Glowing from body heat

[Wiks]

Hi all,

I am new on this forum, I am recently graduated in bioengineering.

I have a question in electronics. It may be basic... but I am not specialist.

Can I use a TEG thermoelectric generator like those ones: http://www.greenteg.com/products/gteg-energy-harvester.html

in order to produce some light (even a small amount of visible light will be sufficient for my application).

The problem is that using a small surface of TEGs using (only) body heat as energy source, will allow me to produce only few microwatt of electrical power (-> http://www.greenteg.com/fileadmin/user_upload/120110_gTEG_EnergyHarvester.pdf).

Do you know any system that could produce some light at this range of power?

Thanks for your help

 

[Electrobrains]

Interesting!

I am sure you can get a result with an ultra low current LED.

For instance this type is on stock:
Europe: HLMP-Q156-H0031
Or HLMP-P156-EG031 at http://www.mouser.com

It's specified for 500uA/1.6V. That is 800uW at full intensity 2mcd.
I am sure you would be able to see light with a far smaller current.
What is important though, is that you put many TEG elements in series, so that you exceed the threshold voltage.
Suggestion: try to get 2V open circuit.

 

[duke37]

The thermoelectric generator works on temperature difference so you will need to fix it to a hot part of your anatomy and sit on a block of ice.

 

[Electrobrains]

The thermoelectric generator works on temperature difference so you will need to fix it to a hot part of your anatomy and sit on a block of ice.

Well, I think this could be a great thing for the future!
How about manufacturing clothes out of this material? Jackets, caps, shoes...
Add to it some kinetic energy absorbers and we could become walking generators! Especially the winter season could be profitable!
Or cover the walls of houses (where the thermal gradient is highest) with the material!
Sure there would be a lot of applications.