I am monitoring the temperature of a cup of water with a temperature sensor and I was wondering if it would be possible to generate electricity (to recharge batteries for example) with response to a temperature change?
Thanks for the help!
Google "peltier effect"
Although it would be possible to generate a small current this way, it wouldn't be a practical way to charge a battery. (unless you live near the top of an active volcano).
(unless you live near the top of an active volcano).
Or a radioactive isotope.
My world book Encyclopedia had a candle powered radio that used a thermocouple pile. Probably not enough to charge a battery, though.
AWOL:
Google "peltier effect"
Or "Seebeck effect". They are the reverse of each other.
A Peltier device produces heat and cold at two dissimilar junctions when a current flows.
A Seebeck device produces a current when one junction is hotter than the other.
Both devices are physically identical and both are highly inefficient.
In the middle 60s, I knew someone who was doing research into making a Peltier fridge. They were using Tellurium as one of the metals in the junctions. I understand that the company went broke!