Optimised flexible thermoelectric generators manufactured by metallic threads sewn on fabrics
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Autonomous energy harvesting sources in wearables enable supply for sensors, antennas and transmission lines, with powers in the range of mW. Thermoelectric generators (TEGs) based on the Seebeck effect are noiseless and have a relatively good energy harvesting efficiency when compared to other sources. Flexible TEGs (F-TEGs) are made of metallic threads and coatings applied on textile substrates that can be integrated into wearable systems. This paper relies on previously manufactured prototypes of T-type and J-type F-TEGs by applying metallic threads onto textile substrates, with the new goal of optimising the harvested voltage, based on a mathematical relation from the scientific literature. This relation yields an optimal ratio of the cross-sectional areas of the n- and p-legs of the F-TEG with respect to their thermic and electric conductivities. The J-type F-TEG was selected for optimisation, and the ratio of the Constantan and Stainless Steel threads was modified from 2:2 to 1:3, according to the mathematical relation. The optimised prototype was designed, manufactured, and measured under the same physical conditions as the initial prototype, yielding better voltage-harvesting values: the slope between temperature difference and harvested voltage increased from 0.0646 to 0.0832.
Source: Industria Textila
Language: English
Subfield: Materials Chemistry
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7208784326