This is a self powering stove fan that generates its motor power from the temperature difference on either side of a peltier panel. The panel is 40mm square and I'm guessing it's a very common peltier plate referred to as a 12706. These are actually intended for solid state heating/cooling applications, but the unit will also generate current when a heat differential exists across it.
To achieve the heat difference in the stove fan the peltier plate is sandwiched between the heat collection base that stands on the top of the stove and a cooling heatsink with lots of fins. When the stove gets hot the thermal difference causes the generated current to run the fans which then create a greater heat difference by preferentially cooling the top heatsink.
The wiring in this unit is showing signs of heat damage, so I'll order up some high temperature silicone insulated wire too. All the electrical components seem standard items with the most expensive looking component being the custom heatsink.
It appears the motor type may be a RF-500TB-12560. It certainly fits the sizes and guesstimated voltage/current profile. I've ordered some from eBay. They're a common and cheap motor used in various low power and current applications like solar products.
To explain the incident with my mum. My brother and I nursed her through her unusually long decline with Alzheimer's where the brain gradually degrades and the person regresses back into a base human running on instincts like a stone age human. This was just one of many very odd moments that are funny in hindsight, but were not quite so funny at the time.
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12 thoughts on “Teardown of a self powering machine.”
  1. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars TechSeth says:

    My grandpa had Alzheimer’s. Dude went ass naked outside, and he got arrested claiming he was in “Mexico” when really we were in Canada in the middle of winter.

  2. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars LunaTheCutest says:

    I have one of these, theyre pretty neat

  3. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Gaza is not Amalek says:

    that alzheimer story is the weirdest random storytime I have ever encountered on youtube.

  4. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars シムカ says:

    meh …no demo shown….po po

  5. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars douro20 says:

    I remember one which had a low temperature differential Stirling engine on it but it was the only time I ever saw one.

  6. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Hola! phuquehoful says:

    would thermal paste work with bearing motors not BUSHINGs ? thinkin of modifications here in usa

  7. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Pappazeko Video Australia. says:

    G'Day Clive, OK you got me today, nearly wet myself laughing. "Red and Moist" and may I add a "little brown !". Interesting idea I have never seen such a thing. Regards
    Peter Williams

  8. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars FurryEskimo says:

    I’ve seen these in person and yeah, they totally work, but the title is bait. These aren’t really self powering, not in the tradition sense of the word. They rely on heat from an outside source, but other than that, sure, they’re “perpetual”, i.e. Move heat to gain the electrical energy they need to help itself gain more heat to turn into more power.

  9. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars GOC says:

    For someone who has cared for their grandparents in the end years, I feel ya in that story; lol.

  10. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars pedtrog says:

    Had a bit of a guffaw about the period furniture

  11. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Roy Tellason says:

    I've had CPU fans and such that sounded worse than that. A little lubrication solved that problem nicely.. I do have one of those coolers, though I don't have a cord for it. I need to rig something up, and test that the heat/cool switch correctly indicates the function. Neat stuff, there, I've seen ads for those but didn't know how they worked…

    Maybe I oughta rig up a temperature sensor to an arduino and have that drive a MOSFET to cycle the thing, so it will get to some set point and stay there, not drwaing continuous power.

  12. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Alan Alda says:

    Fascinating device, thank You for sharing ! Have a nice day mate 🙂

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