General Question

Brian_Ghilliotti's avatar

Is it possible to convert infrared energy into electricity?

Asked by Brian_Ghilliotti (328points) June 15th, 2018
4 responses
“Great Question” (1points)

Is it possible to convert infrared energy into electricity?

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Answers

RocketGuy's avatar

Silicon solar cells can convert the shorter wavelengths of IR to electricity: https://www.solarquotes.com.au/blog/uv-solar-panels/

You can also concentrate solar IR and use the heat to generate steam to spin turbines for electricity: https://i1.wp.com/innovationtoronto.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Solar-Thermal-Power-Plant_forcetoknow.com_.jpg?resize=627%2C221

RedDeerGuy1's avatar

Yes. All light can be used for solar power.

flutherother's avatar

Yes, any kind of energy can be converted into any other kind.

dabbler's avatar

If you can collect/focus enough infrared to make high temperatures, you could use a variety of current tech to make the electricity, like @RocketGuy ‘s second example steam turbines.
the infrared can heat some thermocouples as in some deep space probes (heat source, compact radiodecay reactor).

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