The TEG, ThermoElectric Generator or Thermocouple Electric Generator, is my project to build a device to directly convert a temperature differential into a power source.
The Mark 1 is a device that can be powered via a few candles, an alcohol stove (main intention), or a twig fire. The goal is to produce at 5 volts at a minimum of 0.5 Amps–the idea being this is enough to charge and/or power a usb device.
part | price | quantity | total | link | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Thermocouples | $3.41 | x10 | $34.10 | ↗ | |
Heatsinks + Fans | $12.01 | x10 | $120.10 | ↗ | My preference would be to salvage these out of waste computers |
Rectifier | x | x1 | x | |
|
Voltmeter | $5.60 | x1 | $5.60 | ↗ | |
Ammeter | $5.40 | x1 | $5.40 | ↗ | |
Booster Converter | $3.90 | x1 | $3.90 | ↗ | |
Total with Heatsinks + Fans | $169.10 | ||||
Total without Heatsinks + Fans | 49.00 |
Note: I probably could and should just have a switch (DPDT) to switch between input and output voltages and amps.
The Mark 2 ramps up power and size. It's intended to run off a large external heat source such as a gas stove or large wood fire. It's intention is to produce enough power (12v @ 4 Amps) to power and charge a Samsung 3 Chromebook.