Thermoelectric
generators (TEGs) can convert body heat into electricity, thereby
providing a continuous power source for wearable and implantable devices.
For wearables, the low fill factor (area occupied by legs over the
TEG base area) TEG modules are relevant as they provide large thermal
gradient across the legs and require less material, which reduces
the cost and weight. However, TEGs with a fill factor below 15% suffer
from reduced mechanical robustness; consequently, commercial modules
are usually fabricated with a fill factor in the range of 25–50%.
In this study, TEG modules with a low and high fill factor are demonstrated
and their performance is compared in harvesting body heat. Fabricated
modules demonstrate ∼80% output power enhancement as compared
to commercially available designs, resulting in high power density
of up to 35 μW/cm2 in a steady state. This enhanced
power is achieved by using two-third less thermoelectric materials
in comparison to commercial modules. These results will advance the
ongoing development of wearable devices by providing a consistent
high specific power density source.
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