Bo Miao

The concept of perpetual motion machines has fascinated scientists and inventors for centuries. However, it’s essential to understand that true perpetual motion machines are impossible due to the laws of thermodynamics. Let’s break down the scenario you’ve described and address the researcher’s question.

A perpetual motion machine is a hypothetical device that can perform work indefinitely without an external energy source. Such a machine would violate the laws of thermodynamics. The laws of thermodynamics apply universally, regardless of the system’s size or complexity. There are three types of perpetual motion machines:

Machines of the First Kind: These machines produce work without any energy input. They violate the first law of thermodynamics. Machines of the Second Kind: These machines spontaneously convert thermal energy into mechanical work without any input. While they don’t violate the conservation of energy, they do violate the second law of thermodynamics. Machines of the Third Kind: These machines continue to be in motion forever due to inertia, but they cannot exist in practice due to unavoidable dissipation (e.g., friction).

In your scenario, you have two containers (A and B) separated by a transparent solid. Container A contains CO2 at a concentration of 3 mol/L, while container B contains CO2 at 1 mol/L. Radiation energy is transferred from container A to container B. The temperature in container B (Tb) is higher than in container A (Ta).

You are interested in whether this setup could lead to a perpetual motion machine based on radiation. Unfortunately, this scenario does not solve the problem of perpetual motion. Here’s why:While radiation is a long-range interaction, it still obeys the laws of thermodynamics.

The second law of thermodynamics states that the entropy (disorder) of an isolated system tends to increase over time. In other words, energy spontaneously flows from hotter regions to cooler regions. In your setup, container A (with higher concentration) will naturally radiate energy to container B (with lower concentration), resulting in cooling of container A. This process cannot continue indefinitely without an external energy source.

The temperature difference (Tb > Ta) does not change this fundamental limitation.

Even if you were to achieve perfect control over radiation, the energy stored in the CO2 concentrations would eventually be exhausted. Perpetual motion machines remain theoretical and cannot be commercialized because they violate the laws of thermodynamics.

In summary, while the concept of using radiation for energy transfer is intriguing, it does not provide a solution to perpetual motion. Researchers should focus on practical and sustainable energy solutions that adhere to the fundamental principles of physics

If you want to harvest energy from radiation, how about using the sun?

concept of a perpetual motion machine, particularly of the second kind, violates the second law of thermodynamics, which states that entropy in an isolated system always increases. This means that a machine that can continuously perform work without any energy input is not possible according to our current understanding of physical laws.

However, your mention of "radiation" and "remote energy transfer" suggests a focus on advanced energy technologies. While true perpetual motion remains impossible, remote energy transfer and efficient energy harvesting are active and promising fields of research. Here are some key points and considerations:

1. Wireless Energy Transfer

• Current Technology: Technologies like inductive charging (used in wireless phone chargers) and resonant inductive coupling (which allows for more distant energy transfer) are already in use.
• Development Areas: Researchers are working on increasing the range, efficiency, and power capacity of these technologies. This includes advances in magnetic resonance and microwave or laser-based energy transfer.

2. Solar Power and Energy Harvesting

• Radiation-Based Power: Solar panels convert sunlight (radiation) into electricity. Research into improving the efficiency of photovoltaic cells is ongoing, with innovations in materials and designs.
• Remote Areas: Solar power can be particularly valuable for remote or off-grid locations where traditional energy infrastructure is impractical.

3. Energy Storage

• Battery Technology: Advances in battery technology (e.g., lithium-ion, solid-state batteries) are crucial for storing energy harvested remotely.
• Capacitors and Supercapacitors: These can provide quick bursts of energy and have longer life cycles compared to traditional batteries.

4. Space-Based Solar Power

• Concept: Collecting solar energy in space and beaming it back to Earth via microwaves or lasers is an area of active research.
• Advantages: Space-based solar power could overcome limitations of terrestrial solar power, such as night-time and weather dependence.

5. Quantum and Advanced Materials Research

• New Materials: Research into quantum materials, metamaterials, and other advanced materials could lead to breakthroughs in energy transfer and conversion efficiency.
• Nano-Technology: Nanostructures can enhance the absorption and conversion of radiation into usable energy.

6. Regulatory and Safety Considerations

• Safety: Ensuring the safe transfer of high-power energy over distances is a critical concern, especially when using microwaves or lasers.
• Regulation: Developing standards and regulations to manage the deployment of these technologies is necessary to ensure public safety and address environmental concerns.

7. Commercialization Challenges

• Cost: Developing and deploying these technologies at a commercially viable cost is a significant challenge.
• Infrastructure: Building the necessary infrastructure for widespread use of remote energy transfer technologies is complex and requires significant investment.