PowerPot by Power Practical
Boil water and charge your devices at the same time with this mobile thermoelectric generator
Going off the grid for a few days is one of life’s purest pleasures. While ditching modernity is sometimes a must, having a flat battery on your mobile phone or digital camera can dampen your adventure. From making a call in the event of an emergency to shooting photos, a simple and reliable power source is the key to a stress-free foray into the bush. When external battery packs aren’t enough, enter the PowerPot, a mobile generator that converts heat into electricity.
Operating on the PowerPot is surprisingly simple: Just add water, plug in your device, place the pot over heat and begin charging. All of the PowerPot’s electrical wires and components are fire-resistant so there’s no need to stress about keeping them away from your heat source (just don’t let your iPhone get cooked). Housed within the orange base of the pot are thermoelectric modules, and these modules convert heat into electricity without any moving parts, making the PowerPot light and durable. The PowerPot maximizes efficiency of energy by capitalizing on excess heat energy during cooking—as your water boils for coffee, you can charge all of your adventure-capturing devices. While the main charging chamber is only meant for liquids, the top can be used for cooking solid foods and, at just over 500 grams, it won’t weigh you down.
Of course, for the PowerPot to operate, you’ll need a heat source. We recommend using the BioLite stove for maximum ease, efficiency and charging abilities. Similar to the PowerPot, the BioLite offers USB-compatible charge via excess heat energy. The PowerPot is rated for heat up to 300 degrees Celsius, you can put it right in the camp fire—but it can generate electricity from any heat source and since the thermoelectric modules operate on temperature differential, the colder the liquid or snow inside and the higher temperature of the heat source, the greater the electric output.
The PowerPot is available for purchase for $150. For more information and different models of the thermoelectric generator, check out their website.
Photos by Hans Aschim
