This would be an amazing technology if feasible.
2006-07-13 04:57:29 · 3 answers · asked by Philip T 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Engineering
It might work in warm to modestly cool weather. But it takes alot of energy to "extract the heat" from air that has a temp below 30F.
That's why heat pumps (which do the exact same thing) aren't great in winters in the north. (I've lived in N. Ohio and Chicago!) You know, the air blowing from these vents isn't even warm enough to offset the cooling on your skin...the air feels cool!
Moreover, this is just to heat a room to 70 deg F, and hot water tanks are usually set to at least 105 deg F, so the work they have to do is even greater!
It may work in TX, but not far north.
2006-07-13 05:10:17 · answer #1 · answered by Iridium190 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is a scam....Anyone who claims they can extract useable heat from "ice cold air" doesn't understand heat transfer. Heat is transferred from hot to cold. The only way to extract heat from cold air would be with a fluid or medium that was at a lower temperature.
There is a device a heat pump which is basically a refrigeration cycle in reverse. You can extract heat from ambient air and harness in in the compression portion of the refrigeration cycle. However, most heat pump units are equiped withsupplemental electrical heat coils for days when the outside temperature gets too cold. You can use a heat pump in the winter on the Gulf Coast of the US, but you would never use it in Alaska in the wintertime.
2006-07-13 06:00:27 · answer #2 · answered by richard Alvarado 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No cant happen. Not feasible
Heat flows from hot to cold. To increase the temperature you have to supply heat. That means energy. that means electric bill
2006-07-13 05:09:26 · answer #3 · answered by Dr M 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋