Turning heat into energy is just basic physics, but usually boiling water is done to generate steam to drive a turbine. An entirely different concept involves boiling water to create an electric current via thermoelectric materials through the temperature gradient.
David Toledo and Paul Slusser have been devising a type of cooking pots – the PowerPot – where the temperature difference between the top and bottom of a heated pot can create such a thermoelectric current. The pot can be heated over a camp fire or even a gas stove to generate electricity to juice up a portable electronic device.
Currently two models are in the development stage through a Kickstarter project – and these include the 5-watt PowerPot V as well as a larger 10-watt PowerPot X, while a 15-watt version is also in the works. All utilize no moving parts but can charge up various devices in 60-90 minutes. Could be a good way to charge up the phone and cook dinner while off in the wilds.