Thermoelectric Generator Kit – Hot & Cold Water Power, Seebeck Effect STEM Model
Make electricity from a temperature difference: one cup of hot water, one of ice water, and a thermoelectric module spins the fan.
Designed by Mematrix Lab
Description
Power a fan with hot and cold water
This kit builds a thermoelectric generator. Two aluminium brackets reach down into two cups, one filled with hot water and one with ice water. They carry heat to the two faces of a thermoelectric module at the top, and the temperature difference across the module produces a current that drives a small motor and spins the fan. Let the water temperatures even out and watch the fan slow down.
Science it demonstrates
- The Seebeck effect: a temperature difference across certain materials creates a voltage
- Heat conduction: how aluminium carries heat to the module
- Energy conversion: heat energy becomes electrical energy, then motion
- Real-world uses: thermoelectric generators in space probes and campfire chargers
What you'll do
- Fit the thermoelectric module between the two aluminium brackets
- Assemble the motor housing, motor, fan and binding posts
- Fill one cup with hot water and one with ice water and put the brackets in
- Watch the fan start, then compare bigger and smaller temperature differences
Parts list
- Thermoelectric module, two aluminium brackets
- Upper and lower motor housing, motor mount, motor, fan blade
- Mounting post, fixing caps, red and black binding posts
- M4 screws and nuts, fine-thread and pan-head screws, screwdriver
Good to know
- No batteries needed: hot and cold water are the power source.
- You also need two cups (not included), one for hot water and one for ice water.
- Use warm-to-hot tap water with adult supervision; never use boiling water.
- Contains small parts. Recommended for ages 8 and up, with adult guidance.
Specs and Docs
- Model
- EK-D143
- Power
- Temperature difference (hot and ice water)
- Output
- Small motor with fan
- Material
- Plastic, aluminium and electronic parts
- Suggested age
- 8+ with adult guidance
Shipping
Standard shipping: $9.00 for the first item, +$1.80 for each additional item. Free shipping on orders over $260.
We ship worldwide, by default with economical international post (UPU / China Post small packet) to keep shipping costs low. Orders are usually handed to the carrier within 2–5 business days, and economical international post then takes about 10–30 business days to arrive; these are estimates, not guarantees. Delivery time depends on the destination and on postal and customs handling. If you need your order by a certain date, email us before ordering: faster shipping can be arranged, with the extra cost charged at the carrier's actual rate. Items that contain batteries or magnets are marked on their product page and ship by a special carrier line; some countries and regions cannot be reached by that line, and if yours is one of them we refund the order in full.
Batteries & magnets
This item contains, or may contain, batteries or magnets (for example in a motor, speaker or rechargeable battery). Ordinary postal parcels with such items may not pass security screening, so it ships by a special carrier line, and its price includes a $10 surcharge for this. Some countries and regions cannot be reached by this line. If yours is one of them, we will email you and refund your order in full.
Customs & duties
Import duties, taxes and customs requirements depend on the destination country, the shipping route and the local customs office, so we cannot say in advance whether any will apply to your parcel. Customs may hold a parcel, ask for more information, or ask for duties or taxes to be paid, even when the declared value is correct. If you have a question about your country, email us before ordering.
See our shipping & returns policy.