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A new study has found that water moving over surfaces generates an electrical charge ten times greater than previously thought, with significant implications for the safety of fuel systems and potential applications in the energy sector.
The phenomenon of electricity generation from moving water exists everywhere in our daily lives. Study co-author Dr Sherrell from RMIT's School of Science notes:
This phenomenon is related to the natural polarity of water molecules, which arises due to the interaction of atoms.
The water molecule has a unique structure, consisting of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. This structure creates a polarity in the molecule, where the oxygen side has a slight negative charge and the hydrogen side has a positive charge. When it comes into contact with certain surfaces, this polarity leads to the separation and accumulation of electrical charges.
Previous studies focused only on cases where water moved from a wet surface to a dry one. The new experiment aimed to take into account all the electrical effects of the interaction of the liquid with the surface. The scientists used a flat Teflon plate and special cameras to record the moments of adhesion and sliding of the drops.
THE “STICK-SLIP” MECHANISM AND ITS IMPACT
The “stick-slip” phenomenon describes the process by which water temporarily sticks to a surface and then slides across it. During the sticking, the droplet gets stuck on the surface, accumulating force to continue moving. The sudden release of energy when the droplet is released creates a significant electrical charge.
The researchers recorded the largest change in charge upon initial contact of water with the surface, from 0 to 4,1 nanocoulombs (nC). Importantly, the charge generated remained stable as the droplets moved between wet and dry surfaces. The charge was also retained in the droplet as it moved further.
Although the magnitude of the charge measured seems insignificant compared to a static discharge, its consequences can be extremely important. In particular, this discovery is of particular importance for fuel storage and transportation systems, where the constant interaction of liquids with surfaces can lead to charge accumulation.
FUEL SYSTEM SAFETY AND FUTURE PROSPECTS
Fuel systems are subject to numerous contacts between fluids and various surfaces. The accumulation of sufficient charge can cause a discharge in the form of a spark. Such a spark in a flammable environment poses a serious risk of explosion or fire.
Current methods of combating charge buildup include restricting fluid flow or using special additives. However, with the transition to renewable fuels, these methods may prove ineffective. Therefore, understanding the electrical properties of water and other liquids becomes critical.
This research opens new perspectives for the development of safer fuel systems. Understanding exactly how charge is generated during the movement of liquids will allow for the creation of more effective preventive measures. In addition, the discovered potential for generating electricity from moving water could find applications in innovative energy harvesting technologies.
Thus, the research not only deepens our understanding of the fundamental properties of water, but also has practical implications for many industries and energy sectors. Further experiments with different surfaces and liquids will help expand the possibilities of applying this phenomenon.
Water generates electrical charge 10 times greater than expected appeared first on Curiosity.
