1. Thermoelectric Generators (TEGs)
Materials Used: Bismuth telluride, lead telluride, silicon-germanium alloys. Advantages:
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Converts waste heat into electricity.
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No moving parts, low maintenance. Disadvantages:
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Limited efficiency.
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Material toxicity concerns. Where to Source: Suppliers of semiconductor materials and electronics components. Providers: European Thermodynamics, Hi-Z Technology.
2. Piezoelectric Devices
Materials Used: Quartz, Rochelle salt, lead zirconate titanate (PZT), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). Advantages:
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Generates electricity from mechanical stress.
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Long lifespan and reliability. Disadvantages:
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Limited power output.
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Sensitivity to environmental conditions. Where to Source: Electronic component distributors, specialized material suppliers. Providers: APC International, Murata Manufacturing.
3. Triboelectric Nanogenerators (TENGs)
Materials Used: Polymers, metals, and other friction-inducing materials. Advantages:
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Efficient in converting small mechanical movements.
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Versatile in material selection. Disadvantages:
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Relatively new technology, limited commercial availability.
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Sensitivity to wear and tear. Where to Source: Research labs, specialized nanotechnology suppliers. Providers: Georgia Tech Research, Nano Energy Labs.
4. Radio-Frequency (RF) Energy Harvesters
Materials Used: Antennas, rectifiers, capacitors, and power management circuits. Advantages:
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Harvests ambient RF energy.
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Suitable for low-power electronics. Disadvantages:
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Low energy density.
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Requires proximity to RF sources. Where to Source: Electronics component distributors, RF equipment suppliers. Providers: Powercast, EnOcean.
5. Biofuel Cells
Materials Used: Enzymes, microorganisms, and biocompatible materials. Advantages:
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Generates electricity from biochemical reactions.
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Environmentally friendly. Disadvantages:
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Limited power output.
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Complex manufacturing process. Where to Source: Biochemical suppliers, medical device manufacturers. Providers: Sony (prototype stages), several academic research institutions.
6. Solar-Powered Wearables
Materials Used: Thin-film photovoltaic cells, organic photovoltaics, and flexible solar cells. Advantages:
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Renewable energy source.
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Can be integrated into various wearable designs. Disadvantages:
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Depends on sunlight availability.
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Efficiency decreases in low-light conditions. Where to Source: Solar panel manufacturers, electronics suppliers. Providers: PowerFilm, Alta Devices.