Thermoelectric Phone Charger Provides Electricity From Camp Fire
The device manufactured by TES NewEnergyCorporation practically uses a thermoelectric material to transform heat into electricity. A single unit is able to charge up an iPhone in 3 to 5 hours, depending on the heat intensity. That’s more or less the time you’ll spend when you plug it to the grid charger.
The company claims their Hatsuden-Nabe thermoelectric charger can be used in open fire, since it can withstand 900 °F.
At the price of $280, I think it’s a bit expensive for some budgets, but remember the product is only in its infancy. If demand rises, it’ll surely cost no more than those Chinese flashlights you can find everywhere.
The Hastuden-Nabe is, however, a green product. It’s one of the few products that, besides solar cells, can actually be used anywhere and can save CO2 and maybe even your life, if it depends on an emergency phone call.
June 18, 2011