What is a thermoelectric device? They are made of materials that can convert temperature differences into electricity. A Chinese space rocket manufacturer used this concept in an insulated water bottle. He equipped it with a thermoelectric chip that converts heat from water into electricity to charge devices. It’s the water bottle that can charge your battery.
Use heat
Researchers from the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology are responsible. They aim to use thermoelectric space technology for everyday life. Thermoelectric devices can collect waste heat and generate electrical energy. This can power the batteries of spaceships.
Over time, cell phones have acquired more powerful processors and larger touchscreen interfaces. And your energy requirements have increased accordingly. However, people often face the problem of charging their phones. Especially when you take the train or camp in the mountains, said lead researcher Ma Wei. It is quoted from Xinhua.
“Our solution to this problem is a thermoelectric device based on a water bottle. A heat source to generate electricity, ”Ma said, adding that the invention does not require an electrical source.
The thermoelectric device is embedded in the bottle cap, which has a USB charging port. Connecting the charging cable activates the battery charging icon on the mobile screen. “We found that the water bottle can provide electricity for 20 to 30 minutes. We poured 300 to 500 milliliters of boiling water, “said Sheng Jiang, a member of the research team.
Multiple uses
The water bottle that can charge your battery works for many devices. Including laptops, cameras, and other energy efficient devices.
Now the researchers want to enter into a collaboration with companies to commercialize the concept. The product is likely to be priced at 150 yuan. This equates to about $ 23.
A thermoelectric chip could make the bottle 200 grams heavier than the same product on the market. But Sheng said it was easy to carry as they reduced the weight of the bottle. A light thermal insulation material was used for this. It was originally created for spaceships. This is to replace the stainless steel container.
Sheng emphasized the safety of the invention, saying that it generates low voltage. Therefore there is no risk of a short circuit.
