CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

A thermoelectric generator is a solid state device that converts heat (temperature

differences) directly into electrical energy through a phenomenon called the Seebeck

effect. In 1821, Thomas Johann Seebeck discovered that a thermal gradient formed

between two dissimilar conductors can produce electricity. At the heart of the

thermoelectric effect is the fact that a temperature gradient in a conducting material

results in heat flow; this results in the diffusion of charge carries. The flow of charge

carries between the hot and cold regions in turn creates a voltage difference. In 1834,

Jean Charles Athanase Peiter discovered the reverse effect that running an electric

current through the junction at two dissimilar conductors could, depending on the

direction of the current, cause it to act as a heater or cooler.

A candle is an ignitable wick embedded in wax or another flammable solid

substance such as tallow that provides light; and in some cases, a fragrance, it can be also

be used to provide heat, or used as a method of keeping time. The earliest surviving

candles originated in China around 200 BC and were made from whale fat. Candles from

Europe were made from various forms of natural fat, tallow and wax.

The thermoelectric fan powered by a candle is chosen by the researcher as his

topic because he wanted to determine how much converted power could be obtained

the use of a single piece of candle.

Statement of the Problem

This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of candle as a source of

electricity.

The questions that the researcher wants to answer are as follows:

a. How much electricity can we get from a candle?

b. How many candles would be needed if we run the machine whole day?

c. How many hours would the machine run if only one candle is used?

d. How effective is the candle as a power source?

Statement of the Hypothesis

The study Thermoelectric Fan Powered by a Candle will help us determine the

electrical power can we get from a candle and the researcher formulated this hypothesis:

If the researcher powered the machine by using a candle then the candle could be

a power source.

Significance of the Study

The study entitled Thermoelectric Fan Powered by a Candle is intended to help

and benefit the following:

Future Researchers. The future researchers will benefit from this study because

they can use this study reference for conducting similar study and of its aspects
 Community. The community will be benefited by this study because they will have

new ideas on how a thermoelectric fan can be powered by a candle and if they buy this

consider the candle as an alternative source of electricity.

Government. The government could use this study for the benefit of the less

fortunate people who do not have electricity.

Commercial Establishments. The commercial establishments will benefit from

this study as this will promote the use of this device and use it as their product and sell it

on the market.

Environment. The environment will benefit from this study because it will not use

gasoline as its source of power.