Google Science Fair Finalist Invents Peltier-Powered Flashlight 170
GTRacer writes "Ann Makosinski, a Canadian student competing in Google's Science Fair, submitted a flashlight which uses temperature differentials to power its LEDs. Her long-time interest is alternative energy because, '[she's] really interested in harvesting surplus energy, energy that surrounds but we never really use.' Using Peltier tiles and custom circuitry, her design currently runs for 20 minutes or so and costs $26. A win at the September finals in Mountain View and/or outside investment could fund further development."
FlashDark? (Score:5, Funny)
So if you're hanging around the desert and the ambient temp is warmer than your hand, will it make things darker? That would be cool.
Re:FlashDark? (Score:2, Funny)
So if you're hanging around the desert and the ambient temp is warmer than your hand, will it make things darker? That would be cool.
No, it's for when you're lost in the arctic and freezing to death. Some of your wasted body heat will let you see the wolves circling...
Re:What creates the temperature differential? (Score:3, Funny)
She's from Canada, so there's likely a pretty massive delta between the ambient air temperature and human body temperature. It, like elections, probably doesn't work in Florida.
The Matrix (Score:5, Funny)
This is how it starts.
Re:Hope she's learned something (Score:3, Funny)
wouldn't work at all where ambient temps are remotely similar to body temperature.
She is Canadian. It wont be a problem.
Slightly more interesting than vinegar and water mixed together in a model volcano
Every third grader knows that vinegar and baking soda are required ingredients to make a model volcano. She may not have learned something, but at least you have.
Re:Invented??? (Score:5, Funny)
Losers! (sorry for the correct spelling, stupid autocorrect didn't let me type Loosers!")
Wait a minute.
Am I really the first to say it? (Score:5, Funny)
She just invented a new flashlight, and wants to use "energy that surrounds but we never really use."
Like, the energy that surrounds us and penetrates us, and binds the galaxy together? Her "long time interest" is clearly building a light saber.