https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qWwywZ23918
Ok hear me out, use a parabolic solar oven to concentrate sunlight into a metal sheet full of peltier devices. Even on overcast days (maybe even during storms), it might concentrate enough light to charge or direct power things. #solarpunk
Heat generation is easy compared to cooling. Rocket stove that cooks food and charges some devices? I've seen fans that run off heat for wood burning stoves, same idea. Generate electricity from a passive solar water heater? A lot of interesting ways to generate heat and power!
@hydroponictrash there’s a very old one in Arizona. The idea has been around since the 70s. I think the main disadvantage is that heat makes a lot of the components wear down quickly. Might as well use PV.
@Codhisattva @hydroponictrash Yes, efficiency of thermoelectric generators is poor, they use not-great materials and the daily thermal cycling is a sure way to get a poor lifetime. A basic steam turbine might be a better option, even if the efficiency won't be stellar at reasonable temperature&pressure. Basic piping is easier to maintain than arrays of junctions made of unobtainium.
