G+_George Kozi Posted March 10, 2014 Share Posted March 10, 2014 Cool stuff. I thought you geeks might like this. Fr. Robert Ballecer, SJ here's a youtube video that explains it all. Maybe a project for KH? I know you have all the components in a box somewhere... Originally shared by Interesting Engineering Thermoelectric Fan Powered by a Candle! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_George Kozi Posted March 10, 2014 Author Share Posted March 10, 2014 passing thought: If you put that thermoelectric generator in the focal point of a serious lens or parabolic mirror, out in the sun, would it be more efficient than a photovoltaic panel? Looking at that metal base, there is enough surface for more than one TEG's on it.? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_George Kozi Posted March 10, 2014 Author Share Posted March 10, 2014 another passing thought: I know that some large scale solar plants are experimenting with melted salt a means to store heat and use that at night to drive a steam turbine to produce electricity. But... why not cut the expensive steam turbine out of the equation altogether, and use banks of cheep TEG's instead? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_William L. Weaver Posted March 10, 2014 Share Posted March 10, 2014 George Kozi Experimentation always. The current sticking points are scale and temperature differential. The base above does have more empty space on it, but that is to help keep the cool side cool. About the only useful thing the fan does is draw cool air through the cooling fins that are providing the cooling. If we draw off useful energy, the fan would not run fast enough and the system would stop. Better to use the fuel in the candle to power another device...? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_Ken Parlee Posted March 12, 2014 Share Posted March 12, 2014 Here's a useful application: Air conditioner fan - the hotter it gets outside, the more efficient the AC fan runs. Wishful thinking for the future! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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