BioDesign TEC N/L 24.4.12 - Progress with TEC units April 27, 2012

A number of different TEC prototypes have been sent out and we hope to soon have some useful comments.

For now I'm concentrating on TEC units that go on stoves using water for both heating and cooling.

The main consideration seems to be whether to go for simple, easily made versions or to go for maximum heat transfer and therefore power and efficiency.

It rather depends on what is available locally and I need guidance on this matter.

I'm assuming for now that steel buckets (or equivalent), 6mm screwed rod and nuts and clay are available.

There is little doubt that some parts will have to be imported, like the TEC modules (which go in an envelope), so is it best to accept that several other parts are also imported - like aluminium sections and foil - at the same time?

One advantage would be that maximum heat transfer versions use lightweight materials so delivery costs will be minimal.

At the same time we have to consider those far away from modern services so I would like your advice, if you are such a case, as to what is available locally such as thin steel sheet and its shaping into small troughs. 

TECs can still be useful but the power output will be reduced.

Do let me know if you are in a position to make such units for local, or wider distribution!

Graham