Thermoelectric generator - candle and cold water

[conradelektro]

I built a new version of my candle power generator. See the photos.

There is only one Peltier element TG127-250-37h , dimensions 50 x 50 x 4 mm.

The output is a bit disappointing: 0,89 Volt at 30 mA = 0,027 Watt , loaded with a Joule Thief type circuit driving a 1 Watt 110 V - 220 V Led lamp.

The LED lamp shines o.k. , but of course not with full brightness.

There is a copper particle paste between the aluminium parts and the Peltier Element and the aluminium parts are pressed against the Peltier element. But in spite of this effort, the output is meager.

The Peltier element has a high rating: 12 Watt at a temperature difference of 200 Kelvin. I guess I do not reach this temperature difference and can not transport the heat efficiently.

I found a good isolation material: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vermiculite (used in stoves instead of fireclay, looks like fiber board and can be sawed like wood)

Some  more thinking necessary.

Greetings, Conrad

[Magluvin]

Try some ice in the water 50/50 and try the candle direct to the chip surface. maybe aluminum foil stuck to the chip surface with thin layer of compound to stick it, this way the chip doesnt get blackened.  Imagine how hot the hot side is and the cold side is when you apply 12v to the wires. Thats the kind of temp difference you want to create to generate. Just some thoughts.

Mags