How do electric and thermoelectric fans work?
The generator is powered by a tealight.The experiment was to see how much power I could get from one candle.I built this electric-mechanical ornament because I liked the idea and it worked well.I used a cheap TEC-module instead of a high temperature one.It's good enough to handle 200 degrees Celsius.You can see my other project with a more powerful TEG:Battery-Charger-Powered-by-Fire.There is one hot side and one cold side.The upper heat sink will be cooled by the motor fan/air flow of the module.Increased output power, motor RPM, air flow, temperature difference, and so on.If you unmount the basement you can use it as a stove-fan or move air from other heat sources.When I went outside with it and the heat sink was cooler than the basement, the motor started to turn at a 15 degree difference.It works just as well if you place it in hot water, on an ice cube, or on a pizza.The total cost was about 50.Shipping costs.I used some spare parts, but I bought most of it.Other heat sinks, TEC/TEG, motor, fan, thermal paste, bolts and base plate can be used.The main concept rules are:
The lower heat sink was polished to make it look nicer.When the light flame burns, I kept 5mm of the fins to absorb the heat.78x63x15mm is the new dimensions.The holes are drilled through the heat sink.The wooden platform has a lower heat sink on it.Bolts go through the platform from below and are screwed into the heat sink.The distance between wood and heat sink is 35mm, but I would make it 40-45mm as the flame almost touches the surface.You don't want that because it creates black soot.The lower heat sink works as a cooler to not get too warm, which would melt the TEG-module.Two springs attached to M3 bolts fixate the upper heat sink on the lower.There is a thin smooth layer of thermal paste on the surfaces of the TEC.The heat travels to the cold side because of the springs.You need isolated screws for the upper heat sink.The motor is attached to the upper heat sink by a piece of metal and a cable tie and the TEC is soldered to it.The fan is attached to the motor with a small belt wheel and glue.I measured 0.4V and 0.25A with one candle.That results in a small amount of power.The power is 0.36W.It's not that impressive to produce electricity this way.A candle can produce 25 Watts.But who cares, everything this machine does will eventually end up in heat.It's noisy to have running all the time.Some more experimentation is required to find the optimal motor/fan.
I have changed the motor to a new one.I bought it on Ebay.It is very strong at low RPM and I only give it a small amount of power.It is a very good motor and it is quiet.I can't hear it at full speed.It makes the air flow stronger.I can run it all the time.
7 years ago.
3 years ago
6 years ago on introduction
Where to buy this module?I need the sink and fan, I also want to try.
6 years ago.
11 months ago
5 years ago.
I'm trying with a TEC1-12706 and a Cooler Master Hyper 212, but I can't get any more than 0.4 volts from the power source.Any help?
The product is from the Cooler Master.
1 year ago
I know that mine can reach 2Vcc, four years ago.An old laptop has a 5V fan.
Four years ago.
2 years ago.
There are two wires coming from the Pelletier device.Run wires to the motor.The red wire goes to +.
3 years ago
What is the WxLxH?Is it bought like that or can the dimensions be changed?How can it be modified?
2 years ago.
It is very easy to cut a heatsink with a hacksaw or a Dremel.
The dimensions are not as important as the man said.If you can, make it close by using what you have.It should work.That's right.
2 years ago.
Four years ago.
Four years ago.
Thank you for the Post, this was amazing to me.Thank you counselor, I'm a dumbass.
Four years ago.
I created the fan, but I have a question, could I use any other heat source, and what do I do with it?
Four years ago.
If you used a can of ethonal gel, you could get that motor to crank.It is used for heating buffet trays.There is an Ethanol Gel and a Buffet Heater.
Four years ago.
Four years ago.