How the Wire Thickness and Wire Exposure to Heat Affect Electrical Potential Output of a Thermocouple

In this experiment, the researchers measured the effect wire thickness and the length of each wire exposed to hot and cold elements had on the total voltage output in a thermocouple to determine whether an alternative source of energy could be created. The experiment was set up by using an ice bath and a hot plate as the hot and cold elements. Two wires were connected to each end of a voltmeter and exposed to the hot and cold elements in different proportions. The experiment was then analyzed using three different two-factor Designs of Experiment and then averaged into one. Wires of gauge 14, 16, and 18 were used as the low, standard, and high values of thickness. For the low value of exposure, 25 percent of one wire was exposed to the hot element while 75 percent of the other wire was exposed to the cold element. For the standard value, 50 percent of one wire was exposed to the hot element and 50 percent of the other wire was exposed to the cold element. For the high value, 75 percent of one wire was exposed to the hot element while 25 percent of the other wire was exposed to the cold element. The analysis proved that wire exposure by itself had a larger effect on voltage output than the effect wire thickness or the interaction between wire thickness and wire exposure had. The experiment proved that voltage can be created from simple household items and can be increased by altering the wire thickness in a thermocouple and serve as a mean of alternative energy.

Research Done By:

Dariusz Nowak
Sterling Heights High School

Nik Upton
Warren Woods Tower High School

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