Can Graphene Wire Coils Replace Copper in Generators?

In summary, graphene wire coils have the potential to replace copper in generators due to their superior electrical conductivity, lightweight properties, and resistance to corrosion. Research indicates that graphene's unique structure allows for efficient energy transfer and reduced energy loss, making it an appealing alternative. However, challenges such as production costs, scalability, and integration into existing technologies must be addressed before widespread adoption can occur. Overall, while graphene offers promising advantages, further developments are needed to realize its full potential in generator applications.
  • #1
pete94857
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TL;DR Summary
Graphene for use in coils
If I used a coil made from graphene wire I.e. exactly the same as if I used a coil made from copper wire. For use in a generator. Would the mechanical resistance caused by the effect from Lenz law be more, less or the same ?

Could I even use graphene in such a way , I'm assuming because it will carry a current the effects will all be the same because its the field from the current that causing the reaction not so much the material, obviously the material must be conductive.
 
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  • #2
It does not really matter what the wire is made from. If it has a similar resistance to copper, it will have similar magnetic interactions.
 
  • #3
Yes thank you.

I was thinking maybe because the electrical resistance is much lower than that of copper if there would be any difference.

It would be very interesting to make a wire from a superconductor and make a coil from that.
 
  • #5
Love it.
 
  • #6
Silver is a better conductor than copper. Why don't we use that in our circuits? If you can answer that question, you will understand why we don't use graphene.
 
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  • #7
Vanadium 50 said:
Silver is a better conductor than copper. Why don't we use that in our circuits? If you can answer that question, you will understand why we don't use graphene.
Gold is used in many integrated circuits.
 
  • #8
bob012345 said:
Gold is used in many integrated circuits.

Find cost of copper in a typical transformer, find cost of gold in a typical IC, divide.
 
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  • #9
Copper, silver, gold are all elements taken as an ore mined from various places, graphene is only Currently expensive because of its production costs. It is an artificially made material (the highest quality sheets). It has potential to become much cheaper than Copper over time , research and development.
 
  • #10
Sure, maybe someday.
Maybe someday we will have small "Mr. Fusion" devices and won't need to transport electricity.
 
  • #11
Not to many years ago it was thought completely impossible to make a diamond without extreme HPHT environment. Now they can be grown at normal pressure and temperature.

It really not that far fetched to think in the not to distant future it will be easy to produce high quality sheets of graphene. Like any product it needs investment to develop. Unfortunately that's the way the world currently is. So the current material needs to be used in industry. I.e. Power production , electric vehicles, aircraft etc where they can claim very high efficiency.
 
  • #12
pete94857 said:
It really not that far fetched to think in the not to distant future it will be easy to produce high quality sheets of graphene. Like any product it needs investment to develop. Unfortunately that's the way the world currently is.
Platitudes sound good, but when that time comes, we can expect there to be other contenders besides graphene.

It is a given that we must use what we have now, or work in research to increase the available options for others in the future. If we wait for graphene, there will be no finance to invest in the development of graphene. Get real.
 
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  • #13
It is very easy to say, "we'll have some great stuff, once somebody else does the hard work of developing it."

I'm still waiting on my flying car with anti-gravity paint.
 
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  • #14
Baluncore said:
Platitudes sound good, but when that time comes, we can expect there to be other contenders besides graphene.

It is a given that we must use what we have now, or work in research to increase the available options for others in the future. If we wait for graphene, there will be no finance to invest in the development of graphene. Get real.
I am real. If we follow your guidance there'd be no advancement.
 
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  • #15
Vanadium 50 said:
It is very easy to say, "we'll have some great stuff, once somebody else does the hard work of developing it."

I'm still waiting on my flying car with anti-gravity paint.
Yes lots of people do lots of hard work to develop what you take for granted. Flying cars have existed for a long time.
 
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  • #16
Thread is done. Thanks folks.
 
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FAQ: Can Graphene Wire Coils Replace Copper in Generators?

1. What are the advantages of using graphene wire coils over copper in generators?

Graphene wire coils offer several advantages over copper, including higher electrical conductivity, reduced weight, and enhanced thermal management. Graphene's exceptional conductivity allows for more efficient energy transmission, potentially leading to better performance in generators. Additionally, the lightweight nature of graphene can reduce the overall weight of the generator, making it easier to transport and install. Moreover, graphene's thermal properties can help manage heat better, minimizing the risk of overheating in high-performance applications.

2. Are there any challenges associated with using graphene wire coils in generators?

Yes, there are several challenges in using graphene wire coils in generators. One major challenge is the production and scalability of high-quality graphene materials. Current methods for synthesizing graphene can be expensive and time-consuming, which may hinder widespread adoption. Additionally, integrating graphene coils into existing generator designs requires addressing compatibility issues and ensuring that the new materials can withstand operational stresses and environmental conditions.

3. How does the cost of graphene compare to copper for use in generators?

As of now, the cost of graphene is significantly higher than that of copper, primarily due to the complexities involved in its production and processing. While prices for graphene may decrease with advancements in manufacturing techniques and increased production scale, copper remains a more economical choice for many applications at this time. However, if the performance benefits of graphene lead to higher efficiency and lower operational costs in generators, it could justify the initial investment in the long term.

4. What are the potential environmental impacts of replacing copper with graphene in generators?

Replacing copper with graphene in generators could have both positive and negative environmental impacts. On the positive side, graphene's lightweight properties could lead to more energy-efficient generators that consume less fuel and produce fewer emissions. Additionally, if graphene can be produced sustainably, it may reduce the environmental footprint associated with copper mining and processing. However, the environmental impacts of large-scale graphene production, including energy consumption and waste generation, need to be carefully evaluated to ensure that the overall benefits outweigh the drawbacks.

5. What is the current state of research on graphene wire coils in generator applications?

Research on graphene wire coils for generator applications is still in its early stages, with many studies focusing on the material's fundamental properties and potential uses in electrical applications. While there have been promising results demonstrating graphene's high conductivity and mechanical strength, practical implementations in generators are limited. Ongoing research aims to address the challenges of production, scalability, and integration into existing technologies, and several pilot projects are exploring the feasibility of using graphene in generator designs.

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