Thermoelectrical Generator Kit - ThermoGenKit

You can order the kit here: www.newenergyshop.com | category Extraordinary Engines
Electrical power is generated by a Peltier element heated and cooled via aluminum profiles standing in two water bathes of different temperature (dT ~ 60 deg). The generated power drives a small electrical motor with a connected propeller.
Simple and easy demonstration of the peltier effect.
Update 07/2011 To be more precise: it is a demonstration of the Seebeck using a Peltier element.
The Seebeck effect:
The effect is that a voltage is created if you connect two
metals or semiconductors wires at one end: The
different electron densities of the two materials result in
a diffusion and charge separation. A voltage is
generated that is nearly proportional to the temperature
of the junction. A removal of energy in such a system is
only possible, when the other ends of the wires have a
different temperature then the junction. Otherwise a
voltage of the same amount is generated and the initial
voltage is annihilated when connecting an external load.
The heating of the junction yields to a net voltage that is
able to generate a current through a connected external
load. So a part of the heat input to the junction is
converted into electrical energy.
The created voltage is of the order of several microvolts
per kelvin difference between the junction and the other
end. Several of those junctions connected in series in
one housing form the thermogenerator, which is
constructed in order to increase the output voltage and
integrate all junctions in a compact module with two
surfaces for heat supply and cooling.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Seebeck
• effect
• Peltier
• element
• low
• temperature
• differential
• electricity

[ikky159]

How long would it run for?

[exergiaDOTde]

@ikky159 Depending on the water temperature differential about 5-10 minutes.

[RagingBubuli]

What happens if you put 2 Peltier cells in series or in parallel?

[exergiaDOTde]

@RagingBubuli A rough approximation:

in series the voltage adds up, in parallel the current.

[exergiaDOTde]

The function depends on the temperature difference of the two sides of the "Seebeck/Peltier" element. At a temperature differential of about 30° Celsius the element provides enough electricity to drive the motor with propeller. So T_high= 80° Celsius and T_low= 50° Celsius should work.

[ikky159]

@exergiaDOTde Thanks :)

[engqallaf]

WTF

[WuiSeng14]

Can you tell me the technical specification for this Peltier element? Guess, i will need to know the Power output for that, in some specific temperature different. Can you also tell me the output voltage and current too? Thanks

[ajofscott]

I have more info comments won't allow comment on. i can be reached via my youtube page.

[ajofscott]

Use of a cooling pile will never be stellar in performance as a generator as the dopings of BiTl crystals are chosen for a high temperature gradient vs current. You should also note that hot side temperatures should neve be allowed to exceed 180C, a temprtature at which the copper in the interconnects begins to be soluable in the solders in the device. When this occours it diffuses into the BiTl crystal elements and poisons the junctions. The deterioration is permanant.