Key Techniques and Prospects of Flexible Thermoelectric Generator
YI Zhitao1,2,3,HE Guoqiang1,2,3
1 School of Resources, Environment and Materials, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004; 2 Key Laboratory of Processingfor Non-ferrous Metallic and Featured Materials, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004; 3 Collaborative InnovationCenter of Sustainable Energy Materials, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004
Abstract: Thermoelectric generators are solid state energy collectors which can convert thermal energy into electrical energy in a reliable and renewable manner. In the past few years, it has been considered that the heat of human body could be effectively converted to electrical energy by flexible thermoelectric generators. Moreover, flexible thermoelectric generators are able to use low-grade thermal energy to generate electricity and they are environmental friendly compared to other conventional generators applied in many wearable devices. Besides, it is worth mentioning that flexible thermoelectric generator is potential to generate sufficient energy for any wireless sensor nodes (usually the power requirements is less than milliwatt). In this article, the general research situation of thermoelectric generators is reviewed, and several key techniques for flexible thermoelectric generator manufacturing are introduced with emphasis. The basic principle, efficiency, applications and existing problems of thermoelectric power generator are also discussed.
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2018, Vol. 32 
