- #1
aiswarya reddy
- 1
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Can I use a thermocouple which has a temperature difference of 1 degree to generate current to run a very small led.
Thermocouple Applications to generate current to run a very small led ?
- Thread starter aiswarya reddy
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SUMMARY
Using a thermocouple with a temperature difference of only 1 degree Celsius to generate sufficient current for a small LED is impractical. Thermocouples produce minimal voltage per degree change, making it necessary to utilize a thermopile, which consists of multiple thermocouples wired in series, to achieve higher voltages. Common thermopiles available in home supply stores generate between 0.03 and 0.75 volts but require significant heat sources, such as flames, to operate effectively. Alternative solutions like Peltier devices can generate voltage from temperature differences and have been successfully used to power small bulbs.
PREREQUISITES- Understanding of thermocouple types and their voltage outputs
- Knowledge of thermopile configurations and applications
- Familiarity with Peltier devices and their functionality
- Basic principles of thermoelectricity
- Research the specifications and applications of various thermocouple types
- Explore the design and implementation of thermopiles for energy generation
- Investigate Peltier device applications in thermoelectric generators
- Learn about the voltage requirements for different LED colors and types
Electronics enthusiasts, engineers, and hobbyists interested in thermoelectric applications and energy generation methods.
- #2
mfb
Mentor
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If you find some way to have a huge heat flow and if you can increase the voltage by orders of magnitude: maybe. In practice, probably not. LEDs need a minimal voltage (depending on the color, but at least ~2V) to work.
- #3
dlgoff
Science Advisor
Gold Member
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Here's a graph showing the Millivolts produced at various temperatures for several common Thermocouple types. Not much change in voltage per ºC change in temperature.
- #4
Mike_In_Plano
- 700
- 35
When I was a kid, there was a project in an encyclopedia that used a series of thermocouples to power a small radio. By
wiring thermocouples in series, you get what's termed a thermopile.
The design I read about used a lamp socket and candle along with a bunch of thermocouples.
Later I learned that Russians often used a similar arrangement to power radios.
wiring thermocouples in series, you get what's termed a thermopile.
The design I read about used a lamp socket and candle along with a bunch of thermocouples.
Later I learned that Russians often used a similar arrangement to power radios.
- #5
jim hardy
Science Advisor
Homework Helper
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Home supply stores carry thermopiles for gas appliances.
They come in 0.03 and 0.75 volt
https://customer.honeywell.com/en-U...=Thermocouples+and+Thermopiles&catpath=1.2.12
but they have to be immersed in a flame, your 1 degree isn't going to work.
They come in 0.03 and 0.75 volt
https://customer.honeywell.com/en-U...=Thermocouples+and+Thermopiles&catpath=1.2.12
but they have to be immersed in a flame, your 1 degree isn't going to work.
- #6
Mike_In_Plano
- 700
- 35
Yes, LOL, you'll need a zillion thermocouples to make it from 1 degree C or F.
Piltier devices (used for 12 volt coolers) offer a simple means of getting voltage from a temperature difference.
I've applied 12 volts to one, allowed it to settle, and then used it to power a small 6v bulb for a short time. Fun!
Piltier devices (used for 12 volt coolers) offer a simple means of getting voltage from a temperature difference.
I've applied 12 volts to one, allowed it to settle, and then used it to power a small 6v bulb for a short time. Fun!
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