About the project
Be part of this exciting interdisciplinary project between the Schools of Chemistry and Electronics and Computer Science at the University of Southampton and the Institute of Materials Research (IMRE) in Singapore. This project aims to develop a new generation of micro thermoelectric (TE) generators that can be integrated into textiles to power wearable electronic systems.
Wearable electronics such as smart watches, smart glasses or smart pacemakers, are the next generation of mobile electronic gadgets that can transform our daily lives. Most of these wearable devices are powered by batteries that require frequent recharging and replacement. This includes devices that require energy autonomy for an extended service time without the user’s intervention.
One possible solution is to generate power from body heat using flexible thermoelectric (TE) generators. TE devices can convert heat directly into useful electricity based on the Seebeck effect. They have a number of advantages, including:
- solid-state operation with no moving parts
- zero-emission
- silent operation
- vast scalability
- high reliability with no maintenance
- long operating lifetimes
Existing TE generators have low efficiency, a large size, brittleness and inflexibility as they are fabricated onto rigid substrates. Researchers have demonstrated that body heat has enough energy to power wireless ECG systems, but the lack of flexibility means it is not a practical solution.
This project aims to overcome these limitations and produce a micro thermoelectric generator on flexible substrates such as Kapton, Kynar or Mylar. You will use low-cost, room temperature scalable electrodeposition approaches coupled with screen printing of thermoelectric inks. The flexible nature of these devices will enable a practical solution to the application in e-textile fabrics and clothing for applications in defence, healthcare and sports.
