Thermoelectric Peltier element on one, whether he will charge the phone

Becoming actively explore alternative energy sources, I came across this interesting item as a Peltier element. Thermoelectric assemblies, where the basis is used, you can find a huge amount. I was wondering whether it is possible to assemble a camp setting on one element with the possibility of charging the phone. So, let's see what I got.

introduction

If you do not know what a Peltier element, then you can learn about it on this link (Do not forget to come back and see what happened). If we say short, this product is widely used in mobile cooling units as the main cold generating element. Upon application of power at 12 volts, one side of the product is heated and the other cooled.

We will use a reverse effect when one plate upon heating and cooling the other electric power is generated. As the saying goes: gone.

The first experiment

Theoretical part

Since we planned to mobile product, then sculpt it with one hand multikilogram radiator grill and the other will not, and focus on the very simple (I would even say primitive) assembly of a pair of copper plates, a small computer and a motor of a radiator propeller.

In order to align the motor and the heat sink carries out the following manipulations:

Note. Motor has been ordered to Aliekspress site. It starts at a voltage of 0.4 volts, while the voltage of 3.7 - 4 2 volts its consumption amounts to 0.08-0.1 Ampere.

Once an active air cooling is done, we fix the Peltier element between aluminum plates, and the top anchoring actively cooled heatsink. At the same time, of course, do not forget to handle the space thermal grease compound.

So, now you need to deal with our wires. Since a motor of go rather short two ends, then we increase them and isolate with shrink tubing.

Since I want to try to charge the cell phone is, then we need to step-up unit to 5 volts from the USB output. I was here in the presence of this module:

He is able to raise the voltage of only 1.5 volts (I hope I get to squeeze the required voltage element).

So, simply solder the ends of wires coming out of the Peltier element.

Note. In order to determine which end at the Peltier element is a minus, but a plus simply expose momentarily heating one of the plates and with a multimeter check voltage: black test lead to the black wire, red to red. If the display is the value with a minus, just turn himself Peltier element and heat the other side. Then the voltage will correspond to the labeling of wires (red - plus, black - negative).

Practical experience

So, the installation is ready to proceed to checkout. To do this, put the installation on a stand, and the bottom light candles for heating.

I have to say, I did not fight, but higher than the 1.1 volt I could not squeeze out of the installation. Therefore, raising the unit will not even run.

Subtotal

Of course, if you use step-up unit with a 0.6 V to 2.5 V can be supplied, for example, LED light bulb, but about charging telephone speech does not go.

And the thing (most likely) in a very inefficient air cooling. Let's still run this increases the unit.

the second experiment

So, I decided to replace the inefficient air cooling to water.

I specifically water cooled to near zero and the transformed plant in the following form:

Getting Started

Pouring water and placing the installation in the fire, I received the following result:

Now idle element produces a little more than 3 volts, and connected USB tester showed that the output has 5 Volts, but by connecting the phone I was disappointed.

For half an hour experiment, the charging indicator not moved by one percent.

conclusions

After completing the two experiences, I have come to the conclusion that charge the phone using a Peltier element is simply impossible, even changing the air cooling more efficient water. Therefore, only modest backlight can be assembled on a single Peltier element (night lamp) and no more. In future articles, I will be tested in the Seebeck thermoelectric generator, so join.

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