Free Energy
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The term free energy is used in several ways.
Free Energy in scientific physics
The term free energy is clearly defined in scientific physics and is used in a different sense as Helmholtz free energy or Helmholtz potential. In physics it is a measurement for the useful work obtainable from a thermodynamic system, the amount of energy, that can be used as work according to the second law of thermodynamics.[1]
Free Energy as a synonym for perpetual motion
In esoteric-conspiracy theory circles free energy is an allegedly inexhaustible type of energy that could replace fossil and renewable energy (solar power) but its use is prevented by influential and unspecified groups. No objective evidence of such an energy is known.
Closely related to the esoteric hypothesis of free energy is the idea of a perpetual motion device. Such a device is not possible, it would violate the thermodynamic laws of conservation of energy in physics. Free energy supporters often use the term "overunity" to express that these claimed machines produce more usable energy than is fed into them(efficiency > 1). A number of frauds and profiteers offer commercial "free energy machines" or generators. In addition, fisherman's stories of an alleged suppression of the invention are often spread. Typical examples are Water-fuelled car, Cold Fusion or the Felix Würth AG.
As usual, common to other pseudosciences, there is no common nomenclature among the exponents of free energy. There are several alternative terms which are used as synonyms for free energy. Some are:
- Nonconventional energy
- NET (Nonconventional Energy-Technologie) oder NCET (Non-Conventional Energy Technology)
- Zero-point energy (see also Claus Wilhelm Turtur)
- Orgon
- Space energy
- Tachyon energy
- Vacuum energy
Some of these terms have other meanings in science so that proponents of free energy can plead that free energy is known and researched in scientific physics too. With the terms space energy, vacuum energy and zero-point energy a relation to quantum mechanics should be suggested, where systems in bound state at absolute zero still possesses quantum mechanical zero-point energy. The zero-point energy of quantum mechanics has nothing to do with an inexhaustible energy source, even in quantum mechanics the laws of conservation of energy applies strictly.
The existence of a free energy field from which suitable machines can draw energy is not documented and there is no agreement how such a proof could be generated. There are no clues of what kind such a field might even be. Authors, which postulate such a field, assume implicitly that such a field would be of "psychic" or subtle energy nature and would not interact in a measurable way with the physical world – only with free energy machines. It is to assume that the term free energy or space energy are hypothesis solely to avoid the term perpetual motion, which is known as fiction and would lead to a faster rejection by the audience and potential customers. The concept of free energy instead matches usual esoteric concepts. Furthermore, free energy is a serious term from physics, which is not known or understood by many.
Business models and fraud
In the past several attempts to market free energy investment methods under circumvention of physical laws or with fraudulent intent were made in German-speaking countries alone. An overview can be found here: Free-Energy-Business-models.
Weblinks
- http://www.gwup.org/ueberuns/konferenzen/2004/freieenergiemaschinen.pdf
- http://www.xy44.de/bmz_studie/bmz.html
- Ein Bundesministerium auf der Suche nach dem Stein der Weisen. Laborjournal, 04.09.2007
- ↑ Wikipedia: Helmholtz free energy