Recent Advances on Body-Heat Powered Medical Devices

Implantable medical devices, wearable medical devices and body sensor networks are rapidly developing research areas of recent years. These devices need self-powered uninterruptible power supplies to accomplish their functions properly. One of the most efficient energy harvesting methods for medical applications is thermoelectric generators. Thermoelectric generators use temperature difference between two points to produce electrical energy. This new technology provides energy autonomy. Thus without affecting the daily life of patients, light weight and esthetic medical device can be established and this would increase patient's quality of life. In this study, autonomous medical devices fully powered by human body-heat are reviewed. Considering the results, body-heat powered thermoelectric generators will be an inseparable part of autonomous medical devices in the near future.