The blocking oscillator variety is the most popular for running 1.5V cells down as low as they'll go. The downside is winding/appropriating the inductive component.What's the best JT you've found that takes the lowest input vdc, but still produces 3.3vdc for LED lights? Some of them don't work well if the input voltage is below 1vdc.
Find a peltier cooler and run it backwards by transferring heat across it being all it is is a bunch of thermoelectric junctions (generators) in series so that they will work at a higher voltage.I'd love to do some work with a thermoelectric generator.
The LT website shows the price as low as $4.22.Wow. On Ebay the chip alone goes for $14-23.
I've read that these chips are generally really inefficient. Especially ones from the dollar store.
Thats how these cool little fans work, sadly they don't move very much air.Find a peltier cooler and run it backwards by transferring heat across it being all it is is a bunch of thermoelectric junctions (generators) in series so that they will work at a higher voltage.
This guy did a lot of tweeking:What's the best JT you've found that takes the lowest input vdc, but still produces 3.3vdc for LED lights? Some of them don't work well if the input voltage is below 1vdc.
They usually integrate a 2 transistor oscillator and probably only vary in minor detail from one type to another.I've read that these chips are generally really inefficient. Especially ones from the dollar store.
The term; "Joule thief" always makes me think of the blocking oscillator, but a lot of people also include any circuit type that can run a LED and suck a 1.5V cell dry.If you are referring to what has been called "Joul Thief" for the past 12 years or so, they are all similar being blocking oscillators that source current into the LED when the active device switches off. Peformance primarily a function of component selection.
The topic is covered lightly (no pun) but at some depth in the article at the link below)
http://cappels.org/dproj/ledpage/leddrv.htm
How about this $8 one over at ali: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/LTC...er-manager-development-board/32819094120.html@crutschow: Thanks! Yummy DC boosting goodness. I might try to buy one of those LTC3108s.
Wow. On Ebay the chip alone goes for $14-23. A working board with the chip is $40. Fun but pricey. I'd love to do some work with a thermoelectric generator. I might have to ask for an Ebay gift card for my birthday.
by Aaron Carman
by Aaron Carman
by Jake Hertz