Question

An electric generator is producing less electricity than its specifications suggest, due to some frictional losses generating heat that dissipates across its casing. It is proposed to recoup this energy by simply insulating the generator, so the heat cannot escape. Who does this or does this not work?

Answer 1

• The heat generated by frictional losese is irreversible. That means it cannot be recovered to increase the electricity.
• Irreversible means these losses can be mitigated but never be eliminated.
• Even if the insulation is applied, the thickness of the insulation should be above the critical insulation thickness to reduce the heat losses.
• Applying the insulation around the generator accounts for the economics also. It means that the capital investment also increases with less improvement on the system.
• So the proposed idea of applying insulation does not work.