Modelling and Optimization of a Wearable Thermoelectric Cooler

Personal thermal management can be achieved by controlling the temperature of the human body locally, consuming only a fraction of the energy of standard thermoregulation techniques such as air conditioning. Wearable thermoelectric coolers are promising solution. However, current research on wearable flexible thermoelectric coolers is still in its infancy. This paper explores the effects of the materials used and of the overall device geometry for optimal thermal comfort and cooling performance by performing a finite element analysis (FEM) of existing flexible thermoelectric cooler topologies. Potential design improvements and optimized designs are discussed based on FEM simulations.