What types of mechanical motion could be realistically used to generate electricity?

Question

ie. rotational motion

Answer 1

well vibration is actually used. Tehy use the vibration of cows feet to pump water.

Otherwise Convection ie gethermal pumps.

Shock, like a phizo electro generator (like they use in lighters)

rotational motion is used in nearly everything beacause it generates energy directly becase of flemings right hand rule.(in wind power,heat power, nuclear power) steam drives turbines)

Answer 2

Linear, rotational and vibrational motions can all be used to generate electricity.

To efficiently use your materials, mechanical motion is usually converted to rotational motion.

On the small scale, however, you may have seen flashlights that use linear motion to generate power (you shake them to recharge - heres an example: http://www.forevershake.com/ )

Also - there's the backpack generator that converts the inertia from your walking into rotational motion via a ratcheted gear system:

http://www.technovelgy.com/ct/Science-Fi...

Practically though, if you're talking about generating power for real time use, something has to be rotating.

Answer 3

motions are rotational or linear, and each can be converted to the other easily.

Any rotational motion can be linked to a generator or alternator and used to generate electricity.