Energy Conversion Performance and Optimization of Wearable Annular Thermoelectric Generators

This paper presents a theoretical model for a human skin-wearable annular thermoelectric generator (WATEG) system and provides analytical solutions for its energy conversion performance. The Pennes equation is used to model the heat transfer of human skin, which is assumed to be a cylindrical multilayer structure composed of subcutis, dermis, and epidermis. The heat exchanges induced by blood perfusion and metabolic heat generation within the skin tissue are taken into account. It is found that the influence of skin effect and contact thermal resistance between the human skin and flexible substrate plays a significant role in the energy conversion performance of the WATEG and should be considered. The matched load resistance, optimal fill factor, and height of thermoelectric legs are determined through numerical analysis. The findings of this study can be applied to the practical design of WATEG devices and are expected to contribute to their optimization.