Not so fast...

[Mr Felt]

On a related note, for a while I've been thinking about small mining opportunities coming in the future.  For example, 21-style computer used to get around data-caps that might otherwise interfere w/ streaming media.    https://twitter.com/MrFelt_/status/674840703344611328

Nobody should underestimate 21.  

Relevant article just tweeted by Wall Street Journal:

https://twitter.com/WSJ/status/723270104847364098

I know from experience that sarcasm doesn't come across well on the internet, so... You're joking, correct? This is a prank?


In case you're not, ELI5 how buying a $400 rasPi which mines a few pennies/day going to help me with data caps?

Obviously, you're not a golfer.

[xhomerx10]

But just as applying kinetic energy recovery systems on a car are hard, I think it will be somewhat hard to find the cases where this otherwise wasted energy can be collected and used productively.  Only a toaster comes to mind at first.

In principle, something like this is possible: there are several laboratory techniques for recovering waste heat by converting it to electricity, but as far as I'm aware, none of those techniques are used on small scale "consumer" products. But I'm pretty sure the technology is used in large scale industrial applications, so maybe all is needed is a little more development of that tech.

Anyone heard some really up to date info on heat->electricity exchangers?

This is excellent news for families who eat toast 24/7 AND are into cryptocurrency mining.

 I was led to believe that artisanal toast bars were popping up all over the place in the US right now.  I'm pretty sure eating toast 24/7 is a thing and bitcoin must be in those same places - I'm thinking San Fran?
 

[nanonymousx]

But just as applying kinetic energy recovery systems on a car are hard, I think it will be somewhat hard to find the cases where this otherwise wasted energy can be collected and used productively.  Only a toaster comes to mind at first.

In principle, something like this is possible: there are several laboratory techniques for recovering waste heat by converting it to electricity, but as far as I'm aware, none of those techniques are used on small scale "consumer" products. But I'm pretty sure the technology is used in large scale industrial applications, so maybe all is needed is a little more development of that tech.

Anyone heard some really up to date info on heat->electricity exchangers?

This is excellent news for families who eat toast 24/7 AND are into cryptocurrency mining.

 I was led to believe that artisanal toast bars were popping up all over the place in the US right now.  I'm pretty sure eating toast 24/7 is a thing and bitcoin must be in those same places - I'm thinking San Fran?
 

All work out machine will use energy from exerciser to min bitcoin, all BOWFLEXs.
Even 24 fitness announced that they will give user a refund when you exercise more and mining more coins.

[Kakmakr]

If your Asics are running at that temperature, your cooling is shit and you will not only burn your toast, but the Asics too. I would much rather channel all that heat into central heating. Let's take the Shopping Malls for instance. How much are they spending on heating solutions? Would it not be better to rent basement space to Bitcoin miners and then channel the heat into the building?

In Summer the heat can be re-directed with fans to the outside of the building and on cold days to the interior. How many Shopping Malls use huge Air conditioning systems to generate heat? They swap unused space for free heat.

[Carlton Banks]

But just as applying kinetic energy recovery systems on a car are hard, I think it will be somewhat hard to find the cases where this otherwise wasted energy can be collected and used productively.  Only a toaster comes to mind at first.

In principle, something like this is possible: there are several laboratory techniques for recovering waste heat by converting it to electricity, but as far as I'm aware, none of those techniques are used on small scale "consumer" products. But I'm pretty sure the technology is used in large scale industrial applications, so maybe all is needed is a little more development of that tech.

Anyone heard some really up to date info on heat->electricity exchangers?

This is excellent news for families who eat toast 24/7 AND are into cryptocurrency mining.

Lol Gleb, perhaps there might be a little more takeup with people who just plain mine cryptocurrency. Y'know, mining is a 24/7 thing. Get's kind of warm. Don't give up the day job

[Blacula X]

If your Asics are running at that temperature, your cooling is shit and you will not only burn your toast, but the Asics too. I would much rather channel all that heat into central heating. Let's take the Shopping Malls for instance. How much are they spending on heating solutions? Would it not be better to rent basement space to Bitcoin miners and then channel the heat into the building?

Rent space to bitcoin miners? Sure, if there's absolutely nothing of value to steal in your mall & don't mind getting stiffed on rent.
You do realize that shopping malls don't have big empty basements, and that retail space is a bit pricier than tin chicken sheds in rural Chian, right?
And that few shopping malls have electricity rates anywhere close to Chinese, government-subsidized rates?
And what of the summer months? Bitcoin farmers are seasonal renters?

Otherwise, best idea ever.

[gentlemand]

The 21 people are a lot cleverer than me. I'm sure they have some epic plans up their sleeves that'll blow your tits into next week.