Just in time for the holidays, we’ve found an electric candle that is powered by a regular candle. Why would anyone want to power an electric candle with a regular candle? Why not just light the candle, or turn on the electric candle? Why make one rely on the other? Because it’s awesome. That’s why. The best part is that it’s complete with instructions on how to make one yourself. We’ll try not to burn down the office.
Instructables Technology Community and Content Manager Randy Sarafan posted a guide for building the Candle-Powered Electric Candle on Sunday and instantly became our hero. The description on the page says the project came about when Sarafan considered his own emergency preparedness in the wake of massive power outages in New York and New Jersey from Hurricane Sandy. Sarafan lives in San Francisco, which he acknowledges could be overdue for an earthquake.
The construction looks simple, only a few holes to drill and some aluminum rods to cut. The parts are also easy to come by. The main item that makes this thing possible is the Peltier heat sink assembly, which isn’t necessarily something most people have lying around, but Sarafan includes a link to where one can be ordered online for about $30.
The heat sink normally uses electricity to cool electronic components like a computer processor, but in this case uses the Peltier effect to convert the heat energy from the candle into the electrical energy that powers the electric candle.
The Instructables page repeatedly reminds us not to leave the Candle-Powered Electric Candle lit and unattended, and in the interest of safety we’ll pass that bit of advice on to you as well. Don’t leave the Candle-Powered Electric Candle unattended. Just to be safe, don’t feed it after midnight, either.
(via Instructables)
- You can also build a DIY backscatter X-ray
- Or you can make a camera out of LEGO and cardboard
- And if you have an extra pumpkind, turn it into a keg
