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Google Science Fair Finalist Invents Peltier-Powered Flashlight

Posted by Soulskill on from the now-make-a-peltier-powered-bicycle-and-you've-got-an-investor dept.

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."

7 of 170 comments (clear)

  1. FlashDark? by AdamThor · · Score: 4, 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.

    --
    -- "Oh. This guy again."
    1. Re:FlashDark? by Anonymous Coward · · 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...

  2. Re:What creates the temperature differential? by Anonymous Coward · · 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.

  3. The Matrix by NIK282000 · · Score: 4, Funny

    This is how it starts.

    --
    Dear aunt, let's set so double the killer delete select all
  4. Re:Hope she's learned something by Anonymous Coward · · 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.

  5. Re:Invented??? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    Losers! (sorry for the correct spelling, stupid autocorrect didn't let me type Loosers!")

    Wait a minute.

  6. Am I really the first to say it? by Dahamma · · 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.