Patent ID: 9748463
Date: 2017-08-29
CPC Classifications: H01L

Claim:
1. An energy harvesting device configured to be integrated into an item of clothing, comprising: an insulated container, comprising: an outer heat exchanger coupled to the deformable outer membrane, comprising an outer surface exposed to the external environment, and an inner surface exposed to the outer cavity; a thermoelectric generator, positioned within the inner cavity, the thermoelectric generator comprising an outer surface exposed to the outer cavity through the deformable inner membrane, and an inner surface, thermally-coupled to an inner heat exchanger; and a phase-change material membrane, at least a portion of the phase-change material membrane coupled to the inner heat exchanger, and encapsulating a mass of phase-change material, wherein the insulated container is configured to be deformed between an expanded configuration and a compressed configuration, wherein when in the expanded configuration, the inner surface of the outer heat exchanger is spaced apart from the outer surface of the thermoelectric generator, wherein when in the compressed configuration, the inner surface of the outer heat exchanger is positioned proximate to the outer surface of the thermoelectric generator, and wherein the phase-change material is configured to store a portion of heat energy captured during a dryer cycle as the item of clothing is laundered.