 Photo Source: Fraunhofer-Institut für Integrierte Schaltungen
New circuits transform body heat into electricity. |
Thermoelectric generators (TEGs) create electricity from temperature differences across two different materials. In the past, TEGs have required a large temperature difference to create a sufficient voltage to power any device. Recently, however, researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits in Germany have created a TEG that can operate off of the difference between human skin temperature and the surrounding environment - which can be only a few degrees. The power generated by the thermoelectric effect is on the order of 200 millivolts.
While the invention has excellent potential within the medical field, it also holds promise for reducing the energy consumption and enhancing the performance of residential mechanical equipment, lighting, appliances, and control systems.
Contact:
Peter Spies
Phone: +49 911 58061-6363
Fax: +49 911 58061-6398
Fraunhofer-Institut für Integrierte Schaltungen
IIS
Am Wolfsmantel 33
91058 Erlangen
Web: www.iis.fraunhofer.de |
