An analytical model for wearable thermoelectric generators harvesting body heat: An opportunistic approach

Wearable thermoelectric generators (WTEGs) have the potential to transform body heat into electrical energy, thereby establishing a sustainable power reservoir for wearable electronics and offering a promising alternative to traditional chemical batteries. This paper presents an opportunistic analytical model that investigates the energy conversion performance of a human skin-WTEG system. The model incorporates a one-dimensional bioheat transport equation to account for metabolic heat generation within skin tissue and heat exchange resulting from the blood perfusion, while a comprehensive three-dimensional analysis of the WTEG captures convective heat dissipation occurring between the WTEG and ambient surroundings. Analytical solutions for the temperature profile and power density of WTEGs are obtained, along with an approximate closed-form expression for the matched load resistance. The results demonstrate the significant impact of blood perfusion and convective heat dissipation on the WTEG performance. The optimal fill factor and height of thermoelectric couples for maximum power output are also determined. This model will assist in predicting and optimizing the performance of WTEG devices in practical applications.