Bang Goes The Theory Season 5 Episode 5 Episode 5
- TV-PG
- July 30, 2013
In episode 5 of season 5 of Bang Goes The Theory, the team takes on the challenge of finding new ways to use renewable energy to power the devices and technology that we use every day. The episode starts with an exploration of the inefficiencies of traditional solar panels and the team's efforts to create a more efficient and cost-effective alternative. They delve into the science of perovskite, a promising material that could revolutionize the solar industry by allowing for ultra-thin, flexible, and cheap solar cells that have the potential to be more efficient than traditional silicon-based cells.
Next up, the Bang team looks into the potential of kinetic energy to power our devices. They explore the science behind piezoelectricity, a phenomenon that occurs when certain materials, like quartz crystals, are put under pressure. The result is a small electrical charge that can be harnessed and used to power small devices like watches and calculators. However, the team aims to take it a step further and investigate ways in which this technology can be used on a larger scale, such as generating electricity from the vibrations caused by traffic.
The show also tackles the issue of energy storage, which is crucial if renewables like solar, wind, and tidal power are to become viable alternatives to fossil fuels. The team explores the potential of using supercapacitors, a technology that can store energy more efficiently than traditional batteries. Supercapacitors have already been used in applications like electric cars and can be recharged much faster than traditional batteries. The team explores the science behind this technology and looks at ways in which it can be scaled up for larger applications.
Finally, Bang Goes The Theory looks at the issue of energy efficiency in our homes. The team explains how much of the energy we use is wasted on things like heating and lighting, and explores the different ways in which we can become more energy-efficient. They showcase a new smart home system that uses artificial intelligence to monitor the energy usage in a home and automatically optimizes things like the heat and lighting to reduce energy waste.
Overall, this episode of Bang Goes The Theory explores the cutting-edge science and technology that could revolutionize the way we generate, store and use energy. The team's work in perovskite solar cells, piezoelectricity, supercapacitors and energy-efficient smart homes highlights the exciting potential for a future powered by sustainable and renewable energy. With informative explanations and innovative experiments, this episode is sure to inspire viewers to think about the role they can play in creating a more sustainable future.