The Thermoelectric Engine ThermoFlux - 7085 is a laboratory apparatus that demonstrates heat-to-electricity conversion using a multi-cell semiconductor thermoelectric generator sandwiched between a 100 W electric hot source and an air-cooled or water-cooled cold sink. This thermoelectric engine produces an open circuit EMF of a few volts at a maximum current of approximately 1 amp and a generator power output of 5 W, with the generated current driving an electric motor and fan propeller. Temperature is measured across two channels from -100 to 400°C, and electrical current and voltage are displayed digitally. For the water-cooled option, a shared water circuit with tank, pump, and rotameter flow meters is included. Cooling system type, air or water, must be selected at the time of order.

Thermoelectric Engine ThermoFlux - 7085, Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Operating Principle | Thermocouple technology, multi-cell thermoelectric generator |
| Heater Power | 100 W |
| Heater Type | Electric, integrated into hot surface |
| Alternative Heat Source | Spirit lamp or other external source (user option) |
| Generator Power Output | 5 W |
| Open Circuit EMF | Few volts |
| Maximum Current | Approx. 1 amp |
| Power Adjustment | Potentiometer, freely adjustable |
| Cold Sink Options | Air-cooled (fan propeller) or water-cooled (select at order) |
| Temperature Measuring Range | 2x -100 to 400°C |
| Temperature Display | Digital |
| Measurements | Electrical current, voltage, temperature |
| Water-Cooled System | Shared water circuit with tank, pump, and rotameter flow meters |
| Component Arrangement | All components visible at front of unit |
Thermoelectric Generator
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | Multi-cell, semiconductor thermocouple-based |
| Generator Power Output | 5 W |
| Open Circuit EMF | Few volts |
| Maximum Current | Approx. 1 amp |
Heater
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Power | 100 W |
| Type | Electric, integrated into hot surface |
| Alternative Source | Spirit lamp or other external heating source |
Cooling System
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Options | Air-cooled (fan propeller) or water-cooled |
| Selection | At time of order |
Water-Cooled System (where selected)
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Circuit | Shared water circuit for heating and cooling |
| Components | Tank, pump, rotameter flow meters |
| Flow Measurement | Rotameters |
Measuring Ranges
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 2x -100 to 400°C |
| Electrical Current | Measured and displayed digitally |
| Voltage | Measured and displayed digitally |
Power Control
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Adjustment Method | Potentiometer, freely adjustable |
Key Features
Experiments
Construction and Design
The Thermoelectric Engine ThermoFlux - 7085 is constructed with all components arranged clearly at the front of the unit for direct observation. The multi-cell thermoelectric generator is sandwiched between a hot source and a cold sink. The hot source is a 100 W electric heater integrated directly into the hot surface. A spirit lamp or other external heating source can also be used as an alternative. The cold sink is either air-cooled via a fan propeller or water-cooled, with the cooling system selected at the time of order. The current generated by the thermoelectric effect drives an electric motor on which the fan propeller is mounted. On open circuit, this thermoelectric engine produces an EMF of a few volts at a maximum current of approximately 1 amp, with a generator power output of 5 W. Electrical power is freely adjustable via a potentiometer. Two thermocouple channels measure hot and cold surface temperatures from -100 to 400°C with digital display. Electrical current and voltage are also measured and displayed digitally. For the water-cooled system, a shared water circuit with a tank, pump, and rotameter flow meters measures and controls both heating and cooling water flows.
Scope of Delivery
Q1: What is the operating principle of the Thermoelectric Engine ThermoFlux - 7085?
The unit operates on the thermocouple principle. Multiple semiconductor thermocouples are mounted on a cell to form a multi-cell thermoelectric generator sandwiched between a hot source and a cold sink. The temperature difference generates an EMF of a few volts and a maximum current of approximately 1 amp, which drives an electric motor with a fan propeller.
Q2: What heating source is used in this thermoelectric engine unit?
The standard hot source is a 100 W electric heater integrated directly into the hot surface. Alternatively, the user can use a spirit lamp or any other external heating source.
Q3: What cooling options are available and how are they selected?
The cold sink can be either air-cooled using a fan propeller or water-cooled. The cooling system must be selected at the time of order. The water-cooled system includes a shared water circuit with a tank, pump, and rotameter flow meters.
Q4: What parameters are measured and displayed on the unit?
The unit measures and displays temperature across two channels (-100 to 400°C), electrical current, and voltage, all on digital displays.
Q5: What experiments can be performed with this thermoelectric engine apparatus?
Experiments include studying the function and operation of a Peltier element for cooling and as a heat pump, determining refrigeration and heating capacity, recording characteristics such as refrigeration capacity via temperature differences, performing energy balance calculations, and calculating the coefficient of performance.