What type of voltage does a Thermopile or Powerpile generate?

A thermopile or powerpile generates hundreds of millivolts as a result of the thermoelectric effect, which is the conversion of temperature differences directly into electricity. This phenomenon occurs in devices that consist of multiple thermocouples arranged in series or parallel; they are designed to produce a somewhat higher voltage by leveraging the temperature differential across them.

In practical applications, such as safety shut-off systems in gas appliances, the output in the hundreds of millivolts range provides sufficient power to operate the necessary components, like safety valves, without requiring additional power sources. This ability to generate usable voltage from heat is vital in ensuring that the safety mechanisms in gas appliances function properly, making them reliable and effective in preventing gas leaks or malfunctions.