TED Tech The best invention since sliced bread? | Rachel Yang
Jun 6, 2025
Industrial manufacturers are major contributors to global carbon pollution due to their reliance on fossil fuels for heat generation. Discover how heat batteries, a century-old technology, are emerging as a sustainable solution. These innovative batteries can efficiently generate industrial heat while integrating renewable energy sources. Additionally, delve into the impact of children's screen time on mental health and learn about Gab, a tech solution promoting safe connectivity for kids.
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Automatic Toaster Origins
- Charles Streit invented the first automatic toaster in 1919, revolutionizing how bread was toasted.
- His design used nickel-chromium filaments to evenly toast bread and an automatic timer to prevent overcooking.
Heat Batteries Cut Carbon Pollution
- Industrial manufacturing heat processes consume 20% of global energy and emit 20% of carbon pollution.
- Heat batteries using toasted bricks and molten salt offer a sustainable way to store and release industrial heat.
Efficient Long-term Heat Storage
- Heat batteries can store energy for long periods with less than 1% heat loss daily.
- They release stored heat in short bursts at extremely high temperatures for manufacturing use.