New device to power wearable health monitors by converting body heat into electrical energy
Scientists at Queensland University of Technology have developed a flexible thermoelectric film that converts body heat into electricity using the Seebeck effect.
With a thickness of 0.3mm and the ability to generate up to 35 microwatts per square centimetre, the university says this innovation promises to revolutionise wearable devices such as smartwatches, connected clothing, and medical equipment.
Queensland University of Technology says this advancement not only reduces the dependence on batteries, but also encourages sustainability in wearable technology.
The thermoelectric film developed by Australian researchers uses the Seebeck effect, a physical phenomenon that converts temperature differences between the human body and the environment into electrical energy.
The university states this technology can be easily integrated into portable devices, allowing comfortable skin contact and efficient heat transfer.
The film is capable of powering small electronic devices such as smartwatches or health monitors. Queensland University of Technology states this performance surpasses that of previous thermoelectric materials, marking a significant step towards the commercial viability of this technology.
The university believes the potential of this innovation covers a wide spectrum of applications. In the healthcare field, medical devices such as pulse oximeters could operate continuously, without the need for batteries, ensuring uninterrupted monitoring of crucial vital signs.
Smart clothing could also benefit, with garments that regulate the wearer’s temperature, while harvesting energy from the body, paving the way for innovative textile technologies.
One of the key aspects of this advancement is the improvement in power density. The film can generate more energy than previous thermoelectric technologies, thanks to its ultra-thin design and advanced composition of semiconductor materials, states the university.
The flexibility of the film ensures constant contact with the skin, maintaining a stable temperature gradient that maximises energy production. This structure not only improves performance but also expands possible applications, from portable devices to personal cooling systems.
Queensland University of Technology says the development of self-sustaining wearables not only improves functionality but also has positive implications for the environment. Eliminating batteries significantly reduces electronic waste, a growing problem in the technology industry.
In addition, this technology promotes energy efficiency by taking advantage of a renewable resource: body heat. By reducing the need for frequent charging, portable devices could have a longer lifespan, reducing their environmental impact and promoting more sustainable consumer electronics.
The university explains this breakthrough marks an important step toward a future where wearable devices are completely self-sustaining. Researchers predict that this technology could be applied not only in wearables but also in the cooling of electronic chips in smartphones and computers, improving its performance and efficiency.
As developments continue, Queensland University of Technology says it could see a new generation of wearables that are more efficient and environmentally friendly. This progress is a sign of the transformative potential of thermoelectric technology, which could redefine how people interact with wearable technology in the coming years.
The impact of this technology goes beyond wearables, the university adds. The research also opens the door to future innovations in renewable energy, with devices that take advantage of previously unused heat sources.
With current advances, the future of electronic devices seems to be oriented towards sustainability. Queensland University of Technology says body heat, a constant and free source, could become the mainstay of a new era of clean technology, where innovation and respect for the environment go hand in hand.