Integration of tau-shaped fins and perforated polyimide substrate for enhanced power output in flexible thermoelectric generator for human body heat harvesting

• Published in: Journal of power sources 2025-01, Vol.626, p.235757, Article 235757
• Main Authors: Waktole, Dessalegn Abera, Jia, Boru, Wang, Wei, Zuo, Zhengxing
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Energy harvesting; Flexible thermoelectric generator; Heat sink; Optimization; Tau-shaped fins
• ISSN: 0378-7753
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2024.235757

In pursuing sustainable energy solutions, there is growing interest in flexible thermoelectric generators, which can convert body heat into electricity. This study introduces a strategy to improve performance by integrating novel Tau-shaped fins as an advanced heat sink and perforated polyimide substrate to enhance flexibility. The fins are designed and optimized for maximum heat dissipation and electric power output. The Tau-shaped fins characterized by this research have a unique bend structure, offering enhanced surface area for heat dissipation and improved fluid flow dynamics compared to conventional designs. Employing numerical simulations and experimental validation, the study shows that integrating Tau-shaped fins with a flexible thermoelectric generator at a 0.708 Ω load resistance and a temperature gradient of 17 °C resulted in a maximum power output of 253.62 μW, with a power density of 188.48 μW/cm2 over an effective area of 1.3456 cm2, making a more than fourfold increase in power output compared to a generator without Tau-shaped fins. The findings highlight the potential of Tau-shaped fins to significantly enhance the power output of flexible thermoelectric generators, making them suitable for powering small-scale wearable electronics. •Advanced Tau-shaped fins integrated with f-TEGs for superior heat dissipation.•Fourfold increase in power output of f-TEG/TAUSF compared to conventional TEG.•Impressive power density of 188.48 μW/cm2 for small-scale wearable electronics.•Optimized fin geometry for maximum heat transfer and energy conversion.•Potential to power small-scale wearable electronics using f-TEG/TAUSF sustainably.