About: I like to design, construct and experiment with both old and new technology, especially when it includes mechatronics. I'm also devoted to photography, computers, programming and technology in general.

How to build your own portable thermoelectric device with a quadcopter motor.

This project might not have an electrifying impact to the world but it´s a baby brother to my first instructable (Thermoelectric Fan) and just had to be built. It´s much smaller than most similar projects and the top power device can be detached from the lower heat source base and be used as experiment in other areas. What does it do? It converts heat energy into kinetic energy, looks nice and sounds awesome!





Concept:

It uses a thermoelectric generator module (TEG) to power a motor with a fan. The heat source (candle) heat up the lower aluminium plate => creates a temperature difference over the module => generates electricity to the motor => increases air flow through heat sink => increases temperature difference => more power. Without the fan it would eventually stop generating power since the heat sink would get almost same temperature as the plate.





Experimental Areas:

Almost any heat source with enough temperature can be used to power the motor and this makes this small device easy and fun to experiment with. It´s very sensitive to temperature differences. I could run it on water with only 20C difference (23C air temp and 43C water temp). As seen in the video it´s powered from fire, hot water, food, and even used to cool a computer processor. The latter is an idea I had when i created my first build in 2013 and people said to me it cannot be done. It can and it´s stable for normal use but with further optimizations it could probably be even better. I don't think it can replace a regular CPU cooler but as it uses no electricity from the computer it´s somewhat environmental friendly. More information on last page.

Specifications:

Size base: 56x64x40mm

Size power device: 56x56x40mm (including fan)

Size total: 64x64x79mm

Weight base: 27g

Weight power device: 85g

Weight 3D print: 2.7g

Weight total:114.7g

Cost: ~12$





Construction

It require few parts, easy to build and you do not need any knowledge about electronics. You just need some mechanical tools for cutting, drilling and polishing the aluminium. If you want to build it, please read further.