Tyler Brooks
Candles have been used as a source of light for centuries, but did you know that you can also use them to generate electricity? It may sound like magic, but it's science! With a few household items and some ingenuity, you can create a thermoelectric generator that converts heat energy from a candle into usable electric energy. This concept has been explored by NASA and has even powered the Curiosity Rover Lab. While creating a generator to power your entire home may be a challenging task, a candle-powered generator can be an excellent solution for lighting a few bulbs or equipment like a radio, especially in emergency situations. So, whether you're fascinated by the science behind it or preparing for potential power outages, generating electricity from a candle is an intriguing concept to explore.
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What You'll Learn
Using a thermoelectric generator
Thermoelectric generators (TEGs) are a great way to generate electricity from a candle. They work on the principle of the thermoelectric effect, also known as the Seebeck effect, which states that when there is a temperature differential from one side of the thermoelectric generator to the other, a small current is generated.
A candle is used to heat one side of the thermoelectric generator, and a heat sink cools the other side. The heat sink can be made of aluminium, and the two surfaces of the generator are covered with a thin layer of thermal paste to maximise the temperature difference. The heat sink should be placed fairly close to the candle flame without making contact, as that would cause sooting. The temperature difference between the two sides of the generator can be increased by using a fan, which will increase the airflow and, consequently, the output power.
The voltage picked up from the generator's contacts is then boosted using a joule thief. The voltage from a Peltier element used in this way is usually too low to light an LED, but the power supplied is sufficient. The tiny voltage is boosted using a circuit scavenged from an emergency phone charger, which can then be used to power an LED.
Thermoelectric generators can be used to power various devices, such as an LED that is brighter than the candle itself, a small computer fan, or even charge your phone. They are a great option for camping when you need to charge your phone but don't have access to electricity.
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Powering an LED
The following methods can be used to power an LED using a candle.
Using a thermoelectric generator
A thermoelectric generator can be used to capture the heat from a candle and convert it into electricity, which can then be used to power an LED. This method was showcased on Hackaday and Reddit, and it is possible to achieve an LED brightness that is greater than the candle itself.
Using a Peltier element
A Peltier element can be used to generate electricity from a candle, which can then be used to power an LED. The Peltier element creates a small current when there is a temperature differential from one side to the other. One side of the Peltier is heated by the candle, while the other side is cooled by a heat sink. The voltage from the Peltier element is boosted using a joule thief, and this is then used to power the LED.
Using a sterling engine
A sterling engine is a more efficient alternative to the Peltier setup, being able to utilize up to 90% of the available heat energy. It can run off any temperature differential and is a good option for device charging.
Using tea lights
An electric candle can be powered by tea lights. The setup involves a "hot" heat sink, which is placed above the candle, and a "cool" heat sink, which gets cold when electricity is applied to the module. The candle is lit and placed below the "hot" heat sink, and after a few minutes, the electric candle should light up.
Using an LED candle kit
An LED candle kit can be used to create a candle-powered electric candle. The kit includes LEDs, batteries, and other necessary components. The LEDs are installed in the correct orientation, soldered, and connected to a power supply, which can be batteries or an AC to DC adapter.
Using copper wire and an LED candle
An LED candle can be hacked to be powered by a candle by using copper wire, solder, and rechargeable batteries. The copper wire is bent into the right positions to form the battery holder, and the batteries are taped and used as a template. The ends of the wire are then soldered to the battery ends. A light globe is cleared out, and the LED is attached with hot glue.
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Creating a Stirling engine
A Stirling engine can be used to generate electricity from a candle. The Stirling engine contains a fixed quantity of working fluid, which is air in this case. The air is pushed between two chambers of different temperatures, allowing for thermal expansion and contraction. The mechanical linkages are then used to extract mechanical work from this thermal expansion and contraction.
To create a Stirling engine, you will need the following tools: a hacksaw, utility knife, drill, pliers (long nose), wire cutters, drill bits (1/16, 5/32, 1/2-3/4), a drawing compass, and a ruler. The materials required include a CD and case, a large plastic jar lid, a 10x5-inch piece of steel or aluminum, and two 5x5-inch pieces of CD tower top.
- Using the drawing compass, span from the middle of the CD tower top to 2.25 inches from the edge and draw a circle.
- Cut out two circles from foam board, ensuring you mark the centers. You can use a jigsaw or scissors to cut the circles, and then stack and tape or glue them together.
- Draw two non-overlapping 5-inch circles using the compass or the CD tower top as a guide, and slowly cut out the circle using the hacksaw.
- Measure and cut an 8-inch piece of wire for the crankshafts.
- The crankshafts for the piston should be 0.15-0.20 inches deep, and the displacer should be slightly less than 0.25 inches deep. Ensure that the crankshafts are straight and do not have cams that are too deep, as this will cause the engine to not run.
- The two cams need to be 90 degrees out of phase from each other. Mark the distances for the displacer and piston rods on a sheet of paper for reference.
- Assemble the engine and test if it makes a full rotation. If it doesn't, adjust the crankshaft up or down as needed.
- Try different heat sources, such as hot water, a candle, or tea candle tin filled with alcohol. Ensure that the plastic does not melt from too much heat.
- Turn the shaft and observe which way is easier to turn. This is the way your engine runs.
With your Stirling engine, you can now use the heat from a candle to generate electricity. However, keep in mind that the efficiency of such low-temperature-differential Stirling engines is typically in the single digits, so the power output may be limited to low-power devices such as LEDs or phone charging.
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Building a candle-powered phone charger
A candle-powered phone charger can be a useful device to have in an emergency, especially during a power cut. It can be a fun DIY project, but it is important to note that it may not be the most financially viable option.
Materials
- Candles
- Water
- A pot or container
- A thermoelectric generator or Peltier cooler
- A USB cable
- Electrical tape
- Tissue
- Fire extinguisher
Steps to Build the Charger
Firstly, you will need to source or create a thermoelectric generator. This is a device that converts heat to electricity. One option is to purchase a Peltier cooler, which can be used to build a charger. Alternatively, you can create your own generator by following online guides and using materials such as cans, epoxy, and wires.
Next, you will need to prepare the candles. Tea lights are a good option as they are small, long-lasting, and inexpensive. Ensure you have a sufficient number of candles to generate the required heat.
Now, you can assemble the charger. Place the thermoelectric generator or Peltier cooler on a stable surface. If using a Peltier cooler, follow the instructions provided with the device. If using a self-made generator, you will need to connect the wires to a USB cable, ensuring proper polarity. Cover all connections with electrical tape to prevent short circuits.
To use the charger, light the candles and place them underneath the generator or cooler. The heat from the candles will be converted into electricity. If using a Peltier cooler, follow the specific instructions provided with the device, including any safety precautions.
For a self-made generator, place a pot or container of water on top of the generator. The water will act as a heat sink, absorbing the heat from the candles. Ensure there is adequate airflow by creating slits or holes in the container. Light the candles and adjust the flame as needed.
Connect your phone's charging cable to the USB cable from the generator. Place your phone on top of the generator or in a stable position nearby. The heat from the candles will be converted into electricity, powering your phone.
Always exercise caution when using an open flame. Do not leave the candle charger unattended, and keep a fire extinguisher nearby.
Tips and Precautions
- Ensure proper ventilation in the room when using the candle charger.
- Regularly refill the water in the pot or container to maintain efficient heat transfer.
- Be cautious when handling the Peltier junction, as excessive heat can damage or dislodge it.
- If using a self-made generator, test the setup before connecting your phone to ensure it functions properly.
- For added safety, you can use LED candles instead of real candles to eliminate the risk of fire.
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Using tea lights
Materials and Setup:
Firstly, gather the required materials: tea lights, a heat sink (such as a Peltier heat sink assembly) , electrical tape, tissue, alligator clip wires, a light bulb holder, and a low-watt light bulb. You will also need some tools like pliers and a grill thermometer.
Circuit Creation:
Begin by creating a secure circuit. Connect the tea lights to the heat sink, ensuring there is about an inch of clearance between the flame and the heat sink. Use electrical tape to insulate connections and prevent short circuits. Cover both surfaces of the TEC (Thermoelectric Cooler) module with a thin layer of thermal paste to enhance heat transfer.
Lighting the Tea Lights:
Stuff a small piece of tissue into the candle's light sensor hole to trick the candle into thinking it is always night-time, so it turns on immediately. Light the tea lights and place them under the heat sink. The heat from the flames will warm up the heat sink.
Generating Electricity:
The heat sink will absorb the heat from the tea lights, creating a temperature differential between its two sides. This temperature difference will generate a small electric current through the Peltier or TEC module, converting heat energy into electricity.
Using the Electricity:
You can now use this electricity to power various devices. Connect the wires from the peltier junction to the positive terminal on the candle, mimicking a battery connection. You can also attach alligator clip wires to a light bulb holder and power a low-watt light bulb. Alternatively, consider using the electricity for charging devices, powering an LED, or operating a thermoelectric fan or radio.
Remember to always exercise caution when working with fire. Do not leave the setup unattended, and keep a fire extinguisher nearby for safety.
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Frequently asked questions
A thermoelectric generator can be used to convert heat energy from a candle into usable electric energy.
You will need a candle, a Peltier heat sink assembly, an electric candle, aluminium rods, shaft collars, and electrical tape.
Slide the shaft collars about 3-4 inches up the aluminium rod and fasten them into place. Adjust the height of the shaft collars until the bottom "hot" heat sink is elevated high enough to place a candle underneath. Connect the red wire from the Peltier junction to the positive terminal on the candle. Apply electrical tape to each connection to prevent the circuit from shorting out. Light your candle and place it below the "hot" heat sink.
You can use a Stirling engine, a thermopile, or a combination of LED and candle to generate electricity from a candle. Additionally, you can create a generator to power a few lights or equipment like a radio using candles and some household items.
