Introduction
Tom Vales had a very nice presentation to allow the class to see these energy alternatives in action. His novelty demonstrations of energy production were inspiring to keep research and development as a priority. The idea of producing energy from water temperature differentials for example was something I personally would have never thought could be done. Now with the demonstration, I have a wider perspective in potential resources for electricity, and I think it had the same type of effect with many students in the class. Some of his demonstations were especially noteworthy to recall.
Tesla’s coil
Vales’ homemade tesla coil worked just as effectively as one that could be seen in the Museum of Science. In conjunction with this fact, he explained that the copper bucket had nothing inside; it was simply a long, thing copper wire coiled around the bucket. When I saw the sparks it could produce I was amazed at what a relatively small scale model could produce. Furthermore, the demonstrations of the effects of the magnetic field were also interesting. I was able to see how expansive the range for available power was, and from reference of the demonstration I can tell that a model with an incredibly large production capacity would be needed to power the entire range of a room or home.
Silver Engine
The silver engine was also an interesting model to observe. It is suspended by a magnetic field, and its precision in design is stunning. It is also extremely fragile. Although it has little practical use for today’s power production, it was still a neat device to see in operation. If I recall correctly, the engine runs off hot air, so I imagine engines like these would work best in hot areas like the equator. It may not have much practical use now, but it may one day become essenial for renewable energy in the future.
Temperature difference engine
This engine was cool to see as well. Tom Vales said it produces electricity from the temperature difference that it comes into contact with. He also said the two temperatures of water in the cup were arranged with the colder water on top, and warmer water at the bottom. This caught my attention because normally water tends to arrange temperature in the opposite position. Warm water rises, while cold water sinks. I do not know why this switch happens, but I would guess that the engine is in some way responsible.
Steam Engine
The steam engine was fun to see on such a small scale, but what caught my attention was how primitive it seems in comparison to the other methods of electric production. Using an open flame for heat, generating a lot of noise and heat, it actually seemed a bit more dangerous than the others. Tom vales’ story of the accidents with steam engines substantiated that it is. On larger scale models, when there is not enough water in a steam engine, the instant conversion of not enough water to super-hot steam has caused violent explosions, and has killed many engine operators as a result.