Is this a scam?

[redhawker]

Check this out...

http://www.flamestower.com/

...seems to have no explanation of how or why this works so I'm skeptical. Anybody here ever used one? Any idea how this might actually work?

 

[Jimbo357mag]

It probably uses some form of the thermocouple principle to produce a small amount of DC current. When two dissimilar wires (Type K (chromel – alumel) is the most common general purpose thermocouple) are twisted together and welded at the tip (hot junction) the devise will produce a small amount of electricity (20mv) when the tip is heated. Many thermocouples can be put in series to produce a generator of up to 750mv or 3/4 of a volt.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermocouple
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermoelectric_generator

 

[H.H. Hipshot]

If I were in the market for such a charger, I would also look into a photovoltaic charger. It will work off the sun and you won't have to start a fire.

Brunton and others market one.

HHH

 

[gramps]

I bought a Bio-stove that does the same. Jimbo is correct about the use of a thermocouple. Not very efficient, but on cloudy days is a life saver in more ways than one.
gramps