fire power electricity from heat

8/13/2019 Fire Power Electricity From Heat

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http://www.instructables.com/id/Fire-Power-Electricity-from-heat/

Food Living Outside Play Technology Workshop

Fire Power: Electricity from heatby icecatson December 3, 2013

Table of Contents

Fire Power: Electricity from heat ...................................................................................................

Intro: Fire Power: Electricity from heat ...........................................................................................

Step 1: The Problem ........................................................................................................

Step 2: Introduction/Materials .................................................................................................

Step 3: Build!!! ............................................................................................................

Step 4: Use your stove ......................................................................................................

Step 5: In closing... .........................................................................................................

Related Instructables ........................................................................................................ 1

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Comments ................................................................................................................ 1
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Intro: Fire Power: Electricity from heatLego created a robotics contest that focused on the advance of technology in students at schools and other organizations. This contest is known as FLL (First LegoLeague) and uses Lego's robot kit- Mindstorms. Each year, a theme is chosen to correlate with the robot and the other aspects of the contest. This year's theme is title"Natures Fury", and it involves natural disasters. A table is set up with "missions" (also made of Legos and relating to natural disasters) that must be completed by arobot built and programmed with Mindstorms.

As well as the robot part of the contest, a project or innovative solution must also be built that solves a problem in a natural disaster. This Instructable is a collaboratioour efforts on the project and will serve as a means to present our information to judges at the FLL competition that we will be attending this month.

The grading rubric used to judge the project design states that the project should be "shared with multiple individuals or groups who may benefit. " What's a better placto share than on Instructables? We would like to thank all of the viewers like you in advance for the support and the helpful feedback you will surely give.

If you would like to read about the process in which we decided to build this project, then follow along, but if you want to skip right to the building instructions jump to S

2.

Update:Please do not forget to vote for this Instructable in the contests if you like it. Thanks

Sources:FLL Website- http://www.firstlegoleague.org/FLL Rubric- http://www.firstlegoleague.org/sites/default/file...

Image Notes1. Our project.

Image Notes
http://www.firstlegoleague.org/sites/default/files/Official_Event_Info/CombinedRubrics.pdfhttp://www.firstlegoleague.org/


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1. A typical Mindstorms robot.

Step 1:The ProblemFirst, we chose a community and natural disaster to study. From there, we selected a common problem in the disaster. Here is a diagram of how we narrowed down thbroad topic to our project idea.Community: Northern Wyoming > Storm: Thunderstorm > Common Problem: Power outages > a need for electricity > using available resources > fire > HEATPOWERED BATTERY CHARGER!!!

As you can see, a long process occurred between choosing a community and selecting a project. One of the many reasons that we selected power outages as a majoproblem was because we felt that it was a somewhat overlooked topic. In thunderstorms, many people worry about the immediate consequences (lightning, heavy rainbut forget about the prolonged problems. Power outages can last anywhere from hours to weeks. That is weeks without power. Say goodbye to phones, lights, heatersand all electronic appliances/devices.

For our project we selected an electricity generator that uses heat to produce electricity (more on that later) because 1.) You can recharge batteries on essential thingssuch as flashlights, radios, and phones. 2.) We killed a couple birds with one stone with this project... While you wait for your batteries to charge, you can soak up thewarmth of your heat source, cook food, and have a source of lighting.

Now we realize that there are a few amazing solutions already out in the wild that could potentially solve this problem, but we still feel that our project is quite useful.

Solar power/chargers- Solar power can still be quite expensive, despite the fact that prices have dropped greatly in recent years. Also, the sun is not out all of the timeWhat if you would like to generate electricity after dark or when the sky is overcast?

Hand crank devices- These are great, but would be potentially harder to build and are already readily available to many people. We wanted to create a project that wainnovative.

Wind generators- Hey, the wind doesn't blow all the time.

Biolite Camp Stove- We also found that a commercial version similar to our was project available. However, it only charges usb devices, and it is quite expensive at$129.95.

Sources:

http://environment.yale.edu/yer/article/the-true-c...http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/energy/2012/08/pictures/120821-world-s-worst-power-outages/#/energy-worst-power-outages-skyline-nyc_58535_600x450

http://www.biolitestove.com/campstove/camp-overview/features/

Image Notes1. Lightning during a thunderstorm.

Image Notes1. A downed power line.
http://environment.yale.edu/yer/article/the-true-cost-of-power-outageshttp://environment.yale.edu/yer/article/the-true-cost-of-power-outageshttp://environment.yale.edu/yer/article/the-true-cost-of-power-outages


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Image Notes1. Commercial product similar to our project- Biolite Camp Stove

Step 2:Introduction/MaterialsAs you have probably gleaned from the previous steps, this project has something to do with using heat to generate electricity to charge batteries. This is all true, butthere is much more in the science of the project than what fi rst appears. Even for someone completely oblivious to all of the little components that make up our everydelectronics, our goal is for this project to be easy for all to build in case of a disaster.

The entire project can be built for roughly $30.

The key component of this entire project is a device called a Peltier Module. Also known as a TEC or a thermoelectric cooler, this small, 40x40mm, white ceramicsquare is really where the magic happens. A peltier module is normally used in small cooling applications such as wine coolers and novelty pop chillers.A peltier module basically consists of a sandwich of a ceramic plate, a thin metal film, a semiconductor, another thin metal film, and finally an additional ceramic plate.When DC electricity is applied to the two wires protruding from the device, it pulls in heat from one side to the other; one side of the device gets cooler while the othergets hotter, creating a temperature dif ferential. This is useful for applications such as cooling.

However, if a temperature differential is placed on the peltier, such as one side being placed over a heat source, and the other side cooled, electricity is generated!!! process is known as the Seebeck Effect. (for further information on the science behind the peltier module, please check out the sources listed at the end of this step. Tis the principle that we will be using to generate electricity.

Here is a list of parts that are needed to construct this project.

Thermoelectric Cooler- https://www.sparkfun.com/products/10080Schottky Diode- https://www.sparkfun.com/products/10926Spring Terminals- https://www.sparkfun.com/products/1114Assorted battery holders- available at Radio ShackAssorted rechargeable batteries- available at the grocery storeLarge CPU Heat sink- can be found in an old computer or onlineCopper Wire- can be found at your local hardware storeSmall plastic caseOther assorted supplies

Sources:www.sparkfun.comhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermoelectric_coolin...http://www.markes.com/Blog/2011/11/The-Peltier-effect-a-cool-technology-for-thermal-desorption/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermoelectric_coolinghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermoelectric_coolinghttp://www.sparkfun.com/https://www.sparkfun.com/products/11145https://www.sparkfun.com/products/10926https://www.sparkfun.com/products/10080


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Image Notes

1. A typical peltier module Image Notes1. A cross-section of a peltier.

Image Notes1. Schottky Diode

Image Notes1. Spring Terminals


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Step 3:Build!!!The first step for building is to solder the circuit together. If wanted, you can prototype the circuit on a breadboard before permanately soldering. Please reference theabove diagram created in Fritzing to help with the soldering process. If you need help soldering, a very thorough source can be found at:https://learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials/how-to-solder...

To attach the peltier module to the heat sink, we cut an inch hole in the lid of a large can. We then centered the peltier over the hole and sandwiched it between the hesink and the lid. We used screws and soft wire to securely fasten them together. Another option to attach the heat sink to the peltier is to use thermal compound, a sorthermally conductive glue. Lastly, we shrunk heat shrink tubing over the peltier's wires to shield them from the heat. For the convenient carrying case we cut to fit asquare out of the small plastic box and screwed the spring terminals into the box. After screwing it in, we proceeded to solder in the appropriate wires and componentsaddition, we printed out labels and glued them to the spring terminals for easy connecting.

After reading about this device, you are probably curious about how the circuit works. Here is a basic rundown of the workings. First, the Peltier module produceselectricity due to the temperature dif ference. On one side of the module extreme heat is placed, while on the other lies a heat sink. See all of those wavy bits of metal?These aren't just for beauty, they are designed to maximize the surface area for heat to be dissipated, cooling this side of the peltier. This is similar to the ridged metal

surrounding the engine on a motorcycle.

Next, the electricity reaches the diode in the circuit. A diode only allows the electricity to flow one way- towards the battery. If a diode was not placed in the circuit, thanthe battery would drain itself by putting electricity into the peltier module and creating the cooling effect described earlier. Finally, the electricity reaches the battery andthe voltage is higher than that of the battery, will began to charge it.

Sources:https://learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials/diodeshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heat_sink

Image Notes1. The circuit diagram.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heat_sinkhttps://learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials/diodeshttps://learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials/how-to-solder---through-hole-soldering


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Step 4:Use your stoveTo use the device, simply plug the red peltier wire into the voltage input (labeled VIN) spring terminal, and the black peltier wire into a ground (GND) terminal. Finally,insert the positive wire of the battery into the voltage out (VOUT) terminal, and the negative wire into the other ground terminal. It is very important to note polarity wheconnecting the wires. Place the peltier and heat sink over a heat source with the lid facing down. Once the peltier has heated to a high enough temperature, a suitableamount of electricity can be generated to charge the battery. To ensure that the device is working properly, first measure the voltage of the rechargeable battery at thebeginning of charging time. After a little while, measure the battery again. You should find that the battery voltage increases!

Heat source ideas:Although there is many different possibilities to heat your generator with, we have found that a rocket stove works quite well. A rocket stove is essentially some kind ofcontainer (such as a tin can) with a hole poked into the bottom so that air can flow in. A fire in the rocket stove is very easy to light, and, after lit, becomes extremely hFor instructions on how to build your own rocket stove check out this instructable:http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-make-a-Rock...For fuel, we made some fire starters using egg carton, wax, and dryer lint. They work marvelously. Check out this instructable:http://www.instructables.com/id/Waterproof-Dryer-L...
http://www.instructables.com/id/Waterproof-Dryer-Lint-Fire-Starter/http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-make-a-Rocket-Stove-from-a-10-Can-and-4-So/


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Step 5:In closing...Thank you to all of the viewers of this instructable. We encourage you to try this project. If you need any help or have any suggestions just post a comment below. Oumain goal was to solve a problem in a thunderstorm. We feel that this has contributed to the many already available resources to prepare for a power outage. Now thathe project is completed, I think that we have realized that this project could not only be useful in natural disasters, but also for camping and just getting free electricity.Thanks for viewing and good luck building.

Here are some ideas for future updates to the design.

a battery charge-status monitorUSB compatibilitya switch to turn the charging circuit on and offa more elegant designA circuit built into a stove

Image Notes1. Our project.


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Comments

9 comments Add Comment

marcoboerssays: Dec 5, 2013. 3:21 PM REPVery nice idea! Have you also measured current? So we get an idea of the power. On the picture I noticed some snow, did you use that to further cool it?Because that would increase the temp. differential. Otherwise there could be some room for improvement ;)

junits15says: Dec 5, 2013. 2:25 PM REP

looks cool! would't it be easier to just put those diodes inline with the wires rather than have that spring terminal box?

icecatssays: Dec 5, 2013. 2:56 PM REPYou do make a valid point junits15. However for presentation purposes (at the FLL competition), and for easy storage, we decided to use a springterminal box. You could definitely make the circuit more compact by directly connecting the diode and wires. Thanks, and please try the project.icecats

carlos66basays: Dec 5, 2013. 2:10 PM REPhave you measured the electrical power output (and/or voltage and current) you can get out?

icecatssays: Dec 5, 2013. 2:54 PM REPYes, the peltier module ranges in output voltage depending on the temperature differential on either side. Using a rocket stove f ire and a CPU heatsinkwe were able to get a consistent 2 volts... More than enough to charge a standard 1.2 volt rechargable battery. We also tried heating the device with 4

tea light candles and were able to generate a range between 1- 1.7 volts.

TP_incsays: Dec 5, 2013. 2:04 PM REPYESSS!!!! I conveniently Have a CPU heat sink lying around ;D

icecatssays: Dec 5, 2013. 2:49 PM REPGreat... Give the project a try. Please post pictures of your build.

audreyobscurasays: Dec 5, 2013. 1:39 PM REPAwesome!

icecatssays: Dec 5, 2013. 1:56 PM REPThanks a lot. Please feel free to give feedback and your ideas regarding better designs and ideas.
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