A thermoelectric wearable body heat-powered GPS tracker operates based on the principle of thermoelectric effect, which is the conversion of temperature difference into an electric voltage. This technology enables the device to harness the temperature gradient between the wearer's body and the ambient environment to generate electrical power, which is then used to operate the GPS tracking functionality.
Here's how the system generally works:
Thermoelectric Material: The wearable device is equipped with thermoelectric materials, often in the form of small modules or arrays. These materials are chosen for their ability to generate electricity when there's a temperature difference across them. Typically, these materials are composed of semiconductor elements.
Temperature Gradient: The temperature gradient between the wearer's body and the surrounding environment is crucial for the thermoelectric effect to occur. The human body naturally generates heat, and there's usually a temperature difference between the body's surface and the air around it. This temperature gradient drives the flow of heat through the thermoelectric material.
Heat Absorption and Dissipation: The wearable device is designed to have one side in direct contact with the wearer's body (the hot side) and the other side exposed to the cooler ambient air (the cold side). The thermoelectric material absorbs heat from the hot side and releases it to the cold side, creating a temperature difference that drives the flow of electrons.
Generation of Electricity: As heat flows through the thermoelectric material, it causes electrons to move from the hot side to the cold side, generating an electric current. This electric current can be harnessed and stored in a small battery or capacitor within the device.
Powering the GPS Tracker: The electricity generated by the thermoelectric effect is used to power the various components of the GPS tracker, including the GPS module, communication interfaces (such as Bluetooth or cellular), processing unit, and other associated electronics. This enables the GPS tracker to function and transmit location data.
Energy Management: The wearable device may incorporate energy management systems to optimize the use of the generated electricity. This could involve storing excess energy in a rechargeable battery to ensure consistent operation even when there's a temporary lack of temperature gradient (e.g., when the device is removed from the body).
Efficiency and Design: The efficiency of the thermoelectric generator depends on factors such as the temperature gradient, the properties of the thermoelectric material used, and the design of the device. Engineers strive to maximize the efficiency by selecting suitable materials and optimizing the physical configuration of the thermoelectric modules.
It's important to note that while thermoelectric wearable devices have potential for energy harvesting, they might not generate large amounts of power compared to traditional energy sources. Therefore, the efficiency of the thermoelectric material and the design of the wearable device play crucial roles in ensuring that enough energy is generated to power energy-efficient components like GPS trackers.