Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new type of wearable device that can obtain energy from body heat. This study is expected to allow future wearable devices to consume less battery power. It fully combines the advantages of rigid and flexible systems, using a mixture containing liquid metal (EGaIn / Indium alloy), not only self-healing, but also can effectively conduct energy. Such thermoelectric devices can have a variety of shapes, such as smart watches, wristbands, T-shirts, pockets, flashlights, and the like.
Despite the advantages of rigid devices, flexible devices are better able to touch the skin and are more comfortable to wear.
Corresponding author Mehmet Ozturk stated: “We hope to design a flexible thermoelectric collector that will not affect the rigid quality of equipment materials, and may even provide similar or better efficiency.â€
In view of this, the team used the same active substance to create a prototype device. In order to connect the various parts of the thermoelectric element, the team adopted a safe liquid metal mixture, EGaIn.
This kind of alloy has extremely low electrical resistivity and therefore has higher power generation efficiency. In addition, Ozturk points out: "Another advantage of liquid metal is self-healing, and even if a connection is broken somewhere, it can be reconnected and the device continues to work effectively."
Next, the research team plans to further improve efficiency by adjusting materials and methods and eliminating components that may consume energy.
Currently they have applied for a technology patent, and interested netizens can read the papers in the Applied Energy journal.
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