Thin-film superlattice thermoelectric materials and device technologies for energy harvesting applications

There is increasing need for self-sufficient power sources for wireless sensors and electronics that can extend device performance beyond what is available from conventional batteries. Thermoelectric approaches for developing such power sources using geothermal and body heat are attractive. RTI has developed a prototype "thermal ground stake" wireless sensor node powered by thermoelectric (TE) energy harvesting that lends itself to unattended ground sensors for covert military and intelligence operations where TE powered sensors are concealed in the ground. In another application, RTI International and QUASAR are jointly developing an integrated body-worn biosensor system powered by body heat thermoelectric energy harvesting.