Abstract
The rapid growth of wearable electronic devices motivates investigation of powering such devices using energy harvesting, with the long-term goal of continuous operation without the need to recharge or replace batteries. In this work, we present a study conducted using a wearable device to measure the voltage, power, and energy that can be harvested continuously from human body heat using a thermoelectric generator (TEG) worn on the skin surface. Using a TEG worn on the arm, we demonstrate an average of 22.9 μW continuous maximum power delivery across three subjects, corresponding to 1.43 μW/cm2 power density. Additionally, the large thermal gradient across the TEG when first placed on the skin provides sufficient voltage output across a matched load to enable cold start of state-of-the-art DC-DC boost converters. Overall, the results demonstrate sufficient power density and voltage output provided by centimeter-scale TEGs for operating battery-less, wearable sensor devices using body heat energy harvesting.
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More From: Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society. IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society. Annual International Conference
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