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| [[image:DennisLeeMachine.jpg|Dennis Lee, Inventor and Free-Energy-machines merchant with an alleged generator|thumb]] | | [[image:DennisLeeMachine.jpg|Dennis Lee, Inventor and Free-Energy-machines merchant with an alleged generator|thumb]] |
| The term '''free energy''' is used in several ways. | | The term '''free energy''' is used in several ways. |
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| ==Free Energy in scientific physics== | | ==Free Energy in scientific physics== |
− | The term '''free energy''' is clearly defined in scientific physics and is used 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 utilized according to the second law of thermodynamics.<ref>Wikipedia: [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helmholtz_free_energy Helmholtz free energy]</ref> | + | The term '''free energy''' is clearly defined in scientific physics and is used 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 utilized according to the second law of thermodynamics [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helmholtz_free_energy Helmholtz free energy]. |
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| ==Free Energy as a synonym for perpetual motion== | | ==Free Energy as a synonym for perpetual motion== |
| [[image:Brady_Blick.jpg|Article in "Blick" April 14, 2010 Arrest of [[Mike Brady]]|300px|left|thumb]] | | [[image:Brady_Blick.jpg|Article in "Blick" April 14, 2010 Arrest of [[Mike Brady]]|300px|left|thumb]] |
− | In [[Esotericism|esoteric]]-[[Conspiracy Theory|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 but otherwise unspecified groups. No objective evidence of such an energy is known. | + | In [[Esotericism|esoteric]]-[[Conspiracy Theory|conspiracy theory]] circles ''free energy'' is an allegedly inexhaustible type of energy that could replace fossil and renewable energy (solar power). Alas, its use is prevented by influential but otherwise unspecified groups. No objective evidence of such an energy is known. |
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| Closely related to the esoteric hypothesis of free energy is the idea of a [[Perpetual Motion|perpetual motion]] device. Such a device is not possible, it would violate the thermodynamic laws of energy conservation 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]]. | | Closely related to the esoteric hypothesis of free energy is the idea of a [[Perpetual Motion|perpetual motion]] device. Such a device is not possible, it would violate the thermodynamic laws of energy conservation 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]]. |
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− | As usual in other [[pseudoscience]]s, there is no common nomenclature among the exponents of free energy and there are several alternative terms which are used as synonyms. Some are: | + | As usual in other [[pseudoscience]]s, 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 of them are: |
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| *Nonconventional energy | | *Nonconventional energy |
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| 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. | | 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. But zero-point energy in quantum mechanics has nothing to do with an inexhaustible energy source and the conservation of energy principles apply strictly in quantum mechanics.
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− | 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 obtained. There are no clues of what kind such a field should even be. Authors, who postulate such a field, assume implicitly that it would be of "psychic" or [[subtle energy]] nature and would not interact in a measurable way with the physical world – just with free energy machines. It is to assume that the term free energy or space energy is used as a replacement-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. | + | 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. Zero-point energy in quantum mechanics has nothing to do with an inexhaustible energy source and the conservation of energy principles apply strictly in quantum mechanics. |
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| + | 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 obtained. There are no clues of what kind such a field should even be. Authors, who postulate such a field, assume implicitly that it would be of "psychic" or [[subtle energy]] nature and would not interact in a measurable way with the physical world – just with free energy machines. It is to assume that the term free energy or space energy is used as a replacement-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 corresponds to usual esoteric concepts. Furthermore, free energy is a serious term from physics, which is not known or understood by many. |
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| ==Business models and fraud== | | ==Business models and fraud== |