Boil Water and Charge Your Phone at the Same Time

Power Practical has implemented a new technology, Thermoelectric Power (TEP) that allows you to melt snow or boil water while generating electricity to charge your electronic devices. Their new Power Pot is just what you need if you are out camping in the woods and need to charge your cell phone. It is a thermoelectric power generator that transforms heat from cooking into electricity. The greater the difference between the temperature inside the pot and the flame to heat the pot, the more electricity is generated. Obviously melting snow is ideal.

The technology was originally discovered by Thomas J. Seebeck back in 1821. According to the information provided by Powerpot.com, "Seebeck noticed that when a loop comprised of two dissimilar materials was heated on one side, an electromagnetic field was created. He actually discovered the EM field directly with a compass! He noted that the strength of the electromagnetic field, and therefore the voltage, is proportional to the temperature difference between the hot and cold sides of the material."

In 1834, Jean C. A. Peltier took the technology a step further. According to Powerpot.com, "The Peltier Effect forms the basis for thermoelectric cooling, which is currently the largest application of thermoelectric devices on the market. However, applying a temperature differential the reverse process occurs, and current is caused to flow, thereby generating power."

What does this mean for you? Well the Power Pot devices means that you can be camping out in the boondocks and still be able to charge your electronic devices. The larger application is that developing countries will be able to utilize this technology to charge their cell phones off the grid. In most of Africa cell phone owners live in areas that have no electricity. They often walk over an hour and pay 15 cents to charge their cell phones in order to stay in touch with family or to do business. These same people often cook over fire, so the Power Pot will be ideal to provide electricity for them.

The Power Pot comes equipped with a standard USB (5V) port and provides up to 5W of power to charge your high-tech devices. At a cost of $149, the Power Pot is a relatively inexpensive way to live off the grid. It even comes with a 5 USB LED light so it can be used to light your camp as well. And best of all perhaps is that in most conditions, power is available within 10 seconds of applying heat to the pot, and maximum power is typically reached within 60 seconds. This means the water doesn’t actually have to be boiling to charge your device.

Is $149 for the Power Pot V (5W) or $249 for the Power Pot X (10W) is a bit pricey for you? How about a Revive Solar Restore USB External Battery Pack for only $39.95? This device uses the power of the sun to collect power and charge your device. This little device is great for backpacking and camping.

I love publicizing new technology of this sort. I think we need to reward innovative technology to encourage more inventors. I applaud the Bill Gates Foundation for doing just that. Perhaps with encouragement, we will be able to “green” our planet back to its former glory.

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