1. Thermoelectric
Generator
ICY HOT Power the Way
brought to you by Shaq

2. Overview
◦ A thermoelectric generator produces
electricity using the Seebeck effect. It takes
advantage of the heat flow due to a
temperature difference between two
substances.
◦ The heat flows through a thermoelectric
plate and is converted into electricity.

3. Model
Thermoelectric plates
Stopping
Mechanism
7 V
Motor
Axel
HOT Side
HOT Side
COLD Side
+
+
+
-
-
-
Styrofoam secondary
container
Plastic primary
container with cells
Medium Size Car

4. EXOTHERMIC REACTIONS1

5. Calcium Oxide Reaction
CaO(s) + H20(l) → Ca(OH)2(aq)
◦ Upon Hydration, an exothermic reaction
occurs and the solid puffs up
◦ Ratio: 1 L Water to 3.1 kg CaO → + 3.54 MJ
◦ Temperature max: 100 oC
◦ Able to keep temperature at 100 oC through slaking time
providing constant Heat
◦ Variables
-Time required to convert all CaO to Ca(OH)2 (slaking time)
-water to calcium oxide ratio
-initial temperature of water

6. CH3COO- (aq) + Na+ (aq) + 3H2O(l) → CH3COONa • 3H2O (s)
◦ Boil and stir solution of sodium acetate
trihydrate in water until all
crystals dissolve and then
cool the solution
◦ Drop a small crystal of
CH3COONa • 3H2O to
initiate nucleation
◦ Reaction goes to ~54oC
Crystallization of CH3COONa 3H2O

7. ENDOTHERMIC REACTION2

8. Ammonium Nitrate Reaction
NH4NO3(s) + H20(l)→ NH4
+
(aq) + NO3
-
(aq)
◦ Process involves
dissolving ammonium
nitrate in water

9. Ba(OH)2
. 8H2O(s) + 2NH4Cl(s) → 2NH3 (g) + 8H2O(l) + BaCl2
. 2H2O(s)
◦ Dissolve 35g Ba(OH)2 & 17g NH4Cl
◦ Temperature will decrease to ~ -20oC
←Barium Hydroxide
Ammonium Chloride →
Barium Hydroxide Octahydrate & Ammonium Chloride

10. Chemicals Used
Material NFPA Rating Bulk Cost Details
Calcium Oxide 3,0,2 1 kg $31 Stockroom
Ammonium Nitrate 0,0,3 1 lb (450g) $10 Amazon
Sodium Acetate 1,1,0 500g $33 Stockroom
Barium Hydroxide
Octahydrate
2,2,0 500g $41 Stockroom
Ammonium
Chloride
1,0,0 500g $22 Stockroom
TOTAL $ 137

11. ◦ Control Variables: Amount of chemical (moles or grams)
◦ Recorded Variables:
▫ Plateau temperatures of the reactions (⁰C)
▫ Time it takes to reach plateau temperature (second)
▫ Time it stays at plateau temperature (second)
TESTING STAGE Procedure

12. SAFETY OPERATION Procedure
◦ All chemicals are injected into the reactor vessels with
syringes at the start of the line.
◦ In case of an emergency, our car can be shut off by an
on/off button, which cuts off the electricity of the entire car
system.
◦ Chemicals are disposed properly based on their chemical
properties and laboratory requirements.

13. Questions