How Can I Boost 55mV from a Peltier to 3V?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the challenge of boosting a low voltage output (~55mV) from a Peltier cooler to approximately 3V. Participants explore various methods and devices for voltage step-up, considering limitations and practical constraints.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests looking for single solar cell step-up converters, providing links to specific devices.
  • Another participant notes that increasing voltage will result in a drop in amperage.
  • There is a proposal to use multiple small coolers in series, although concerns about size and space are raised.
  • A participant mentions that many voltage multipliers require a minimum input voltage higher than 55mV, complicating the use of such devices.
  • One participant points out that the Linear Tech device operates from inputs as low as 20mV, but questions the relevance of a previously linked part that requires 350mV.
  • Another participant emphasizes that total power remains constant in any step-up methodology, minus conversion losses.
  • There are inquiries about the potential step-up effect if multiple Peltiers, each outputting 55mV, were used in series.
  • Links to various energy harvesting solutions and evaluation boards are shared, indicating a range of potential products that may assist in the voltage boosting challenge.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the feasibility of using multiple Peltiers in series and the effectiveness of various step-up devices. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach to achieve the desired voltage boost.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention limitations such as the minimum input voltage requirements for certain devices and the impact of conversion losses on total power. There is also a concern about the physical constraints of using multiple Peltiers.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals interested in energy harvesting, low-voltage power generation, and those working with Peltier devices in practical applications.

John Rambosi
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I have a Peltier cooler and with the temperatures that I am using on either side, I am getting ~55mv. These temps cannot be changed however and I need the right step up so I can be getting about 3V's out of it, any links and info will be greatly appreciated!
 
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Look for single solar cell stepup converters.
Here is an example. I don't know how available it is.
http://www.akm.com/akm/en/product/datasheet1/?partno=AP4460A

EDIT http://www.linear.com/product/LTC3108
 
Note though that if you increase the voltage in that way, the amperage will drop.
 
I assume this is for power generation?

Use 60 small coolers in series?

You might use something like the circuit meBigGuy presented with fewer elements, but even that needed 350mV input minimum.

All the voltage multipliers I know of use semiconductors which can't really switch at 55mV.

Of course you could treat the 55mV as a signal and amplify it, but that requires outside power.
 
The other challenge to this is that I can't just put multiple peltiers in series because of size and space concerns.
 
The linear tech device says : Operates from Inputs of 20mV

Not sure why I posted the link to the 350mv part. Maybe I grabbed the wrong one. I'll look again.

Note that for any stepup methodology, the total power (I * V) available remains constant (minus conversion losses)

Devices in series is nearly always better.
 
meBigGuy said:
The linear tech device says : Operates from Inputs of 20mV

Not sure why I posted the link to the 350mv part. Maybe I grabbed the wrong one. I'll look again.

Note that for any stepup methodology, the total power (I * V) available remains constant (minus conversion losses)

Devices in series is nearly always better.
Say I had to in series both putting out 55 mV what would the step up for that be (links?)
 

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