Thermoelectric Power System for Body Worn Sensors

Recently, the power density of thermoelectric (TE) thin film devices has increased by a factor of 15. In the same period, the power needed for wearable physiologic sensors, associated data acquisition and wireless transmission systems has rapidly decreased. We have now reached the point at which a variety of wearable soldier health and injury monitoring systems can potentially be powered by the body heat of the person being monitored. In this program, Quantum Applied Science and Research (QUASAR) Inc., a leading innovator in wearable electrophysiologic measurement systems for heart, brain and muscle function, will team with the Research Triangle Institute (RTI), the developer of the new thermoelectric materials. We will develop the first truly noninvasive wearable monitoring system, one that needs no action or maintenance by the user, other than to put it on. The system will have immediate application to the soldier physiologic monitoring system recently developed by QUASAR for the Army Soldier Systems Center. The addition of a TE-based power unit offers the possibility revolutionizing the operation utility of this system. In addition, significant opportunities exist in long-term medical monitoring and sports equipment markets