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To: thackney

You could use a Stirling engine. There are also semiconductor devices that can convert those types of thermal gradients directly to electricity. Frankly, it would also make a good hot water heater for a building.

Ideally, you would run a turbine with 1000C steam, but many useful systems can live with the low thermal gradient if they only have to refuel every decade.


121 posted on 05/28/2008 7:40:55 AM PDT by Netheron
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To: Netheron

Even if you get a 99% efficient machine, you still only have a few kilowatts of heat at near room temperature operation.


122 posted on 05/28/2008 7:43:05 AM PDT by thackney (life is fragile, handle with prayer)
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