Kerosine Lamp Thermal Piles

[ken_nyus]

http://www.crazypc.com/products/5912.html


This is the device in its more efficient (modern) form.

this model here cools a computer CPU with a 12v input

but also doubles as a thermoelectric generator, you can create electricity by placing a heat source on one side, and even more by cooling the opposite side.

They make a circular version for use in the exhaust stacks of 18-wheeler trucks, to generate electricity from the waste heat.

That Peltier device at that link, am I reading this right?

If I apply heat/cold to this device I can get 24 amps out of it?

For $32 it is cheap enough to play with.

[sm0ky2]

i bought the 4 i have they were $15 / each so you might want to shop around

[ken_nyus]

Hey Smoky,

Have you tried using them as generators? If so, how much voltage and current were you able to generate?

[sm0ky2]

the modules i have are rated at 12v .5A max. (6 watts)

to actually achieve this i have to maintain a temperature difference of about 110degrees between the sides.

this requires a cooling system on the cold side, and a decent heat source to stick the other side to.

i can easily get 3-5v @ .05 Amps with a Bic Lighter, but this drops off quickly as the "cold" side heats up.
the module will actually reach equilibrium and stop functioning if you dont keep moving the heat away from the cold side.

[Pirate88179]

Could you not rig a heat sink to the cold side to slow its heating?  This might help to keep it at ambient temp. I have seen these devices around for a while.  This is what is used to cool/heat a small 12 volt car cooler/heater.  there is a great technology here I think.  Fun to explore.

Bill