Peltier/Seebeck Thermal Generator

Demonstrate transformations of energy - thermal, electric, and kinetic - with this amazing device.

• Demonstrate both the Seebeck effect and the Peltier effect
• Scale this activity from simple demonstrations of energy transfers, to circuits, Ohm's Law, and thermoelectric phenomena

The Seebeck effect is a phenomenon in which a temperature difference between two dissimilar electric conductors or semiconductors produces a voltage difference between those two substances. This happens because the heat causes the electrons to become excited and move differently. The Seebeck Effect can be used to create an electric current in a loop of material consisting of at least two different conductors.

The Peltier effect is the absorption or release of heat when an electrical current is passed through a circuit of a thermocouple. The Peltier Effect is the presence of heating or cooling at an electrified junction of two different conductors.

The thermal generator apparatus is a phenomenon-based learning experiment that is an excellent tool to launch into a discussion of energy transformations, or, at a higher level of understanding, introduce the concepts of the Seeback and Peltier Effect.

Accessories information: A low voltage DC power supply, or alkaline batteries in series are required but not included. A multimeter is strongly recommended.