This topic has been making the rounds on social media lately. It is always posted with exciting titles and claims to have discovered something “revolutionary”. It always comes down to some kind of perpetual motion machine, which is something that nobody has ever succeeded at. Leonardo Da Vinci had his concept, that didn’t work. It involved shifting the balance of weights on a wheel. What gets in the way is a basic law of physics. “energy can neither be created nor destroyed – only converted from one form of energy to another.” There is always someone who thinks that there is a way to bypass this, but as of yet, it has not been done. In any system where energy is expended there has to be an energy input or the whole thing comes to a stop. That energy can be converted from various forms by chemical, mechanical, electrical or nuclear means, but it is always there, and there is always a cost.
One of the latest myths that has been circulating is the concept of a motor and generator combination. In this idea, a motor is used to turn a generator, which then powers the motor. Essentially, the motor converts electrical energy into mechanical energy, while the generator converts mechanical energy back into electrical energy. At first glance, this may seem like a revolutionary concept, but in reality, it is not as groundbreaking as it may appear. In fact, this concept is something that even beginning electrical students have come up with in the past. The idea behind it is simple: if both the motor and generator are 95% efficient, there will inevitably be energy losses due to various factors such as bearing friction, wire resistance, heat, and vibration. These losses accumulate with each loop around the system, resulting in a decrease in available energy. Even if it were possible to achieve 100% conversion efficiency, which is highly unlikely, the best outcome one could hope for is to keep the device running. However, if any power were to be tapped from the system to power other devices, the system would quickly come to a halt. This is because the generator, when running an electrical load, requires a greater amount of mechanical force to turn it. Similarly, a motor that faces a higher mechanical load will draw more electrical current. Merely changing the gear ratio would not solve this fundamental issue. To illustrate this point, let’s reflect on a demonstration I witnessed during my time as a Scout. A local ham radio operator had built a contraption that consisted of a car alternator attached to an exercise bike, with the intention of powering a light bulb. A meter was also included to measure the generated voltage. As soon as the switch was flipped to illuminate the bulb, pedaling became significantly more challenging. This demonstrated that a generator running an electrical load demands a greater mechanical force to function properly. The same principle applies to motors. If a motor is subjected to a higher mechanical load, it will draw more electrical current. No matter how one adjusts the gear ratio, this unavoidable truth remains. In order for this motor and generator combination to work effectively, the devices would need to output more energy than what is put into them. However, this contradicts one of the most fundamental laws of physics: energy cannot be created. Unfortunately, many hoax versions of this device often involve the use of batteries, which convert chemical energy into electrical energy, or hidden power supplies that give the illusion of the device running smoothly. These deceptive tactics are employed to trick people into believing in the feasibility of this concept. In conclusion, while the motor and generator combination may seem intriguing, it is important to understand the limitations and scientific principles that render it impractical. Energy losses are inevitable, and no amount of gear adjustments or hidden power sources can change this fact. It is essential to approach such claims with skepticism and a critical understanding of the laws of physics.
There is always and energy conversion, not creation.
Battery – Chemical to electrical
Plant – Solar to chemical
Fire – Chemical to Light/Heat
Generator – Mechanical to Electrical
Motor – Electrical to Mechanical
Solar – Light to Electrical
Horse – Chemical (food) to heat/motion
Nuclear – Matter to heat (Yes, matter is a form of energy E=mc^2)
The advertisements promoting this kind of product are designed to generate excitement and make grand promises such as “fulfill all your power requirements,” “disconnect from the grid,” or even “end your reliance on electrical companies.” These claims are carefully crafted to evoke strong emotions and exploit people’s lack of knowledge in the field. However, it is crucial to understand that this is not a revolutionary technology, despite what the ads may suggest. If you fall prey to their persuasive tactics and decide to invest your hard-earned money in their plans to construct this supposed energy solution, you will inevitably face disappointment. The truth is, no matter how diligently you follow their instructions, you won’t be able to make it work. It is an unfortunate reality that these deceptive companies thrive on taking advantage of unsuspecting individuals who are seeking a way to become more self-sufficient in their energy consumption. Should you attempt to request a refund under their “money-back guarantee” policy, prepare yourself for a frustrating ordeal. These companies often employ tactics to make the process difficult, or worse yet, they may vanish into thin air, leaving you without any recourse. So, before you consider succumbing to their false claims, it is essential to be aware of the risks involved. One common ploy these fraudulent entities employ is sharing videos featuring individuals who claim to have successfully built and used these energy systems. These videos often include convincing testimonials, making it seem like a genuine breakthrough. However, be warned: these individuals are fabricating their stories. Their accounts are as unreliable as the legendary “x-ray glasses” that were once sold in magazines, promising the ability to see through objects, like your hand, or women’s clothing. Just like those glasses, the energy solution they are promoting will never function as promised. It is unfortunate that there are dishonest companies out there preying on the hopes and dreams of individuals who genuinely desire to reduce their reliance on traditional energy sources. These unscrupulous entities mislead people by exploiting their emotions and lack of knowledge. To protect yourself, it is crucial to conduct thorough research and seek advice from reputable sources before investing your hard-earned money in any energy product or technology. Remember, genuine advancements in renewable energy are being made by reputable companies and organizations. By staying informed and cautious, you can avoid falling victim to these deceptive schemes and instead support legitimate efforts towards a more sustainable future.