Self-powered Wireless Temperature Sensor Driven by the Thermoelectric Generator in the Power Distribution Cabinet

This study presents a self-powered wireless temperature sensor prototype that was powered by the thermoelectric generator (TEG) and applied in the power distribution cabinet for abnormal temperature alarming. The prototype was comprised of a TE device, energy manager circuit, energy storage, temperature sensor and transceiver module. The temperature sensor and wireless module were powered by the TEG. To optimize the output power and efficiency of TEG, the geometry effect (height and area) and fill factor of TE device were simulated. Based on the simulation result, the TE device sandwiched by heat source and heat sink was capable of delivering a balanced output current of 20 μA when the temperature difference between heat source and ambient air was 5 K. The total quiescent current consumed by the power management circuit is calculated about 13.5 μA. Therefore, it is feasible to power the wireless temperature sensor by the TEG for long term use.