PFI-TT: Flexible Electronic Devices for Harvesting Body Heat toward Self-Powered Wearable Health Monitoring

This project is part of a larger effort underway at North Carolina State University (NCSU) to develop a commercially viable solution for the manufacturing of these flexible thermoelectric devices.

This project focuses on the commercialization of a flexible thermoelectric module manufacturing process. The modules can harvest body heat to power wearable electronics for long-term continuous sensing. A roll-to-roll manufacturing process is described, and potential failure mechanisms are addressed to improve device reliability. This is part of a larger effort at NC State to develop a commercially viable solution for manufacturing these thermoelectric devices.

Sponsor

Principle Investigators

Mehmet C. Ozturk
Michael D. Dickey
Adam Curry

More Details

This projects focuses on efforts towards commercialization of a flexible thermoelectric module manufacturing process developed with prior funding from National Science Foundation through Advanced Self-Powered Sensors and Integrated Technologies (ASSIST) Engineering Research Center. These modules can harvest body heat and the generated electricity can be used to power wearable electronics providing the ability to perform long-term continuous sensing. A process compatible with roll-to-roll manufacturing is described. The proposal addresses potential failure mechanisms that may have an impact on the long-term reliability of the modules.