Join researchers from the Sustainable Electronic Technologies (SET) group in the School of Electronics and Computer Science (ECS) to discover how body heat can become a source of electrical power. This interactive activity explores the fascinating relationship between heat and electricity and shows how scientists and engineers use thermoelectric effects to turn wasted thermal energy into useful electricity.
Participants will be challenged to light up an LED using only the warmth of their own palm, experiencing first-hand how heat can be converted directly into electrical energy. Through a series of engaging demonstrations and hands-on activities, you will learn how thermoelectric energy harvesting is already used in everyday and extreme environments - from stove fans that spread heat around a room, to technologies that recycle heat from car exhausts, and even power systems used in space exploration such as the Mars Rover.
The activity also invites you to think creatively about the future. You will be encouraged to brainstorm new ideas for integrating thermoelectric technology into daily life to recycle more wasted heat into electricity. Could wearable devices or smart clothing harvest energy from your own body heat? This accessible and thought-provoking experience connects cutting-edge research with real-world sustainability challenges.