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Comfortable wearable thermoelectric generator with high output power

Author

Listed:
  • Lei Miao

    (Guangxi University)

  • Sijing Zhu

    (Guangxi University
    Guilin University of Electronic Technology)

  • Chengyan Liu

    (Guilin University of Electronic Technology)

  • Jie Gao

    (Guilin University of Electronic Technology)

  • Zhongwei Zhang

    (Guangxi University)

  • Ying Peng

    (Guilin University of Electronic Technology)

  • Jun-Liang Chen

    (Guilin University of Electronic Technology)

  • Yangfan Gao

    (Guilin University of Electronic Technology)

  • Jisheng Liang

    (Guangxi University)

  • Takao Mori

    (National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS)
    University of Tsukuba)

Abstract

Wearable thermoelectric generators provide a reliable power generation method for self-powered wearable electronic devices. However, there has been a lack of research regarding the comfort of wearable thermoelectric generators. Here we propose a design for a comfortable wearable thermoelectric generators system with high output power based on sandwiched thermoelectric model. This model paves the way for simultaneously optimizing comfort (skin temperature and pressure perception) and output power by systematically considering a variety of thermal resistive environments and bending states, the properties of the thermoelectric and encapsulation materials, and the device structure. To verify this strategy, we fabricate wearable thermoelectric generators using Mg-based thermoelectric materials. These materials have great potential for replacing traditional Bi2Te3-based materials and enable our wearable thermoelectric generators with a power density of 18.4 μWcm−2 under a wearing pressure of 0.8 kPa and with a skin temperature of 33 °C, ensuring the wearer’s comfort.

Suggested Citation

  • 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.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:15:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-024-52841-1
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-52841-1
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    References listed on IDEAS

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