Researchers from North Carolina State University have created a new prototype of a wearable device that produces several times more electricity than any modern thermoelectric generators.
Thermoelectric generators (TEG) using the temperature difference between the user's body and air to generate electricity. Previous similar devices used heavy and large heat sinks, which could produce only about one microwatt per square centimeter. New technology developed by researchers at North Carolina State University, allows to produce about 20 microwatts per square centimeter of power without using a bulky heatsink.
New thermoelectric generator has a small size and can bend that allows the device to accurately adhere to the user's skin. The thermal conduction layer device comes in contact with the skin and absorbs heat, and the polymer layer retains heat from dissipate before it passes through a special generator.
Like other portable thermoelectric generators, the device allows you to generate electricity sufficient to maintain operation of various handheld gadgets such as, for example, fitness devices or "smart" watches.
For the study, researchers used a T-shirt with built-in generators. As a result, scientists have determined that the new technology makes it possible to produce much more energy than all known analogues: 6 microwatts per square centimeter in normal conditions for the user and more than 16 mW during exercise.
The researchers believe that their development will be used for long-term health monitoring through new wearable devices that will use innovative thermoelectric generators.
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