2007-10-28 02:48:41 · 8 answers · asked by Rangarajan R 4 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Engineering
Yes, but the nature of lightning (very short "on" time, very high voltage makes it difficult, as in "expensive" per kilowatt-hour of energy. Though lightning looks spectacular, there actually isn't all that much energy in a bolt, about 500Mj according to wikipedia, which is only enough to run a 100 watt light bulb for 2 months, or say a refridgerator for 6-8 days.
2007-10-28 04:55:03 · answer #1 · answered by Gary H 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sure; but the cost may not be worth it. You will need a superconducting coil based storage of sufficiently high capacity connected to a lightening rod or some stable conductor that won't fry with the high amperage flowing in millisecs, You will then need some decent power electronics that taps this energy off as possibly a dynamic voltage regulator, whenever required. But can you imagine the stresses in your coil on such "shock" loading? But it is feasible as a theoretical concept.
2007-10-28 03:43:13 · answer #2 · answered by noitall 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's alot easier to focus the huge volume of water pouring off your roof through a conduit where a wheel will turn a generator that provides electricity.
The amount of electricity provided by a bolt of lightning is too short in duration (milliseconds) and too high in voltage and amperage to be harnessed effectively.
2007-10-28 02:54:11 · answer #3 · answered by Gary D 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sure! Save the water in a pond, make a dam with a hydroelectric generator, and make your own electricity.
However, it isn't as easy as I imply.
I bet you meant lightning. The answer is no. Too unpredictable, too powerful, and too short a duration.
2007-10-28 06:39:58 · answer #4 · answered by Warren W- a Mormon engineer 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Possible, but not practical.
There's falling water and high winds, so the
energy is available, but only for periods too
short and random in occurrence, to justify the
equipment required.
(Forget about trying to 'bottle` lightning.
The above, plus the voltages and amperages
vary too widely for it to be practical.)
2007-10-28 06:33:16 · answer #5 · answered by Irv S 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do you mean lightning? If so it seems a tad obvious.
If you mean a usable source of electricity, than that would be a bit more difficult
2007-10-28 02:54:30 · answer #6 · answered by attakkdog 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes Ben Franklin did and was lucky as all get out not to have been fried...
Generally no because it is uncontrolled and with curren technology uncontrollable
2007-10-28 02:51:33 · answer #7 · answered by Bob D 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take one Benjamin Franklin, add kite and key, wait.
2007-10-28 02:51:53 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋