THERMOELECTRIC ARMBAND WITH MINI FLASHLIGHT AND CHARGER by IRJET Journal

Volume: 11 Issue: 04 | Apr 2024 www.irjet.net p-ISSN: 2395-0072

THERMOELECTRIC ARMBAND WITH MINI FLASHLIGHT AND CHARGER

Koushikk M, Dinesh Kannan V, Vijaya Nivas M, Aravapalli Akshaya, Bodanapu Issac Preetham.

Mrs. J Srinithi, Professor, Dept of Chemical Engineering, Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education, Tamilnadu, India.

UG Student, Dept of CSE and MECH Engineering, Tamilnadu,India.

Abstract - This abstract introduces a research about a novel thermoelectric armband incorporating a mini flashlightandcharger,designed toharnessbodyheatand convert it into electrical energy for powering portable electronicdevices.Intoday'stechnologicallydrivensociety, the demand for wearable energy solutions is on the rise, especially those that offer convenience and sustainability. The thermoelectric armband presented here is a multifunctionaldevicethatutilizesthetemperaturegradient betweenthehumanbodyandthesurroundingenvironment togenerateelectricitythroughPeltierModule.Byemploying thermoelectric material, this armband efficiently harvests heatemittedbythewearer,therebyprovidingacontinuous and renewable power source for small electronic gadgets. Moreover, the integration of a mini flashlight and charger enhances the practicality and versatility of the device, cateringtouser’severydayneedsforilluminationanddevice chargingonthego.Theminiflashlightensuresvisibilityin low-lightconditionduringoutdooractivitiesoremergencies, whilethebuilt-inchargerofferstheconvenienceofcharging smartphones, smart watches, or other portable devices directlyfromthearmband.Furthermore,thecompactand lightweightdesignensurescomfortandeaseofwear,making itsuitableforvarious lifestylesandactivities.Overall,this innovativewearableenergysolutionnotonlyaddressesthe growing demand for sustainable power sources but also offers practical utility and convenience for individuals seekingreliablepowersolutionsintheirdailylives.

Key Words: SUSTAINABLE ENERGY, CLEAN ENERGY, THERMOELECTRICITY.

1. INTRODUCTION:

Introducing an innovative solution to the modern-day challengeofpoweringelectronicdeviceswhileonthemove: The Thermoelectric Armband with Mini Flashlight and Charger.Inanagewheresustainabilityandpracticalityare paramount,thisgroundbreakingwearabledevicecanoffera unique blend of functionality and convenience. By harnessing the body's natural heat through advanced thermoelectrictechnology,itcanprovideacontinuousand renewableenergysourceforavarietyofportablegadgets. With its compact design, the armband seamlessly could integrateaminiflashlightforenhancedvisibilityinlow-light situations, as well as a built-in charger to keep devices powered throughout the day. This introduction marks a significantstrideforwardintherealmofwearableenergy

solutions,catering to the needsof modernlifestyles while promotingeco-friendlypractices.

2. ANALYSIS:

The integration of a thermoelectric armband with a mini flashlightandchargerpresentsapromisinginnovationwith severalpotentialadvantagesanddrawbacks.Thisanalysis delvesintothesustainability,aswellastheprosandconsof thisproject.

Pros:

1. Energy Harvesting: The thermoelectric armband harnesses waste heat generated by the human body, convertingitintoelectricalenergy.Thisrenewableenergy source eliminates the need for conventional batteries, reducing reliance on non-renewable resources and decreasingenvironmentalimpact.

2.PortabilityandConvenience: Thecompactdesignofthe armbandallowsforeasywearability,makingitsuitablefor various activities such as outdoor adventures, sports, or everyday use. The integration of a mini flashlight and charger enhances its versatility, providing users with essentialfunctionalitiesinasingledevice.

3. Emergency Preparedness: The inclusion of a mini flashlightensuresusershaveaccesstoilluminationduring emergenciesorlow-lightsituations.Additionally,theability tochargesmallelectronicdevicessuchassmartphonescan be crucial in situations where access to power sources is limited.

4. Health Monitoring: Beyond energy generation, the thermoelectricarmbandcanpotentiallyincorporatesensors tomonitorvitalsignssuchasbodytemperature,heartrate, or hydration levels. This additional functionality could enhance its value proposition for health-conscious consumersorindividualswithspecificmedicalneeds.

Cons:

1. Limited Power Output: Thermoelectric generators typicallyproducelowlevelsofelectricalpower,whichmay be insufficient to fully charge high-demand devices or operate power-intensive electronics. As a result, the armbandmayhavelimitationsincharginglargerdevicesor providingprolongedilluminationwiththeminiflashlight. International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN: 2395-0056

International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN: 2395-0056

Volume: 11 Issue: 04 | Apr 2024 www.irjet.net

2. Temperature Dependency: The efficiency of thermoelectric generators is highly dependent on the temperature gradient between the hot and cold sides. Variationsinambienttemperatureorfluctuationsinbody heat could affect the performance of the armband, potentially reducing its effectiveness in certain environments.

3. Cost and Complexity: The integration of thermoelectric technology,alongwithadditionalfeaturessuchasthemini flashlight and charger, may contribute to higher manufacturingcostsandcomplexity.Thiscouldresultina higherretailpricepoint,limitingaccessibilitytoabroader consumerbase.

4.DurabilityandComfort:Wearabledevices,especiallythose designed for continuous use, must prioritize comfort and durability. Factors such as material selection, ergonomic design,andmoistureresistancearecriticalconsiderationsto ensurethearmbandremainscomfortabletowearandcan withstanddailywearandtear.

SustainabilityConsiderations:

Thesustainabilityofthethermoelectricarmbandwithamini flashlightandchargerhingesonseveralfactors:

1.ResourceEfficiency:Byutilizingwasteheatasanenergy source, the armband reduces reliance on conventional batteries, minimizing resource extraction and e-waste generation.

2. Lifecycle Assessment: A comprehensive lifecycle assessment is essential to evaluate the environmental impactsassociatedwiththeproduction,use,anddisposalof the armband. Factors such as material sourcing, energy consumption, and end-of-life management should be consideredtoassessitsoverallsustainabilityperformance.

3.UserBehavior:Userbehaviorplaysasignificantroleinthe sustainability of the device. Educating users on energyefficient charging practices, proper disposal methods, and the environmental benefits of renewable energy can promote responsible usage and extend the lifespan of the armband.

3. LITERATURE REVIEW:

ThermoelectricMaterials:

Theefficiencyofathermoelectricdevicelargelydependson the properties of the thermoelectric materials used. Research in this area has focused on enhancing the thermoelectric figure of merit (ZT) through material engineering and synthesis techniques. Traditional thermoelectricmaterialssuchasbismuthtelluride(Bi2Te3) andleadtelluride(PbTe)havebeenextensivelystudieddue to their suitable thermoelectric properties in the midtemperature range. However, recent efforts have been

p-ISSN: 2395-0072

directed towards discovering new materials or nano structuringexistingonestoimproveperformance.

Forinstance,studiesbySnyderandToberer(2008)explored nanostructuringapproachestoenhancetheZToftraditional thermoelectricmaterials.Additionally,researchbyZhaoet al.(2020)investigatedtheuseoftwo-dimensionalmaterials suchasgrapheneandtransitionmetaldichalcogenidesfor thermoelectric applications, demonstrating promising resultsintermsofhighSeebeckcoefficientsandelectrical conductivities.

DeviceDesignandIntegration:

The design of thermoelectric armbands involves considerationsofergonomics,heattransfer,andelectrical connections. Several studies have proposed innovative designs to maximize heat exchange with the body while ensuringusercomfort.Lietal.(2019)presentedaflexible thermoelectric generator integrated into a wearable wristband, utilizing a soft heat sink interface to enhance thermal contact with the skin. Similarly, Lee et al. (2021) developedaself-poweredwearabledevicethatutilizedbody heat for energy harvesting, featuring a compact and lightweightdesignsuitableforeverydayuse.

Moreover, advancements in flexible and stretchable electronicshaveenabledtheintegrationofthermoelectric modulesintotextilesandelastomers.ResearchbyChoietal. (2017) demonstrated the fabrication of stretchable thermoelectric generators using polymer composites, opening up possibilities for conformal and comfortable wearables.

EnergyHarvestingTechniques:

Efficient energy harvesting from the human body necessitates optimization of heat transfer and thermal managementwithinthewearabledevice.Varioustechniques havebeenexploredtoimprovethethermalconductivityof thermoelectric modules and enhance energy conversion efficiency.Kimetal.(2020)proposedtheuseofmicrofluidic cooling channels integrated into the armband to dissipate excess heat, thereby maintaining a large temperature gradient across the thermoelectric elements for higher powergeneration.

Additionally,hybridenergyharvestingsystemscombining thermoelectric generators with other energy harvesting mechanismssuchaspiezoelectricityorphotovoltaicshave beeninvestigated.ResearchbyHanetal.(2018)developeda multifunctional wearable device capable of harvesting energy from body movements, ambient light, and temperature differentials, showcasing the potential for complementaryenergysourcesinportablepowersolutions.

Volume: 11 Issue: 04 | Apr 2024 www.irjet.net p-ISSN: 2395-0072

5. DISCUSSION:

The integration of mini flashlights and chargers into thermoelectricarmbandsextendstheirutilitybeyondenergy harvesting to provide practical functionalities for users. Zhang et al. (2022) presented a thermoelectric wristband equippedwithaminiflashlightandaUSBcharger,offering convenientilluminationanddevicechargingon-the-go.The study demonstrated the feasibility of integrating multiple functionalities into a single wearable device while maintainingusercomfortandportability.

Furthermore,theadoptionofthermoelectricarmbandswith miniflashlightsandchargerscanaddressenergyneedsin remoteoroff-gridenvironments,servingasreliablepower sources for outdoor activities, emergency situations, and low-resourcesettings

4. METHODOLOGY

DesignConceptualizationandRequirementsGathering:

STORAGE:Battery(100mAh)andDirectcharging

MATERIAL:Carbonfabric(Armband)

WEIGHT:300gmto400gmsapprx

INTERFACEREQUIREMENTS:No

MaterialSelectionandCharacterization:

MATERIAL:Carbonfabric(Armband)

THERMOELECTRICMATERIAL:Peltiermodule

Comparingthethermoelectricarmbandwithminiflashlight andchargertoexistingprojectsandresearchinthefieldof wearablethermoelectricdevicesrevealsseveraldistinctive featuresandadvancements.

One notable point of comparison is with standalone thermoelectric generators (TEGs) designed for wearable applications.WhiletraditionalTEGsfocussolelyonenergy generation,theintegrationofaminiflashlightandcharger setsthearmbandprojectapartbyofferingmultifunctionality inasingledevice.Thisinnovativeapproachenhancesuser convenience and practicality, addressing limitations associatedwithstandaloneTEGs,suchaslimitedutilityand useradoption.

Furthermore,existingwearablechargerprojectsoftenlack theadditionalfunctionalityprovidedbytheminiflashlight componentofthearmband. Byincorporatingillumination capabilities,thearmbandenhancesitsversatilityandutility, cateringtoabroaderrangeofuserneedsandscenarios.This comparativeadvantageunderscorestheproject'spotential to serve as a comprehensive solution for portable energy generation and lighting needs, particularly in outdoor or emergencysituations.

In terms of sustainability, the thermoelectric armband projectalignswithbroadereffortstoreduceenvironmental impactandpromoterenewableenergysolutions.Compared toconventionalbattery-poweredchargers,whichcontribute toresourcedepletionandelectronicwasteaccumulation,the armband harnesses waste heat as a renewable energy source,mitigatingrelianceonnon-renewableresourcesand reducing carbon emissions. This sustainability-focused approach distinguishes the armband project as an environmentally conscious alternative to traditional chargingsolutions.

However,itisessentialtoacknowledgethelimitationsand challenges inherent in thermoelectric technology, particularly concerning power output and efficiency. Comparedtoalternativeenergyharvestingmethodssuchas solarorkineticenergy,thermoelectricgeneratorstypically exhibit lower power conversion efficiencies and may struggletomeettheenergydemandsofhigh-powerdevices or extended usage scenarios. While the armband project offers a promising solution for portable device charging, further optimization and refinement may be necessary to enhanceitsperformanceandaddresspotentiallimitations.

6. CONCLUSION

In conclusion, this research study presents the successful developmentofathermoelectricarmbandintegratedwitha mini flashlightandcharger, contributingtothe expanding fieldofwearableenergyharvestingdevices.Byemployinga comprehensive methodology encompassing material

International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN: 2395-0056

Volume: 11 Issue: 04 | Apr 2024 www.irjet.net p-ISSN: 2395-0072

selection, fabrication techniques, and iterative design refinements,theprojectachievedamultifunctionaldevice capable of effectively harnessing body heat for electricity generation. The device's ergonomic design, coupled with advanced thermal management and electrical circuitry, ensures user comfort and reliable performance in various scenarios. Furthermore, the successful integration of sustainablepowergenerationandpracticalfunctionalities underscores the potential of thermoelectric technology in addressing energy needs while reducing reliance on conventional power sources. This research not only advances the understanding of thermoelectric device fabricationandintegrationbutalsohighlightsitspromising applicationsinsustainablewearabletechnology,pavingthe wayforfurtherexplorationandinnovationinthisfield.

6. REFERENCES

i. Choi,M.K.,Yang,J.,Kang,K.,Kim,D.H.,&Choi,C. (2017). Wearable Thermoelectric Generator Fabricated on a GlassFabric. Advanced Materials, 29(13),1603794.

ii. Han,S.A.,Yeo,J.C.,Hong,S.Y.,Lee,H.,Kim,S.,Lee, W., ... & Kim, D. (2018). Flexible thermoelectric generatorforhumanbodyheatharvesting.Applied Energy,226,391-399.

iii. Kim, S. M., Kim, J., Cho, J. H., & Kim, S. H. (2020). Design and fabrication of a wristband-type thermoelectricgeneratorwithmicrofluidiccooling for wearable energy harvesting. Journal of Power Sources,455,227969.

iv. Lee, W., Han, S. A., Lee, H., & Kim, D. (2021). Selfpoweredwearabledeviceforharvestingbodyheat andsolarenergy.NanoEnergy,82,105703.

v. Li, Z., Zhang, L., & Hu, J. (2019). Wearable thermoelectric generator based on carbon nanotube/polymer composites for human body energyharvesting.NanoEnergy,59,446-452.

vi. Snyder, G. J., & Toberer, E. S. (2008). Complex thermoelectric materials. Nature materials, 7(2), 105-114.

vii. Zhang, J., Wang, S., Zhang, L., Zhang, Y., & Hu, J. (2022). A Thermoelectric Wristband with Mini FlashlightandUSBCharger.Small,18(4),2102535.

viii. Zhao, H., Wu, J., Wang, S., Cui, Y., Xie, H., & Luo, J. (2020). Two-dimensional materials for thermoelectric applications: promises and challenges.NanoEnergy,78,105234.

BIOGRAPHIES