Thermoelectric Generator
As technology becomes a bigger part of our lives, people find
themselves with more products that require energy.
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Explore
People are exploring the planet like never before. Destination photography and adventure documentation is more popular than ever.
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Drive
The overland community is booming. Vehicles are becoming more capable and more trials for open every day.
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Live
Living “off grid” is more appealing than ever. People need access to on demand power.
Problem Statement
How can we provide efficient, reliable, and sustainable energy to recreational outdoor enthusiasts so that they can keep devices running while they travel, work, and play.
Interview Insights
Ideation
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I explore many shapes and sizes in relation to packability, portability, and center of gravity.
The design eventually took on a cubic form to make packability more efficient with other like items.
Centralized weight distribution for a better carrying experience and center of gravity. Lead to a dual TEG system for more energy production and two batteries.
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Size Consideration
According to data, the average knee height male and female combined is 24” from the bottom of the foot.
In order to make this device easily transported, a height of 22” was used. Allowing the average user to carry the device at full extension of the arm without dragging the ground.
Dimensions
22” x 20” x 12”
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A durable, efficient generator that can sustain basecamp activities and is also portable via vehicle. The design can be used for recreational purposes but also has opportunity to perform is natural disaster recovery efforts, military sustainment operations, home emergency preparedness, and humanitarian efforts.
Durability First
The TEG is constructed of 1/8” aluminum sheet. Milled with precision and assembled to the internal sheet metal frame.
All components are accessible by removing individual outer panels. Making maintenance as easy as possible.
Features that make sense.
Components are easily interchanged for new parts if damaged. Making it a self serviceable product. Apart from the fan, there are no moving components on the generator. Less items that are likely to fail over time.
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The bismuth telluride plates, heat sinks, and burn chamber are easy to use. The provide a high level of durability and can be easily replaced by the user.
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To protect the other internal components, the burn chamber is a double walled construction. Preventing an excessive heat inside the generator.
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Air induction can be turned on and off to fuel the fire with air. Introducing essential gases to the fire, generating a smokeless burn.
Removable Batteries for All Day Power
The removable Li-ion batteries are charged while the generator is being used. They can be remove for convenient use while not using the generator.
The TEGs can generator up to 60W of power based on thermal specifications and surface area. Recharging the batteries efficiently and quickly.
Recharge Anywhere
The removable batteries are designed to mirror the existing Goal Zero Sherpa 100AC.
Recharge rates are already impressive on this device. While fully capable of being charged via TEG, these can also supplement energy needs by charging via solar panel or 12V Car outlets.
2 x 100W US standard output
3 x 2.4A USB-b
3 x 60W USB-c input/output
22V Max input for solar power and car adapter
More Than Recreation
Design for recreation but applicable to other initiatives.
The TEG can provide reliable energy anywhere in the world where there is a need for it. We use all sorts of devices for a wide variety of tasks. All with the potential to benefit from portable energy. Sample examples:
Military operations around the world
Humanitarian needs
Natural disasters
Home emergency