I see where the folks at Epicenter (http://theepicenter.com/cgi/order.c...rators_and_batteries.html&cart_id=%%cart_id%%) now sell a series of TEG (thermoelectric generator) based on cook pots. They also now offer a 40w watt unit I don't see offered anywhere else. Worth a look - cook up your noodles and recharge you GPS at the same time - looks to be a lot less complicated than the Biolite stove now making a buzz on the interwebz. I supported remote repeater sites using TEG sets to charge a battery bank. No moving parts and just add heat! Pricy, but worth a look if you have a need to charge electronics out away from "civilization". I've dealt with this outfit, never an issue and very straight in their dealing. What do you think?
Even their biggest (I think) at 12 watts is really not very much of anything if you really think about it
Very interesting option. This is something that is easy to understand and use...which to me makes a world of difference. I think the idea of a cell phone or GPS in the middle of nowhere is a nice idea however, in a bug out situation we cannot be sure the the satellites and cell towers would be able to pick up. I agree Nadja, you can get a hand crank that puts more than that out.
I like the technology, and the 40 watt unit.... Very nice engineering, and can give you warm water at the same time.... Campfire driven, requires No Sun.... very compact.... also as gadgets go, Really Expensive.... I have a Propane fired TEG in my Storage Van.... 1 USG of Propane/Day gives 5.7 KwH of charging capacity for a 24Vdc Battery Bank. Again, No moving parts... Just propane in, and Power out, with some Hot Air as a byproduct. It isn't cheap, New the Unit cost $6KUS... ..... YMMV.....
I am not in any way a gadget person. For that kind of money Ghrit, I could put a nice decent solar system in to charge the little things. Cell phones don't always work well once out of the cities. Sitting here in my office, if I am lucky, I can almost get two bars on the signal. I am only 26 miles from the nearest town
Expensive? Yup. Useful? Dunno, thought there might be some interest - as BT noted a full size commercial unit cost is in the kilobucks. AS for a hand-crank genset - where can you find a 12VDC, 12 watt set? I'd love to have one. Anyone have a link? MY GN-58 only outputs 6VDC,.....