Charging devices while hiking
 

As some may know,I like to go camping from time to time.
Now,a problem I suffer while hiking out on the hills is my devices keep running out of power.

Im going to be undertaking a project to solve this problem,All my devices obviously need electricity,I've have used spare batteries,power banks etc to try and keep them running but sooner or later they all run out.Solar chargers are a waste of time and money in my opinion when you need sun most it´s either raining or other circumstances that makes it impossible to charge with them (even in a sunny day it takes too long to charge and input that charge into my devices)....Batteries are good but very encumbering. I have looked for alternatives but they are either too expensive or far too large to carry around.

One thing that I always have with me,even on the longest treks is fire in some form or other so with that in mind, I've been fascinated by the idea of producing electric from a camp fire.I know, the efficiency will probably be poor but its possible.
So, with inspiration from a project I seen on YouTube using T.E.Gs (Thermoelectrical generators ) I'm thinking of building a 'cheap' teg charger.

My main goal is to produce a 5v usb from a (self cooling) gadget.Ive ordered the generators from eBay and was wondering if anyone has any experience or advice on this issue?

Re: Charging devices while hiking
 

No problems, they work O.K., but not much current unless you get a large temperature between hot and cold junction.
Why not try a wind up generator, you could cannibalise a cheapo windup torch quite easily.

Re: Charging devices while hiking
 

What a ruddy good idea,thanks for that :)
I've also ordered a few 0.9v-5v to 5v usb step up modules so in theory I only need to create a couple of volts and the module should do the rest and stablise the current to 5v (I think/hope) :confused:
I was thinking of using hot water boiled on the campfire and normal air temperature water out of my water bottle (difference of approx 70+ degrees) to create a current using them T.E.G things.

Re: Charging devices while hiking
 

The single led torches knock out about 1.5v at 20ma, about a fiver at H***b**se last I saw. There are bigger ones about which will supply more current.

Re: Charging devices while hiking
 

There are wind up charging devices specifically made to charge phones or USB devices.
eBay sell them. £16 post free.

Re: Charging devices while hiking
 

Best solution to me is stop going hiking, it saves yeh money also.:D

Re: Charging devices while hiking
 

I bet Edmund Hilary didn't need electricity to climb Everest.
The outdoor life is all about getting back to nature and going without luxuries.
I learnt the hard way over 55 years ago living in a tent in winter, no hot water or 'leccy and a big rough sergeant major shouting in my lug 'ole at five am calling me horrid names because I was still not up and shaved.

Re: Charging devices while hiking
 

Russell, they don't know they are born these days :D

Re: Charging devices while hiking
 

I've thought about wind up chargers and after messing with a old torch I have and a doctored charging cable it turned out to be as useful as a astray on a motorcycle...Plus I've spent £25 on components from EBay already ;)

Trust you to come up with the logical solution to my dilemma :D

Reminds me of that status quo song about being in the army :D

My old phone would be more encumbering than my Idevice tho M :D
Attachment 48696

Re: Charging devices while hiking
 

Been there, done that, would have got the T-shirt but they didn't have them in those days:D

Re: Charging devices while hiking
 

and a lot less useful :)

Re: Charging devices while hiking
 

Where have you been there and done that Barrie?
Climbed Everest or slept in a tent in winter with a sergeant shouting at you?
I wanted to climb Everest after it was first done but my boss wouldn't give me time off work. I was serving my apprenticeship and he said it was a better option.

Re: Charging devices while hiking
 

Never even considered Everest except to admire it from the air - and it was Flight Sergeants that were the bane of my early life - and mid-life period:)

Re: Charging devices while hiking
 

My TEG's and step up modules came today and after sourcing a couple of heat sinks from some old Pc towers i made this contraption:-

Attachment 49243

I know,it's a quality build and you probably think i bought it but i can assure you i made it :D

Re: Charging devices while hiking
 

Well done you!
I would not have a clue where to begin.