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Thermoelectric fabrics: toward power generating clothing
Yong Du1, Kefeng Cai2, Song Chen2
1Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3216, Australia.
Scientific Reports
|March 26, 2015
Summary
Researchers developed a flexible thermoelectric power generator using a coated fabric. This fabric device can harvest body heat, paving the way for self-powered wearable electronics and smart clothing.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Energy Harvesting
- Textile Engineering
Background:
- Thermoelectric (TE) materials convert temperature differences into electrical energy.
- Wearable electronics require sustainable and integrated power sources.
- Fabric-based TE generators offer potential for comfort and flexibility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To create a flexible, air-permeable thermoelectric power generator using coated fabric.
- To evaluate the thermoelectric properties and performance of the fabric device.
- To explore the potential of fabric TE devices for harvesting body heat.
Main Methods:
- Coating commercial fabric with a thermoelectric polymer (poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(4-styrenesulfonate)).
- Connecting coated fabric strips using conductive elements (e.g., fine metal wires).
- Measuring thermoelectric voltage output at varying temperature differences.
Main Results:
- A stable thermoelectric performance of the coated fabric was observed between 300 K and 390 K.
- The fabric device generated a voltage output of 4.3 mV at a temperature difference of 75.2 K.
- Demonstrated the feasibility of using fabric TE devices for energy harvesting.
Conclusions:
- Flexible, air-permeable thermoelectric fabric generators can be successfully fabricated.
- These devices show potential for harvesting body heat energy.
- Fabric-based TE generators are promising for developing power-generating clothing and self-powered wearable electronics.
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