THERMOELECTRIC GENERATORS AND APPLICATIONS THEREOF

摘要

In one aspect, thermoelectric generators are described herein. A thermoelectric generator, in some embodiments, comprises a multilayer ribbon including an electrically insulating flexible substrate comprising a first side having a p-type material deposited thereon and a second side having an n-type material deposited thereon, wherein the p-type material and the n-type material are in electrical communication. In another aspect, electronic systems for incorporation into apparel articles are described herein, which employ one or more energy harvesting mechanisms for powering various electronic functionalities. In some embodiments, for example, systems for monitoring apparel wear and/or use are provided. A system for monitoring apparel wear or use can comprise an energy harvesting component and a signaling component partially or fully powered by electrical energy generated by the energy harvesting component from wear or use of the apparel.