Powering a Game Boy with a Candle

Janus Cycle faced the challenge of powering a modern device with humanity's earliest artificial energy source: fire.

The key components are a pair of Peltier modules. These devices convert heat into electricity. Janus Cycle placed these modules over an open flame in a cardboard box to concentrate the heat. He used thermal compound to conduct the energy and route the electricity to the Game Boy.

Obstacles included the fragility of the Peltier modules, which can endure a maximum heat of 250°F, while generating enough electricity (about 4 volts) to power up the Game Boy. The project was successful and Janus Cycle played Castlevania.

-via Hack A Day