Athletic Activity Monitoring Device with Energy Capture

摘要

Aspects relate to an energy harvesting device adapted for use by an athlete while exercising. The device may utilize a mass of phase-change material to store heat energy, the stored heat energy subsequently converted into electrical energy by one or more thermoelectric generator modules. The energy harvesting device may be integrated into an item of clothing, and such that the mass of phase change material may store heat energy as the item of clothing is laundered.

主权项

1. An energy harvesting device configured to be integrated into an item of clothing, comprising:
an insulated container, comprising:
an outer membrane having a first side in contact with an external environment and a second side that defines at least a portion of an internal cavity;an outer heat exchanger extending though the outer membrane, the outer heat exchanger comprising at least one surface in contact with the external environment;a thermoelectric generator module positioned within the internal cavity, the thermoelectric generator sandwiched between the outer heat exchanger and an inner heat exchanger; andan expandable membrane encapsulating a mass of phase-change material, at least a portion of the expandable membrane coupled to the inner heat exchanger, wherein the outer heat exchanger, the thermoelectric generator, and the inner heat exchanger are configured to allow bi-directional conduction of between the phase-change material and the external environment, and wherein the phase-change material is configured to store a portion of heat energy absorbed during a dryer cycle as the item of clothing is laundered.