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Wearable Thermoelectric Generators for Body-Powered Devices

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Abstract

This paper presents a discussion on energy scavenging for wearable devices in conjunction with human body properties. Motivation, analysis of the relevant properties of the human body, and results of optimization of a thermopile and a thermoelectric generator for wearable and portable devices are presented. The theoretical limit for power generation on human beings is evaluated and confirmed by experimental results. The requirements for wearable thermopiles are summarized. The results allow certain conclusions to be drawn concerning directions for future development of body-powered devices.

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Acknowledgement

The authors gratefully acknowledge J. De Boeck, B. Gyselinckx (IMEC-NL/Holst Centre), P. Fiorini, and C. Van Hoof (IMEC) for fruitful discussions.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Interuniversity Microelectronics Center (IMEC), Kapeldreef 75, 3001, Leuven, Belgium

    V. Leonov

  2. IMEC-NL/Holst Centre, High Tech Campus 31, Eindhoven, 5656, The Netherlands

    R.J.M. Vullers

Authors
  1. V. Leonov
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  2. R.J.M. Vullers
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Correspondence to V. Leonov.

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Leonov, V., Vullers, R. Wearable Thermoelectric Generators for Body-Powered Devices. J. Electron. Mater. 38, 1491–1498 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11664-008-0638-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11664-008-0638-6

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