• @Bonsoir@lemmy.ca
    link
    fedilink
    5
    edit-2
    6 months ago

    How does one recuperate the energy from a candle to transform it to something useful? Also, would it’s output be enough to power anything meaningful in a reasonable time anyway?

    • @I_am_10_squirrels@beehaw.org
      link
      fedilink
      26 months ago

      According to this a burning candle releases about 80 watts.

      It could operate a Sterling engine .

      Assuming most of the candle’s energy is released as heat, with light and magic making up a small percentage, and assuming a perfectly efficient engine, and a spherical cow for good measure…

      You could charge your phone, or a power bank. You could power a light bulb. You could heat up water (for a flow of 2 milliliters per second, you could raise the temperature by about 10 degrees Celsius).