper electrodes. The mud acts as a salt bridge to complete the construction of the battery.

In time this battery will wear out and will stop working like all batteries. And I'm afraid to say that like all batteries it takes more energy to make them at the factory than you will ever get out of them.

Take a read here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lemon_battery

[neddyw]

Thanks for answer

I thought it would be too straight forward............

[fo3nix]

It's just a question of 'how much' power.

If you converted the entire national grid system to run from wind farms, then you wouldn't have enough energy to run the country as we do today (unless you filled the country with the things).

The best source of energy is nuclear power. It's just a shame so many are afraid of it due to Hollywood (and a few stupid mistakes).

[boogieboogie]

What a shame for a moment I had a glimps of the future, I could see a house with a rod protruding from it and bending into a mud patch in the garden. Nice idea.
I have a pendulum clock and the only energy it uses is mine to wind it every 8 days. I like wind up things they are more reliable, torches, radios. Wish I could wind up my cooker and tv and pc too.