Outdoor Thermoelectric Generator

that could be a slick way to charge AAs in the field… and you could reuse them to stoke the fire… very cool…

where's you get the generator, by the way?

I made it myself by using 4 Semiconductor refrigeration pieces and 2 Aluminum radiators.

The back of generator,the gaps are very important in this case!

This is fascinating technology I didn't even know existed prior to your post. Very clever, and the integration with the stove is nicely done. Can you please post some weights and dimensions, as your design progresses?

Thanks!

Hi~Rick,

Total weights of this generator are 178g;
Dimensions:
Opened: 105*115*9 MM
Folded: 52.5*115*15 MM

I made a simple one before to test the thermoelectricity theory, then made it at last,no more obstacles…

My design tendancy is:
Ultra light and safe, environmental protection go first, do not depend on the backing in outdoor…

The original test photo is here(using hot water and ice):

ke wu,

you're essentially running peltier coolers in reverse to generate electricity, correct?

Wow
I never knew this existed. PLEASE post a parts list and simple instructions (for the complete idiot) so that I may attempt to build one.
Thanks,
Mikie

Joshua,

Right! That is called Seeback Effect if Peltier Effect reversed.

Hi~Mikie,

All parts listed here:
1 four 12708 Peltier semiconductor coolers(Series connection )
2 two pieces of aluminum radiators
3 some electric wire
4 one rectification diode for output end(if you want to charge batteries)

Ke Wu,
Thanks for the parts list.
You state:
"The back of generator,the gaps are very important in this case!"
Which gaps?
The ones in the radiator fins or between the semiconductor coolers? Or something I missed.
Also what did you use to attach the 4 Semiconductors to the 2 Aluminum radiators?
If you plan to build and sell this I would understand you not answering.
How much?
Sorry if I am being a pain, however you have captured me in the idea of being able to recharge batteries on the trail without having to relay on finding bright sunlight.

Thanks in advance!
Mikie

Mikie,

1 I mean the gaps between the fins, it is only way for hot air to pass.
2 There is one kind of heatproof silicon glue (called heatsink plaster) in the electronic market, and it is very easy to coagulate and well fixed.
3 I do not mean to sell that.
4 You can use 9 semiconductor and only 1 foursquare aluminum radiator to build a more practical one so that you would obtain higher voltage and more energy outputs. However, it is easier to control heat by this way.
5 Never heat the main parts over 300 degree Celsius!

Good Luck!

More interesting information about thermoelecticity and new design of thermoelectric generator on the site http://www.kryotherm.ru/index.phtml?tid=119

Thermoelectric modules for power generation with working temperature more 300C! I look it on the site http://www.kryotherm.ru/index.phtml?tid=81
I hearing that they made explore and made experiment with thermoelectric materials with characteristic until 500 C
It's wery interesting in new using thermoelectric effect, as example in car

I've been using a similar setup for a year now to charge AA batteries. A thin smear of mud on the backs of the peltiers helps get a good thermal contact with the pan of cold water. The efficiency and voltage drops as the water heats up. The bigger the heat difference between the hot and cold sides of the peltiers, the higher the voltage.

If you live somewhere reliably sunny, a strip of iowa thinfilm solar panel is a lot less hassle…

This is a great device, I am a senior in high school and an avid backpacker, and I ran across it when I was searching thermoelectricity for cars, but when I saw it I decided to change my science fair project and attempt to duplicate your device. The only hold-up I have encountered are the aluminum heatsinks. I have searched everywhere online and cannot find any heatsinks similar to the ones you used except in wholesale crate direct from China. It seems difficult to let hot air out while maintaining light weight and a great temperature gradient without them. Where did you get yours? I think I could buy stock aluminum and machine it down into something usable, but that is a real pain.