In the mid 19th century, a gentleman by the name of Jean Charles Athanase Peltier invented a form of electrical production.
The TEG or thermoelectric generator, produced in different sizes, is often used in Space technology, powering satellites etc. Some plates are only 3mm thick and 50x50mm in diameter and these tiny devices, subjected to heat on one side and cold on the other can produce a small amount of electricity. These tiny plates are made up of dissimilar metals.
When subjected to heat and cold they produce an electrical current. We liken this to a thunder storm. When a hot cloud meets a cold cloud a bolt of lightening erupts (electricity).
The plates can be connected together in order to produce more electricity. The bigger the temperature difference the more powerful the TEG becomes.
The difference in the two temperatures is known as the delta T. For instance, if the hot side is one hundred degrees centigrade and the cold side is ten degrees centigrade then the delta T is 90c. The greater the delta T, the more electricity is produced.
Being able to control and balance the two temperatures on a plate only 3mm thick is the secret of success.
The cold side, if too cold, stops the heat from striking the plate. In the same way, if the plate is too hot it can stop the cold side striking. This is where technology kicks in.
Electronics help to balance the two temperatures. Xtralec have developed a circuit board capable of controlling both the hot and the cold sides of the TEG, when placed into a wood or multi fuel stove.
Once installed inside a multi-fuel stove, these generators are capable of producing a considerable amount of electricity.