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Using Energy From a Campfire to Cool an Ice Chest

Whether you're an experienced or novice camper, being resourceful with science and nature will make your next camping adventure even better. Using heat from a campfire, you can keep perishable items and beverages cool in your ice chest and save yourself a trip into town for ice.

Thermodynamics
- Thermodynamics is an engineering principle relating to the natural science of transposing heat sources to mechanical, electrical or chemical energy.
Thermal Energy Transfer Process
- There are three main ways in which heat (or thermal energy) can be transferred: conduction, convection and radiation. Conduction is the diffusion of thermal energy through a metal substance. Radiation refers to light or electromagnetic waves. By utilizing the convection process (transferring heat through liquid), the steam from boiled water will turn a power turbine, resulting in transferred energy to cool an ice chest. Actual time of cooling varies; continue to stoke campfire to keep powering the turbine for as long as necessary.
Mini Wind Turbines
- You can find good deals online for mini wind turbines suitable for camping. Prices range from approximately $88 to $115.

Nature