Thermocouple Applications to generate current to run a very small led ?

[aiswarya reddy]

Can I use a thermocouple which has a temperature difference of 1 degree to generate current to run a very small led.

 

[mfb]

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.

 

[dlgoff]

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.

 

[Mike_In_Plano]

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.

 

[jim hardy]

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.

 

[Mike_In_Plano]

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!