Just because someone is getting close to nature doesn't necessarily mean they need to ditch their smartphone. However, keeping a device charged while in the great outdoors is not always the easiest thing to do. After all, those trees don't come equipped with power outlets. We've already seen the BioLite stove that generates its own power. A new product called VOTO performs a similar function, but with any cooking fire.
The device functions via a fire-activated fuel cell. The end with the fuel cell is placed under the fire with the charcoal, and the end with the connected battery sticks out from the top. Because the device holds power on its own, users can charge it up while cooking and then connect their devices to it when it's safely away from the fire.
According to Point Source Power, the VOTO's 4000 mAh battery can receive a full charge in two cooking sessions, but that will obviously vary depending on the situation.
In addition to the phone-charging portion of the device, the VOTO also includes an LED light that receives its power through the same means. The LED puts out 25 lumens, which should be quite sufficient for most individuals' needs. When fully charged, the LED is able to provide up to 30 hours of light.
The creators of the VOTO have this product aimed at two very different markets. First, there's the developed world, where campers will gladly welcome something to keep their devices charged while in the wilderness. Second, there's the developing world, where electricity is not readily available, but cooking fires are commonplace.
The video below features Point Source Power's CEO Craig Jacobson explaining the device.
Source: Point Source Power via Popular Science
Point Source Power from LAUNCH on Vimeo.
It points to the huge cultural differences which exist between the developed and developing world and that curious conundrum of people having cell phones in locations where they have no electricity. The whole thing feels like a Flintstone cartoon where they have cars, but have to power them using their feet.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=JK-7MHheeC8#!
They have cell phones, & a provider plan, yet no means to charge the phones? Something missing here in the logistics, & end user's priorities are misaligned somehow? like maybe clean drinking water, food, oh and fuel for the fire...
http://tegpower.com/ Uhh these guys sell many versions depending on application.
http://www.mpoweruk.com/thermoelectricity.htm "... More recently the possibility of using thermocouple arrays in automotive applications to recover waste heat from engine exhaust gases is being investigated. With an exhaust gas temperature of 250°C and a coolant temperature of 50°C, power outputs of over 300 Watts have been achieved but this drops to 150 Watts when the coolant temperature increases to 90° C "
Well this seems different from above, not totaly shure: http://www.gizmag.com/alloy-converts-heat-into-electricity/19025/ June 24, 2011 --University of Minnesota "... The multiferroic alloy, with the catchy name Ni45Co5Mn40Sn10, was created by combining its various elements at the atomic level. Multiferroic materials are known for having unique elastic, magnetic and electric properties, and in the case of this alloy, that takes a form of an usual phase change. When heated, the non-magnetic solid material suddenly becomes a strongly magnetic solid. ..."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fuel_cell
re; Marvin Double
There are several reasons (some that work together) that cellphones work in third world countries. 1. The rulers, and economic elite like having all the modern conveniences. 2. Tourists (meaning cash flow to the local rich) like having phone service. 3. The cellphone infrastructure is relatively cheap, and fortifiable. The copper wire for land-line phones is stolen all the time. It costs less to use armed guards to protect the cell towers than to keep land-lines in service.
Also since there are cellphones it is of great advantage to have a phone. A man with a phone can sell his goods or services in a much larger market. A fisherman from Kenya can catch a high value fish and auction it to the big hotels and other expensive restaurants while still at sea and deliver it to the purchaser as soon as he makes port. The difference in value that the few hours difference in freshness, and not having to sell through a middleman fish market makes the fisherman more money, with the added benefit that that the rest of the catch hits the market, and poor peoples plate fresher. Also at least three fishermen were rescued after making cellphone distress calls.