Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Technology => Topic started by: thedoc on 22/05/2015 03:50:01

Title: Can you use the kelvin water drop generator for a light bulb
Post by: thedoc on 22/05/2015 03:50:01

Julius asked the Naked Scientists:
   
Can you use the kelvin water drop generator for a light bulb? Or is it just something to look at?

What do you think?

Title: Re: Can you use the kelvin water drop generator for a light bulb
Post by: Colin2B on 22/05/2015 04:40:33

Quote from: thedoc on 22/05/2015 03:50:01

Julius asked the Naked Scientists:
   
Can you use the kelvin water drop generator for a light bulb? Or is it just something to look at?

What do you think?

I don't think enough current for a standard light bulb, but electrofluorescent materials might work.

Title: Re: Can you use the kelvin water drop generator for a light bulb
Post by: evan_au on 22/05/2015 12:14:23

Some examples of the Kelvin water dropper  (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kelvin_water_dropper)seem to build up enough charge to flash a small neon globe for less than a millisecond every 5 seconds.
That might be enough light for a disco for snails...

The energy of 1 liter of water (1kg) falling for half a meter is about 5 Joules.
If it flows out over a period of 5 minutes, that is about 16mW, or enough to power a small LED.