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Electricity

ThermoElectric Generator

Start with the video, then use the science notes and recommended parts below to follow the idea behind the build.

ElectricityBuildElectronics

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How it works

What this project is testing.

A thermoelectric generator turns a temperature difference directly into electricity. One side is hot, the other side is cool, and charge carriers inside the material drift in a way that creates voltage.

Read more

This project demonstrates the Seebeck effect: the bigger and cleaner the temperature difference, the more useful voltage you can get. It is a nice reminder that heat flow is a real energy source, not just wasted warmth.

V = S Δ T

The generated voltage is roughly proportional to the temperature difference across the module.

Recommended parts

Products used in this project.

Affiliate links may earn Keystone Science a commission. Match ratings, values, sizes, polarity, and safety requirements to your own build before buying.

Auto Ranging Digital Multimeter TRMS 6000 with Battery Alligator Clips Test Leads AC/DC Voltage/Account,Voltage Alert, Amp/Ohm/Volt Multi Tester/Diode

multimetertest equipment

Auto-Ranging Digital Multimeter TRMS 6000 with Battery, Alligator Clips, and Test Leads

$22.394.6(1,700)

EDGELEC 120pcs Breadboard Jumper Wires 20cm Wire Length Optional Dupont Cable Assorted Kit Male to Female Multicolored Ribbon Cables

jumper wires / hookup wirewiring

120pcs Breadboard Jumper Wires, 20cm Dupont Cable Assorted Kit, Male to Female

$6.984.7(4,500)

12V 2A Power Supply, AC 120V to DC12V 5.5x2.1mm Jack Converter, 12 Volt LED Driver 24W Adapter Transformer for Strip Lights, Surveillance Cameras, External HDD, Monitor, CCTV (Pack of 1)

transformerpower

12V 2A Power Supply, AC 120V to DC12V 5.5x2.1mm Adapter Transformer

$8.994.5(6,601)

General low-voltage transformer/adapter pick; match voltage/current and connector to the circuit.

EUDAX 6 Set DC Motors Kit, Mini Electric Hobby Motor 3V -12V 25000 RPM Strong Magnetic with Shaft Propeller, 2 x AA Battery Holder,9V Battery Clip Connector,Plastic Wheels for DIY Science Projects

electric motorelectromechanical

EUDAX 6 Set Mini DC Motors Kit, 3V-12V, with Propellers, Wheels, Battery Holders, and Connectors

$11.994.5(1,500)

Syncwire 3.5mm Nylon Braided Aux Cable (3.3ft/1m,Hi-Fi Sound), Audio Auxiliary Input Adapter Male to Male Cord for Headphones, Car, Home Stereos, Speaker, iPhone, iPad, iPod, Echo & More – Black

audio source / phoneaudio

3.5mm Nylon Braided Aux Cable, Male to Male, 3.3ft

$7.994.6(119K)

Use with an existing phone or audio player.

Pure Life Distilled Water 2.5 Gallon, 320 Fl Oz

waterfluid

Pure Life Distilled Water, 2.5 Gallon

$5.694.6(410)

TEC1-12706 12V 60W 6A 40MMX40MM Heatsink Thermoelectric Cooler Cooling Peltier Plate Module 10pcs Compatible with Gaming Consoles/Devices

thermoelectric/Peltier modulethermal/electrical

TEC1-12706 12V 60W 6A 40x40mm Thermoelectric Cooler Peltier Plate Module, 10pcs

$26.994.5(328)

Bernzomatic FirePoint Creator Tool, Precision Flame Hand Torch for use with Bernzomatic MAP-Pro or Propane Fuel (Firepoint Tool)

heat sourcethermal

Bernzomatic FirePoint Creator Tool Precision Flame Hand Torch

4.5(572)

Only for adult-supervised shop/lab use.

Easycargo 100pcs Heatsink Assortment Kit Small Cooler Aluminum Heat Sink Set for Cooling Laptop CPU GPU VGA RAM VRAM VRM IC LED MOSFET Transistor SCR Voltage Regulator (Without Thermal Tape)

cold sink / heat sinkthermal

Easycargo 100pcs Small Aluminum Heat Sink Assortment Kit

4.7(566)

Project files

Prints, kits, and downloads.

Diagrams, printable files, kits, or companion downloads will appear here when they are ready to use.

Coming soon

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