When are we going to get off of using water to convert energy.. isn't there a more efficient way?

Question

We've been stuck on steam since the steam engine.. nuclear and coal use steam to turn turbines.. I'm sure fusion (when it's mastered) will most likely be used to heat water for the same means... the only ones that don't use water to transfer the energy are combustion fuels such as gasoline, solar and wind.. has anyone tried to find ways to convert things such as nuclear directly into usable energy instead of going threw the medium of heat?

but how much energy is released that isn't in the form of heat? especially in dealing with nuclear? and how can we utilize this?

sorry to be a bother.. but this one has been on my mind for a while :)

Answer 1

I agree. It seems retarded that we still can't, especially since mother nature has been doing it for billions of year.

It seems we should be able to oxidize coal in such a way to produce electricity directly, maybe using catalysts in chemical reaction that mimics digestion and the kreb cycle...

For nuclear fission, or fusion, I don't see how we could proceed. Actually the question would be how to convert heat into electricity without involving water. We are still extremely blessed to have abundant water because water is one of the material with highest specific heat. Anyother liquid would be required in volumes much greater to transport the same amount of energy.

Answer 2

Heat energy can be used directly to heat a building. The problem is to convert heat energy into motion. You can not move a car with an electric heater. Heat can be used directly to generate (weak) electric currents using thermocouples and connecting many TC's in series can magnify the current. TC piles have certain lab applications but would not help move a car. The water-steam cycle is still used because many fuels can be used in the boiler furnace. Using very high steam temperatures improves overall plant efficiency. Using a condenser to condense the steam allows greater steam expansion through a larger steam turbine and the carefully treated condensate can be re-used.

Answer 3

properly, i'm unsure. Water takes the comparable volume of warmth to boil no be counted the style you do it. in spite of if, you should regulate the encompassing tension to make boiling much less confusing. warmth water in a low tension area. it will boil with much less capability. in case you have the opt to make a compound, mixture chemical factors with it to decrease its boiling ingredient. stable success. wish I helped.