In addition to the hyperlink given by Sparkstation, the SOLAR PANEL is a perfect example of how to convert heat energy to electrical energy.
Here, the heat energy from the sun is converted to electrical energy by the surface of the solar panel. This surface has areas or sides of unequal or dissimilar potentials or polarities, just like a diode junction.
Cheers,
ethobil
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The heat energy from the sun can be used to heat liquid and the heat in turn can be used as energy source. This principle is used for solar water heaters.
first transfer the heat to a working fluid, then get the working fluid to cause some physical motion, then use the physical motion to create relative movement between an electrical conductor and a magnetic field, there will be a voltage potential between each end of the conductor.
I admit there is an extra conversion process here compared to the previous posts but your question did not exclude it, and you will find it works for loads bigger than a small electronics application.
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