Is It Possible to Generate Energy with a Microscopic Gate Sorting Molecules?

[colin9876]

This baffles me, because the device outlined below could create energy ...

Theres two tanks A & B with a microscopic gate between them

Air in A & B starts at say 25 degrees

whenever a faster than average moving molecule approaches the gate in A a sensor opens the gate and let's in pass into B
If a slow moving molecule approaches the gate from B, the sensor opens the gate and allows it into A

So perhaps after time t, the air in A is at 23 degrees and the air in B is at 27 degrees

In theory the 'sorting gate' could be a very low energy device.
The temp difference between A & B could be used to drive a heat engine and get energy out.

Where is the flaw in this theoretical argument? I can't find one. In theory particle sorting could be done to generate heat differences??

 

[CompuChip]

Congratulations, you have discovered Maxwell's demon

 

[sir-pinski]

This thought experiment presents an interesting idea, but it has several flaws that make it unlikely for it to work as a reliable source of energy.

Firstly, the concept of a "microscopic gate" that can selectively allow faster or slower moving molecules to pass through is not feasible. In reality, molecules move at extremely high speeds and it would be difficult to accurately detect and sort them based on their speed.

Additionally, the temperature difference between the two tanks is minimal (only 4 degrees in this case) and would not be enough to generate significant energy. In order for a heat engine to work efficiently, there needs to be a significant temperature difference between the hot and cold reservoirs.

Furthermore, the process of constantly opening and closing the gate to allow molecules to pass through would require energy itself, making it a less efficient process.

Overall, while this thought experiment is intriguing, it is not a practical or feasible way to generate energy. It is important to consider the laws of thermodynamics and the limitations of technology when exploring potential energy sources.