Is it possible...?

andywelik
andywelik Registered Users Posts: 2
in Solar Beginners Corner #1
Is it possible to generate electric power using two metal plates (of the same sq. footage) thus: Place one plate above the other, but with a gap between them so they don't touch each other? Connect the two plates with an electrical wire. Now solar-heat the top plate while cooling the bottom plate. Will there be production of electrical power which could be used to charge a rechargeable battery?
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  • Cariboocoot
    Cariboocoot Banned Posts: 17,615 ✭✭✭
    #2
    Re: Is it possible...?

    Here you are describing thermoelectric effect, commonly called Peltier-Seebeck effect. It's a bit more complex than your description, however. The generation of electricity from the transfer of heat is Seebeck effect.

    Again our friend Wiki for more details: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermoelectric_effect

    And again the process is not terribly efficient. There are such devices used to power small circulating fans for wood stoves (look up Eco-fan) and the inverse Peltier effect which is used to run those portable coolers you plug in to your car.
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  • bill von novak
    bill von novak Solar Expert Posts: 891 ✭✭✭✭
    #3
    Re: Is it possible...?
    andywelik wrote: »
    Will there be production of electrical power which could be used to charge a rechargeable battery?

    Short answer: no
    Longer answer: still no. If they are touching you may see a _slight_ current generated (this is how thermocouples work.) But it will be very small.
    Alternative: Peltier devices are semiconductor devices that can extract electric power from a temperature differential (or alternatively create a temperature differential when a current is run through them.) They are not very efficient overall and are somewhat pricey.
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