Heat-Powered Generator Demonstrates Seebeck Effect

Appears in Print As: Turning Heat into Electricity

April 21, 2009

Edited by Stephen J. Mraz

A self-contained device, the PG-1 from Tellurex Corp., Traverse City, Mich. (tellurex.com), generates electricity when heat is properly applied. (The company suggests using canned fuel as a heat source.) It is designed to demonstrate the Seebeck effect, but can also be used for practical purposes, such as powering handheld electronic devices, LED arrays, and USB equipment, as well as to charge batteries, according to the company. The generator puts out 0.75 W, adjustable from 3 to 14 Vdc with a built-in voltage converter. It costs about $250.

Comments

heat powered generator

On October 15th, 2009 Scott Sater (not verified) says:

Good afternoon,

I found your site trying to locate sources of sterling and or rankine engines that are on a personal use level. The only obstacle to building our home is technology that will enable us to turn heat into electricity.

We are going to use a solar salt gradient pond to heat our home. We need to find a way to turn this 160-200degree water into a power source to turn a 5kw generator...about 10hp.

If you can lead me in any direction that may help us, your advice will be greatly appreciated.

Respectfully yours,

Scott Sater

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seebeck effect

On July 14th, 2009 Dave (not verified) says:

I think a seebeck device would be very efficient in space. One side faces the sun. The other side is shielded from the sun. There is a huge temperature difference.