This Is A Bluetooth Speaker Powered By Fire

Italian designer Gianluca Gamba launched an Indiegogo campaign to make one of the coolest speakers ever a reality.

Pelty is a speaker that runs on fire.

You read that correctly. Pelty is handmade speaker of ceramic and glass that uses thermal energy to connect to a mobile device and play music.

Gregory Han at Design Milk wrote that Pelty "...definitely falls under the category of left-field design, an audio piece which combines the features of a Bluetooth wireless speaker with the elegance of a tabletop tea light. But the real magic isn't 'what' this speakers does, but 'how' it does it."

Han explained some of the science behind the speaker:

Believe it or not, a candlelight flame is the Pelty speaker's intended power source. Utilizing a thermoelectric phenomena discovered by French physicist Jean-Charles-Athanase Peltier, the "Peltier effect" allows the creation of thermoelectric voltage formed between the junction of two different types of materials; the temperature difference results in an electron flow resulting in just enough electricity to power a small speaker.

The amplifier produces 12 watts of power to a 3 inch speaker, so you aren't going to shock anyone with the volume but it's plenty loud for most uses. And Gamba promises a high quality of sound.

Han said Gamba was interested in making a product that was blend of "technology, design and poetry." And like many things Italian it is well made. There is no plastic, only ceramic, glass and the necessary electrical components.

"The Pelty is unlikely to become the next Jambox or Bose, but its very unusual power source design, mood-enhancing character, and unobtrusive wireless flexibility might make it the sort of conversation piece which attracts those seeking something remarkably different from the status quo," wrote Han.

Yan can see more images of Pelty here at Design Milk.