
Originally Posted by
binarypill
if we can find a way to induce electron flow independent of any power source (battery, outlet power), then we have something better than wireless power. we have power on demand.
by "find a way to induce electron flow" what you're saying boss is to make an "electrical potential difference" or commonly called Voltage..this is the only way in order to make as you call it "electrons flow"..regardless of whatever application you're using.. simple example is battery.. and the only way to do that is to have a power source to generate "electrical potential difference"..
let me cite two examples used above:
1. solar cells:
->as i've mentioned, to generate electricity we need to have "electrical potential difference"..solar cells do that by "photovoltaic effect"..when photons in sunlight hit the solar panel and are absorbed by semiconducting materials, such as silicon, electrons (negatively charged) are knocked loose from their atoms, allowing them to flow through the material to produce electricity. Due to the special composition of solar cells, the electrons are only allowed to move in a single direction. Complementary positive charges, called holes, are also created and flow in the opposite direction to the electrons. This is what creates the "electrical potential difference", since all the "electrons" (negatively charged) are on one side, while the "holes" (positively charged) are on the other side..in effect, making an effective DC power source..
2. human body
->to simplify matters, think of our body as rechargeable battery..the "electrical potential difference" is made by the imbalance between potassium and sodium ions inside and outside the cell. This is basically a type of electro-chemical power source (i.e., battery)..
->for details, pls refer
HowStuffWorks "How does the body make electricity -- and how does it use it?"
thus, we can't induce "electron flow" without power source (electrical potential difference or voltage)..it simply cannot be done..
maybe what you've meant boss is that we have to have better alternative power sources like wind, solar, tidal, fuel cells, etc..and something which we could fit in our pocket or in our cars..the technology is already under development, with some already in prototype stage..
thanks..