Novel structural design of wearable thermoelectric generator with vertically oriented thermoelements

Energy harvesting technology has become important for wearable electronics, where a continuous power supply is essential. Although a wearable thermoelectric generator (TEG) is a promising option in this context, maintaining a substantial temperature gradient (Delta T) between the hot and cold sides of the TEG and a low thermal contact resistance between the TEG and the human body is challenging due to its structural configuration. Herein, a novel structural solution to these problems has been presented with vertically aligned p-type poly (3,4-ethylene-dioxythiophene):poly (styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) thin film and n-type aluminum wire-based thermoelements integrated wearable TEG. The developed wearable TEG with five pairs of thermoelements reported an open-circuit voltage (V-oc) of up to 1.46 mV when applied to the wrist. Subsequently, the generator was tested at a higher temperature, and the characterization results revealed that the TEG produced a maximum V-oc of 5.15 mV at a Delta T of 80 degrees C. Inclusively, the TEG provided a maximum output power and an output power density of similar to 2.4 nW and 1.5 nWcm(-2), respectively, at a Delta T of 80 degrees C. The proposed TEG design concept demonstrates elevated performance with great flexibility and has the potential to act as a viable alternative for next-generation energy harvesting devices.

Automated summary

Researchers propose a novel design for a wearable thermoelectric generator using vertically aligned PEDOT:PSS thin film and aluminum wire-based thermoelements. This design overcomes the challenges of maintaining a significant temperature gradient and low thermal contact resistance. The prototype demonstrates high performance and flexibility, making it a promising alternative for next-generation energy harvesting devices.