DIY Power Fan: Automatic Temperature Control - STEM Discovery Kit

This setup demonstrates a basic application of thermoelectric power generation using a Peltier module to power a DC fan.

Thermoelectric power generation using devices known as a thermoelectric cooler or Peltier module relies on the Seebeck effect. This effect occurs when a temperature gradient is applied across a thermoelectric material, causing a voltage difference to develop between the hot and cold sides.

This voltage difference can be used to generate electrical power. Peltier modules consist of semiconductor materials that exhibit the Seebeck effect. They have two sides: a hot side and a cold side. When a temperature difference is maintained between these sides, it induces a flow of electrons, creating a voltage across the module. In power generation applications, a heat source is applied to the hot side of the Peltier module, while the cold side is kept cooler. As the Peltier module generates a voltage due to the temperature difference, it will power the DC fan.