Design and Experimental Investigation of Thermoelectric Generators for Wearable Applications

• DOI: 10.1002/admt.201600292
• Publication Date: 2017-04-20
• Authors: Yun Goo Lee; Junsoo Kim; Min‐Su Kang; Seung‐Hyub Baek; Seong Keun Kim; Seung Min Lee; Jae Wook Lee; Dow‐Bin Hyun; Byeong‐Kwon Ju; Seung Eon Moon; Jin‐Sang Kim; Beomjin Kwon
• Keywords: Thermoelectric generator; Constructal law

A critical challenge in using thermoelectric generators (TEGs) for charging the portable or wearable electronics has been their limited outputs, as available temperature differential on human body (∆ T ext ) is typically less than 10 K. Furthermore, thermal resistance ( R th at TEG–air interface often overwhelms of TEG itself, which makes within merely a small fraction ∆ . Here, designs systems applications based both theory and systematic experiments are studied. First, this study fabricates TEGs having different fill factors (equivalently, varied internal TEGs) finds an optimum factor that determined by matching condition electrical contact resistance. Next, to investigate effects heat sink external air flow, combines plate fin sinks with evaluates performance under three convection conditions: natural convection, either parallel impinging flow. Lastly effect skin–TEG Although system produces output power 126 µW cm −2 = 7 K) smooth source (Cu heater), it generates reduced 20 6 wrist (uneven source).