Development of thermoelectrical generators in the maintenance of energy self-sufficient sensors

The power consumption of electronic circuits and systems like sensors or wireless transceivers is decreasing more and more. On the other hand the efficiency of energy transducers like thermo-generators is being further optimized by applying nanocomposite materials, so that energy from the environment like heat can be used to supply electronic devices. A self-powered wireless sensor module is presented which uses a thermo-generator as power supply. The module comprises a wireless transceiver and a temperature sensor to monitor the temperature and send the data to a nearby base station. The energy consumption can be covered totally by the thermo-generator and the human body as heat source.