Energy harvesting for wearable wireless health care systems

Abstract

This paper proposes an energy harvesting system for wireless, wearable, and low power health care applications. It discusses the design of a bracelet-like device that converts the difference of temperature between the human body and ambient surrounding using a thermoelectric generator (TEG). The temperature difference causes a small potential difference; an ultra-low voltage is supplied to a step-up converter and power manager. This efficient output is managed, stored, and used to supply low power sensors. The readings of the sensor are transmitted to a multi-platform smart phone application for constant checkup. The system is controlled efficiently to adapt to the changes of external conditions and to overcome the voltage and power variations generated by the TEG. The system relies on green energy which is the best choice for serving as a lifetime power supply for low power wearable medical applications in the foreseeable future.