A thermoelectric wearable body heat-powered emergency lighting device operates based on the principle of thermoelectric conversion, which harnesses the temperature difference between the wearer's body and the surrounding environment to generate electrical power. This power is then used to illuminate LED lights for emergency lighting purposes. Here's how it works:
Thermoelectric Materials: The device contains special materials known as thermoelectric materials or thermoelectric generators (TEGs). These materials have the property that when there's a temperature difference across them, it creates a voltage difference, which can generate an electric current. This phenomenon is called the Seebeck effect.
Temperature Gradient: The device is designed to be worn close to the body. The side in contact with the body experiences a slightly higher temperature, while the side facing outward is exposed to the ambient environment, which is relatively cooler. This temperature gradient sets the stage for the thermoelectric effect to take place.
Thermoelectric Modules: The thermoelectric materials are arranged in a module or an array on the wearable device. Each module consists of two different types of thermoelectric materials – p-type and n-type. These materials are connected in a way that maximizes the temperature difference between them.
Electrical Generation: As heat flows from the warmer side to the cooler side of the thermoelectric materials, the voltage difference across the materials leads to the generation of an electric current. This current is usually quite low but can be harvested and stored in a battery or a supercapacitor.
Power Storage: The generated electric current is directed towards a power storage component, such as a rechargeable battery. This battery stores the harvested energy for later use, ensuring that the device can provide emergency lighting even when the temperature gradient diminishes, such as when the wearer's body heat decreases.
LED Lights: When the device detects a lack of external light or a user-triggered activation, the stored electrical energy is directed to power high-efficiency LED lights. These LEDs produce bright and efficient illumination, serving as emergency lighting when needed.
Control Circuitry: The device may include control circuitry that manages the charging of the storage component, monitors the available power, and triggers the activation of the LED lights based on certain conditions, such as low ambient light levels or user input.
Wearability and Design: To be effective, the device must be designed with comfort and wearability in mind. The materials used should be lightweight, flexible, and conducive to maintaining the necessary temperature gradient.
By effectively converting the wearer's body heat into usable electrical power, this thermoelectric wearable body heat-powered emergency lighting device offers a self-sustaining solution for providing illumination in emergency situations, without relying on external power sources or batteries. It demonstrates how thermoelectric technology can be harnessed to create innovative and efficient wearable devices.