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Review on Wearable Thermoelectric Generators: From Devices to Applications

Author

Listed:
  • Sijing Zhu

    (Guangxi Key Laboratory of Information Material, School of Material Science and Engineering, Guilin University of Electronic Technology, Guilin 541004, China)

  • Zheng Fan

    (Guangxi Key Laboratory for Relativistic Astrophysics, School of Physical Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China)

  • Baoquan Feng

    (Guangxi Key Laboratory of Information Material, School of Material Science and Engineering, Guilin University of Electronic Technology, Guilin 541004, China)

  • Runze Shi

    (Guangxi Key Laboratory of Information Material, School of Material Science and Engineering, Guilin University of Electronic Technology, Guilin 541004, China)

  • Zexin Jiang

    (Guangxi Key Laboratory of Information Material, School of Material Science and Engineering, Guilin University of Electronic Technology, Guilin 541004, China)

  • Ying Peng

    (Engineering Research Center of Electronic Information Materials and Devices, Ministry of Education, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Precision Navigation Technology and Application, Guilin University of Electronic Technology, Guilin 541004, China)

  • Jie Gao

    (Guangxi Key Laboratory of Information Material, School of Material Science and Engineering, Guilin University of Electronic Technology, Guilin 541004, China)

  • Lei Miao

    (Guangxi Key Laboratory of Information Material, School of Material Science and Engineering, Guilin University of Electronic Technology, Guilin 541004, China
    Guangxi Key Laboratory for Relativistic Astrophysics, School of Physical Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China)

  • Kunihito Koumoto

    (Nagoya Industrial Science Research Institute, Nagoya 464-0819, Japan
    Center of Nanotechnology, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia)

Abstract

Wearable thermoelectric generators (WTEGs) can incessantly convert body heat into electricity to power electronics. However, the low efficiency of thermoelectric materials, tiny terminal temperature difference, rigidity, and neglecting optimization of lateral heat transfer preclude WTEGs from broad utilization. In this review, we aim to comprehensively summarize the state-of-the-art strategies for the realization of flexibility and high normalized power density in thermoelectric generators by establishing the links among materials, TE performance, and advanced design of WTEGs (structure, heatsinks, thermal regulation, thermal analysis, etc.) based on inorganic bulk TE materials. Each section starts with a concise summary of its fundamentals and carefully selected examples. In the end, we point out the controversies, challenges, and outlooks toward the future development of wearable thermoelectric devices and potential applications. Overall, this review will serve to help materials scientists, electronic engineers, particularly students and young researchers, in selecting suitable thermoelectric devices and potential applications.

Suggested Citation

  • Sijing Zhu & Zheng Fan & Baoquan Feng & Runze Shi & Zexin Jiang & Ying Peng & Jie Gao & Lei Miao & Kunihito Koumoto, 2022. "Review on Wearable Thermoelectric Generators: From Devices to Applications," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(9), pages 1-27, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:15:y:2022:i:9:p:3375-:d:809322
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Lei Miao & Sijing Zhu & Chengyan Liu & Jie Gao & Zhongwei Zhang & Ying Peng & Jun-Liang Chen & Yangfan Gao & Jisheng Liang & Takao Mori, 2024. "Comfortable wearable thermoelectric generator with high output power," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-12, December.
    2. Rupam Singh & Varaha Satya Bharath Kurukuru & Mohammed Ali Khan, 2023. "Advanced Power Converters and Learning in Diverse Robotic Innovation: A Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(20), pages 1-28, October.
    3. Piotr Marek Markowski & Eugeniusz Prociów, 2024. "Post-Processing Thermal Activation of Thermoelectric Materials Based on Germanium," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(1), pages 1-23, December.
    4. Duan, Jin & Liu, Zhe & Wang, Xiuchen & Li, Tim Jun & Wang, Yajing, 2024. "Recent advances in skin waste heat energy harvesting wearable flexible thermo-electric and moist-electric devices," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 202(C).
    5. Roberto De Fazio & Roberta Proto & Carolina Del-Valle-Soto & Ramiro Velázquez & Paolo Visconti, 2022. "New Wearable Technologies and Devices to Efficiently Scavenge Energy from the Human Body: State of the Art and Future Trends," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(18), pages 1-37, September.

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