4 Materials and Technology of Thermogenerators

摘要

The rising demand for alternative energy sources opens new prospects for thermoelectric generators. As an example, Hi-Z Technology Inc. develops a new thermogenerator for current generation in a Kenworth (MACK) truck so that the alternator can be replaced [4.1, 4.2]. The Interactive Wear and Infineon Technologie companies have found solutions to integrate thermogenerators in clothes in order to gain electric energy from the temperature difference between body and environment. This energy is intended to operate medical appliances such as pacemakers and hearing aids [4.3, 4.4].