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How to Use Crystals to Generate Electricity
Use quartz to generate electricity.
Crystals, such as quartz, can be tapped for electricity using a piezoelectric (mechanical energy discharge) method. By securing the crystal and subjecting it to direct force with a permanent magnet, a detectable amount of electricity is released. This technology is used in cigarette lighters and gas grill ignition buttons; the unit requires no battery cell to operate. Continuously rapping on the crystal will produce usable electrical current. Making a small crystal electrical generator will take the average backyard inventor about a half-hour.
Things You'll Need
Small quartz crystal
Relatively sized natural (permanent) magnet
2 feet of 16-gauge insulated wire
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Instructions
1
Cut the insulated wire into two parts using the blade section of the wire stripper.
2
Strip all four ends of the two wires, exposing about a half-inch of copper filament on each end. Twist the ends of the wires into tight coils if using a multiple-filament wire.
3
Solder each wire to the back of a separate electrode. The electrode should have an adhesive backing that will allow it to attach to objects. If no electrodes are being used, simply drop a large glob of solder onto one end of each wire, about half the size of a dime.
4
Attach one electrode to the quartz crystal by pressing the adhesive backing onto a flat section. Without electrodes, press the glob of solder against the crystal and secure with a couple drops of glue. Without glue or electrodes, strip the wire down to an exposed length that is long enough to wrap around the crystal tightly.
5
Attach the other electrode to the permanent magnet, using the same methods used to attach to the crystal.
6
Attach the two remaining wire ends to the voltmeter's electrodes (polarity is not important). Set the voltmeter for a low power setting (~1v).
7
Strike the crystal with the magnet, but not hard enough to cause damage. The voltmeter will show a spike when the crystal is hit with the magnet. By striking the two together repetitively, a current can be generated and stored.
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How to Use Crystals to Generate Electricity | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_6729045_use-crystals-generate-electricity.html#ixzz2EOPe23Tp
