A smart fabric with thermoelectric power generation and battery energy storage

Abstract

This invention discloses a smart fabric with thermoelectric power generation and battery energy storage capabilities, belonging to the field of functional fiber fabrics. The main body of this smart fabric is woven from fibers, thermoelectric fibers, and energy storage fibers. The fibers enhance the fabric's strength and tensile strength. The thermoelectric fibers are composed of alternating segments of P-type fibers, electrode layers, and N-type fibers, and can be prepared in various ways. The energy storage fibers are fibrous batteries or supercapacitors made from specific materials through wet spinning and coated with an elastic polymer outer layer. Pockets are sewn onto the surface of the main fabric body, integrating a charging unit connected to the energy storage fibers and equipped with a wireless or wired charging device. When worn, the thermoelectric fibers utilize the temperature difference between the body and the environment to generate a potential difference, transferring electrical energy to the parallel-connected energy storage fibers for storage. The charging unit can then charge portable devices via wired or wireless means, effectively solving the problem of insufficient battery life in portable devices.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of functional fiber fabrics, specifically a smart fabric with thermoelectric power generation and battery energy storage. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous advancement of science and technology, wearable devices have risen to become a prominent focus of research. These new technologies integrate advanced sensors, cutting-edge communication technologies, and powerful computing capabilities, demonstrating their capabilities in numerous areas such as work and research assistance, physical condition monitoring, motion tracking, environmental situation monitoring, and medical support, profoundly transforming people's lifestyles and work paradigms. However, it is undeniable that these portable devices generally face the challenge of insufficient battery life. Frequent charging not only significantly reduces ease of use but also poses a serious obstacle for scenarios requiring long-term continuous monitoring or for work situations where charging is unavailable. Therefore, finding a practical way to solve the problems of short battery life and difficult charging for portable devices is urgently needed.

[0003] As the natural platform for wearable devices, the human body has been found by numerous researchers to be able to convert its physiological characteristics and behavioral dynamics into electrical energy using energy conversion technologies such as thermoelectricity, piezoelectricity, and triboelectricity, thus providing effective power replenishment for portable devices. Specifically, these functional materials are prepared into one-dimensional fiber forms, which are then interwoven and woven together. The resulting fabric retains the basic properties of traditional clothing while also enabling charging and discharging, potentially allowing for self-powered portable devices such as wearable electronics in the future.

[0004] Thermoelectric fibers possess unique advantages, enabling them to efficiently convert heat energy into electrical energy directly using the temperature difference effect. When human activity occurs or ambient temperature fluctuates, a temperature difference naturally forms between the human body and the environment. Thermoelectric fibers can capture and effectively convert this heat energy into electrical energy, continuously supplying power to portable devices. This technological innovation not only powerfully promotes the sustainable use of energy but also significantly reduces dependence on traditional energy sources, paving a new path for the widespread application of green energy. However, it is worth noting that as thermoelectric technology continues to evolve, the energy conversion efficiency of thermoelectric materials will inevitably continue to rise. In this continuous energy conversion process, especially in areas where the temperature difference between the human body and the environment is significant and maintained for extended periods, a large amount of excess energy will inevitably be generated. With the continuous consumption of energy resources and the increasing demand for energy from production development, it is necessary to collect this green and sustainable energy. Furthermore, the efficiency of thermoelectric conversion is affected by many factors; when replenishing power to devices, the instability of the current affects its replenishment efficiency.

[0005] Energy storage fibers are energy storage elements that are formed by shaping batteries or supercapacitors into fibrous shapes. Their excellent flexibility, lightness, and mechanical properties make them extremely promising for applications in wearable devices, smart homes, electric vehicles, and many other fields.

[0006] In summary, functional smart fabrics made by combining thermoelectric fibers and energy storage fibers and weaving them together with textile technology can efficiently generate electricity by utilizing the temperature difference between the human body and the environment, and properly store the generated electrical energy inside the fibers. This provides a stable charging and power supply for various portable devices such as wearable devices and implantable medical devices, and provides a solid foundation for the development of wearable devices and smart clothing. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present invention provides a smart fabric composed of thermoelectric fibers and energy storage fibers, which realizes the integration of power generation and energy storage, can provide long-term power replenishment for portable devices, and effectively improves their power replenishment efficiency, aiming to solve the problems existing in the above-mentioned background technology.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0009] A smart fabric with thermoelectric power generation and battery energy storage includes a fabric body, which is woven from fibers, thermoelectric fibers and energy storage fibers. The fibers serve as warp or weft, and the thermoelectric fibers and energy storage fibers are woven alternately as weft or warp corresponding to the fibers. The thermoelectric fibers and energy storage fibers are connected and are each a single fiber.

[0010] The thermoelectric fiber is composed of alternating cyclic arrangements of P-type fibers, electrode layers, and N-type fibers;

[0011] The energy storage fiber includes a polymer outer layer, and the polymer outer layer contains an electrolyte and two fiber electrodes.

[0012] The fabric body is provided with a charging unit, which is connected to the fiber electrode in the energy storage fiber. The charging unit contains a wireless or wired charging device to charge portable devices.

[0013] As a further preferred option, the fiber is a natural fiber or a synthetic fiber.

[0014] As a further preferred embodiment, the P-type fiber is electrochemically deposited or coated onto the surface of the fiber material by a P-type thermoelectric material, and the N-type fiber is electrochemically deposited or coated onto the surface of the fiber material by an N-type thermoelectric material.

[0015] As a further preferred embodiment, the P-type fibers and N-type fibers are produced by core-shell solution wet spinning, in which P-type thermoelectric materials and N-type thermoelectric materials are alternately extruded in the core layer.

[0016] As a further preferred embodiment, the energy storage fiber is a fibrous battery or supercapacitor made by wet spinning, the fiber electrode core layer is made of a highly conductive material, the electrolyte is made of a conductive doped semi-solid or solid material, and the polymer outer layer is made of an elastic material.

[0017] The beneficial effects of this invention include:

[0018] 1. The smart fabric proposed in this invention generates electricity by utilizing the temperature difference between the human body and the external environment, thereby providing reliable charging support for portable devices such as wearable electronic devices and implantable medical devices. This significantly improves the poor battery life of such devices and provides a strong guarantee for their continuous and stable operation.

[0019] 2. By integrating energy storage fibers into the self-generating fabric system, the electrical energy generated by the thermoelectric effect can be efficiently stored inside the clothing. This not only effectively reduces energy loss during transmission and conversion, but also greatly increases the upper limit of replenishable energy, optimizing the entire energy management and utilization process.

[0020] 3. Due to the instability and high dependence on environmental conditions inherent in the thermoelectric effect, unstable current during the charging of portable devices could potentially damage electronic equipment. However, by introducing energy storage fibers as an energy transfer link, the current can be effectively buffered and regulated, stabilizing the output current and significantly improving charging efficiency, thus ensuring the safety and reliability of the charging process.

[0021] 4. The smart fabric proposed in this invention possesses excellent compatibility and can be integrated with traditional fabrics through sewing. In extreme environments such as space and the moon, where there is a significant temperature difference between the environment and the human body, this smart fabric can continuously charge and store energy. By increasing the content of energy storage fibers and thermoelectric fibers, its charging efficiency is improved, providing a stable and uninterrupted power supply for spacesuits, life support systems, and various scientific research equipment, significantly extending the duration and range of activities for astronauts performing extravehicular missions. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a smart fabric.

[0023] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the fiber weaving process for smart fabrics;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of an energy storage fiber structure.

[0025] It includes: 1. Fabric body; 2. Charging unit; 3. Fiber; 4. Thermoelectric fiber; 5. Energy storage fiber; 6. P-type fiber; 7. Electrode layer; 8. N-type fiber; 9. Fiber electrode; 10. Electrolyte; 11. Polymer outer layer. Detailed Implementation

[0026] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the present invention clear and complete, the embodiments of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only some, not all, embodiments of the present invention, and are merely illustrative of the embodiments of the present invention. They are not intended to limit the embodiments of the present invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0027] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the present invention provides a smart fabric with thermoelectric power generation and battery energy storage, including a fabric body 1. The fabric body 1 is woven from fibers 3, thermoelectric fibers 4 and energy storage fibers 5. Fibers 3 serve as warp or weft, and thermoelectric fibers 4 and energy storage fibers 5 are woven alternately as corresponding weft or warp. The thermoelectric fibers 4 and energy storage fibers 5 are connected and are both single fibers.

[0028] In one embodiment, thermoelectric fibers 4 and energy storage fibers 5 are arranged alternately as warp threads, such as one thermoelectric fiber 4 and one energy storage fiber 5 arranged sequentially, and then interwoven with weft threads to form a fabric. During the interweaving process, adjacent thermoelectric fibers 4 and energy storage fibers 5 are in close contact in the warp direction of the fabric and can be connected through charge conduction on the fiber surface, allowing charge to be transferred between the two types of fibers.

[0029] Specifically, fiber 3 can be natural fibers such as wool, cotton, and silk, or man-made fibers such as acrylic, spandex, nylon, and polyester, to improve the strength and tensile strength of the fabric.

[0030] Specifically, the thermoelectric fibers 4 are arranged in a segmented, alternating cycle in the order of P-type fibers 6 - electrode layer 7 - N-type fibers 8. This can be achieved by sequentially depositing or coating P-type fibers (such as Bi2Te3), electrodes, and N-type fibers (such as Bi2Te3) onto the fibers in segments. 0.5 Sb 1.5 It is made by semi-inorganic conductors such as Te3. In another embodiment, organic composite thermoelectric materials can also be extruded in segments in the core layer by core-shell solution wet spinning to form P-type (such as PEDOT:PSS, etc.) and N-type (N-type doped PEDOT:PSS, etc.) organic composite thermoelectric materials.

[0031] It should be noted that in the arrangement of P-type fiber 6, electrode layer 7, and N-type fiber 8 in thermoelectric fiber 4, P-type fiber 6 and N-type fiber 8 are two different thermoelectric materials. When a temperature difference exists, holes (positive charge carriers) in the P-type material and electrons (negative charge carriers) in the N-type material will move directionally driven by the temperature gradient. Electrode layer 7 plays the role of collecting and conducting charges. Due to the different charge carrier properties of P-type and N-type materials, positive charges will accumulate on the P-type material side and negative charges will accumulate on the N-type material side under the influence of the temperature difference. Electrode layer 7 can collect these charges, forming a potential difference, thereby generating current in the external circuit.

[0032] Specifically, the energy storage fiber 5 includes a polymer outer layer 11, which contains an electrolyte 10 and two fiber electrodes 9. The energy storage fiber 5 is a fibrous battery or supercapacitor prepared by wet spinning. Highly conductive materials such as carbon nanotubes and graphene are used as the core layer of the fiber electrodes 9, and semi-solid or solid materials such as conductive doped calcium alginate hydrogel are used as the shell electrolyte 10. Then, an elastic polymer outer layer 11 such as polyurethane is coated on the fiber surface.

[0033] It should be noted that wet spinning is a type of chemical fiber spinning method. Its principle involves dissolving the polymer in a suitable solvent to form a homogeneous spinning solution. This spinning solution has a certain viscosity and fluidity, allowing it to be extruded through a spinneret. After being extruded from the spinneret, the spinning solution enters a coagulation bath. The coagulation bath is another liquid medium containing a coagulant that causes the polymer in the spinning solution to coagulate. In the coagulation bath, the solvent in the spinning solution and the coagulant in the coagulation bath exchange, causing the polymer to gradually solidify from a solution state into solid fibers.

[0034] It should be noted that core-shell solution wet spinning is a technique used to prepare fibers with special structures based on wet spinning. In this process, the fiber has a double-layer structure of a core layer and a shell layer. First, the materials used to form the core layer and the shell layer are prepared into different solutions. For the core layer material, a spinning solution containing p-type (such as PEDOT:PSS, etc.) and n-type (N-type doped PEDOT:PSS, etc.) organic composite thermoelectric materials is prepared; a corresponding spinning solution is also prepared for the shell layer material.

[0035] During spinning, two spinning solutions are extruded alternately through a special spinneret. The spinneret is designed to ensure that the core spinning solution is inside, while the shell spinning solution surrounds the core, essentially giving the core a "shell". They enter the coagulation bath together, where the solvent and coagulant exchange, causing the core and shell materials to coagulate simultaneously, forming fibers with a core-shell structure.

[0036] Furthermore, a pocket is sewn onto the surface of the fabric body 1, and a charging unit 2 is integrated inside the pocket. The charging unit 2 is connected to the fiber electrode 9 in the energy storage fiber 5. The charging unit 2 is equipped with a wireless or wired charging device to connect to the portable device.

[0037] When a person wears this smart fabric, the body surface temperature is usually maintained at a relatively constant state, while the ambient temperature changes constantly due to various factors, inevitably resulting in a certain difference between the ambient temperature and the body surface temperature. In this situation, the thermoelectric fibers 4 in the fabric can sensitively capture this temperature difference. Due to the presence of the temperature difference, the thermoelectric material inside the fibers will rapidly generate a thermoelectric electromotive force at the electrode layer 7 of the fibers, thereby forming a stable potential difference through the mature thermoelectric effect principle.

[0038] Once a potential difference is generated, electrical energy, driven by the electric field force, is transferred from the thermoelectric fiber 4 to the connected energy storage fiber 5, following the basic principles of circuitry. The energy storage fiber 5, as a key component for energy storage, efficiently stores the received electrical energy for later use.

[0039] Meanwhile, the charging unit 2, connected to the energy storage fiber 5, plays a crucial role in energy transfer. It forms a complete energy transmission path with the energy storage fiber 5 through a pre-designed circuit. When portable devices need to be recharged, whether using a traditional wired connection where the device is tightly connected to the charging unit 2 via a compatible charging cable, or utilizing wireless charging technology to achieve energy transfer between the device and the charging unit 2 within a certain effective distance, power can be successfully obtained from the energy storage fiber 5 to charge the device, providing a reliable energy guarantee for the continuous and stable operation of portable devices.

[0040] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A smart fabric with thermoelectric power generation and battery energy storage, characterized in that: The fabric body (1) is woven from thermoelectric fibers (4), energy storage fibers (5) and other fibers (3). The other fibers (3) serve as weft threads, and the thermoelectric fibers (4) and energy storage fibers (5) are woven alternately as warp threads corresponding to the other fibers (3). The thermoelectric fibers (4) and energy storage fibers (5) are connected and are both single fibers. The thermoelectric fiber (4) is composed of alternating cyclic arrangements of P-type fiber (6), electrode layer (7), and N-type fiber (8); The energy storage fiber (5) includes a polymer outer layer (11), which contains an electrolyte (10) and two fiber electrodes (9). The fabric body (1) is provided with a charging unit (2), which is connected to the fiber electrode (9) in the energy storage fiber (5). The charging unit (2) contains a wireless or wired charging device to charge portable devices.

2. The smart fabric with thermoelectric power generation and battery energy storage according to claim 1, characterized in that: The other fibers (3) are natural fibers or man-made fibers.

3. The smart fabric with thermoelectric power generation and battery energy storage according to claim 1, characterized in that: The P-type fiber (6) is electrochemically deposited or coated on the surface of the fiber material by P-type thermoelectric material, and the N-type fiber (8) is electrochemically deposited or coated on the surface of the fiber material by N-type thermoelectric material.

4. The smart fabric with thermoelectric power generation and battery energy storage according to claim 1, characterized in that: The P-type fiber (6) and N-type fiber (8) are made by alternating extrusion of P-type thermoelectric material and N-type thermoelectric material in the core layer using a core-shell solution wet spinning method.

5. The smart fabric with thermoelectric power generation and battery energy storage according to claim 1, characterized in that: The energy storage fiber (5) is a fibrous battery or supercapacitor made by wet spinning. The core layer of the fiber electrode (9) is made of a highly conductive material. The electrolyte (10) is made of a conductive doped semi-solid or solid material. The polymer outer layer (11) is made of an elastic material.

Images