Portable Charger

by
Martinna Angelina P. Macaspac
Mikhael Macha
Clarissa May M. Ocampo

CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
A.

Background of the Study

If not all, most of the people today are engaged with new technological
advancements that bring us entertainment and relaxation. We can browse the
internet, send messages, play different kinds of games, read and view files and
other miscellany, all in one handheld device. Because of the frequent use of
these gadgets, power is easily consumed, resulting in the reduction of its battery
life. Among gadget users, one common problem is reaching low / critical battery
level and where to recharge these devices, especially if users are mobile or far
from any power outlet / source.
A current solution for this problem is the use of power banks, but it also
needs to be charged as well. For a power bank to be fully functional, it needs to
be fully charged. Also, not all power banks can accommodate all types of
gadgets, because the power storage capacity varies with each power bank unit.
Sometimes, it provides less than the required power of the gadget. A higher
power storage capacity means a more expensive power bank.
To lessen the problem, a portable charger is created. The portable
charger will use a thermoelectric generator to convert heat into power, which will
be stored to the battery. Heat is chosen because it is already present, and it is
easily harnessed. Our body produces heat, so there is no need to find other
sources. The thermoelectric generator consists of two ceramic tiles placed on top
of each other, with conductor seeds placed in between. When one ceramic tile is

hotter than the other, the thermopower of the conductor pieces add together to
maximize the amount of energy produced. The thermoelectric generator operates
based on the Seebeck effect. The Seebeck effect is the conversion of
temperature differences into electricity.
With this technology, we can recharge our devices without using nonrenewable energy, thus conserving energy. Finding a power outlet is not a worry
anymore, because this technology runs on body heat.

B.

Objectives
The main objective of this project is to harness surplus energy from a
renewable energy source, specifically body heat. To achieve this, the following
procedures are followed: (a) to generate power from body heat using a
thermoelectric generator, and by the principles of Seebeck effect, (b) to create a
portable battery charger that uses body heat as an energy source, and (c) to
charge gadgets and other electronic devices using the generated body heat, (d)
and to make charging possible without the availability of electricity outlets.

C.

Scope and Delimitation

The device, a portable charger, operates mainly on body heat. The body
heat harnessed is converted into electrical energy, which will then be stored in
the battery. The portable charger can accommodate smart phones, mobile
phones, power banks, and other gadgets. It is also limited to charging only, not
as a power supply to other devices.

It can be used when gadgets and phones run out of battery. Users just
have to attach the portable charger in their bodies using an arm strap or a wrist
strap, and connect the charger to the gadget. However, charging time is not
instant. Anyone can use this portable charger, as long as they produce body
heat.

CHAPTER II
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES
Back in the day, people had to rely on pure muscle power to generate energy.
Today, people are now continuing to develop energy systems that do not require full
human effort. The evolution of energy development seems to be in sync with the
evolution of humans. From human ability, it all evolved into smarter energy sources
such as coal, steam, biomass, and renewable sources such as wind, water, solar, and
heat. With the continuous growth in sourcing energy, mechanical functions also
continue to increase, to meet the unlimited needs of humans. Majority of the energy we
get and use are from fossil fuels. Because of this, some energy sources have become
scarce, not to mention it slowly harms the environment. With the scarcity of energy
sources, researchers and scientists have studied and discovered how to develop
energy from alternative sources, which are easily renewable and environment friendly.
Energy Crisis
Today, there are a lot of ways to produce energy or electricity from different
sources. Because as human beings progress, they need to gain more and more energy
to satisfy the needs that they require to have a sustainable lifestyle and to be updated to
the things that all people are hooked on to. Like us Filipinos, they are fond with new
electronic devices, appliances, and many other things that consume electricity in order
to work or to be operational. They use it without thinking how much energy they are
exhausting to satisfy their craving for fame and to be updated in every event or issue
that is present nowadays.

Many issues are being discussed in the World Wide Web about the problem
concerning on the production of electricity, especially the price and production of
electricity in the Philippines. According to the article of Richard Javad Heydarian,
power-generating companies to introduce a further hike in electricity prices. To put
things into perspective, the Philippines already has Asia's most expensive electricity
rates, even higher than post-Fukushima Japan. Such prohibitive rates have not only
hurt ordinary consumers, but have also served as among the strongest disincentives
against manufacturing investments in the country. [1]
Many factors are being blamed, dirty politics, internal demons in the government,
bad economy, and other things that affect the production of electricity in the country.
Looking at these factors will never solve any problem and will just create more and
more issues to be discussed without dealing with the main problem.
The article mainly discussed how the price of electricity became the Asia's most
expensive electricity rate and how the government acts in the issues that
Manila Electric Company (Meralco) will introduce an unprecedented electricity rate hike
in three trenches beginning in 2014,[1]
added by Heydarian in his article. This news made a public outrage to surface among
the Filipinos but President Aquino did not ignore this update from the Meralco and made
the agency of the government do their jobs to hold the price hike. But holding the hike is
not really the solution, it is just an impermanent aid on the long term problem of the
country.

Looking at the broader side, the price hike is not the lone problem of the
Philippines. There is a predicted energy shortage in the summer of 2015 according to
The Philippine Star.[2] The Department of Energy have their precautionary measures but
it focused solely on old technologies to produce energy. That is seen in the article of
Gonzales:
The committed power projects for next year include the 87-MW Burgos wind farm
scheduled to commence in February; 150-MW coal plant and 18-MW biomass facility in
May; 10.8-MW biomass and 13.2-MW hydropower plant in August; 67.5-MW Pililia Wind
in September and a 100-MW Avion plant in October. [2]
Using these power plants will increase the energy stock, but did the department
contemplate about the bad effects of the non- renewable energy that will be
implemented just to ensure the sustainable amount of energy for the Filipinos?
Alternative Energy
At this moment, we have seen that some people are now using alternative
energy sources. Solar panels have been installed, and windmills provide energy to
some remote areas. However, a big portion of the society still relies on heat energy,
because a heat engine has greater power production.
A heat engine is an engine that receives heat and converts it into mechanical
energy, which is used to do mechanical work that generates electric power. Like energy,
heat is also something that can be transferred from one body to another.
Steam engines are an early form of heat engine. During its prime, steam engines
were commonly used in factories, mills, pumping stations, and mines, as well as trains,

ships, and land vehicles. A steam engine has two fundamentals components: the boiler
and the steam engine. The boiler, a vessel that contains the water to be boiled into
steam, provides the heat to be absorbed by the steam engine. The steam engine
converts the steam into work. However, it had its flaws. First, the steam engine has low
efficiency, which means that energy is not really utilized to work. Second, it consumes a
large space. Notice how large is the first cart of the early trains, as it was entirely
occupied by the steam engine. Third, steam engines potentially harm the environment.
The burning process produces too much smoke, and could eventually explode due to
high pressure.
On the other hand, electrical power plants generate electricity through the use of
heat engines. In an article written by Quick (2012), he stated that 90 percent of the
worlds electricity is generated by heat energy. Unfortunately, electricity generation
systems operate at around 30 to 40 percent efficiency, meaning around two thirds of the
energy input is lost as waste heat. Despite this, the inefficiency of current thermoelectric
materials that can convert waste heat to electricity has meant their commercial use has
been limited.[3]
Utilization of heat energy is a common practice. In a study conducted by Weisse
(2010), he stated that the increasing price of oil, concerts about climate, and the
depletion of our natural resources have drawn much attention to renewable energy
technology. In 2007, the world consumed roughly 500 quadrillion BTUs of energy and is
expected to increase at 1.4% per year. About 90% of this energy was generated
through fossil fuel combustion with a typical efficiency of 30-40%. The remaining 6070% of the energy was lost to the environment via automotive exhaust, industrial

processes, and more. It is highly desired to use the wasted heat to improve the overall
efficiency of energy conversion. The energy of the wasted heat can be collected and
transformed to electricity through a thermoelectric device.[4]
Thermoelectric Effect
To begin with, thermoelectricity, or thermoelectric effect, is the direct conversion
of heat into electricity, vice versa. A thermoelectric device creates voltage when there is
a difference in temperature, or creates a difference in temperature when voltage is
applied. The thermoelectric effect of producing electricity from heat is called the
Seebeck effect, wherein an electromotive force and consequently, an electric current is
produced in a loop of material. The loop of material is consisted of at least two dissimilar
conductors when two junctions are maintained at different temperatures. The
conductors are commonly metals, though they need not even be solids. [5] It was
discovered by physicist Thomas Seebeck during the 1820s. Thermoelectricity arises
when a circuit has two dissimilar conductors or semiconductors that are joined at their
ends. When one of the junctions is at a different temperature than the other, a direct
electric current will flow in the circuit. For a given thermoelectric circuit operating in a
given temperature range, the magnitude of the current depends mainly on the
temperature difference between the two junctionin general, the greater the
temperature difference, the larger the current.[6]
Thermoelectric Generators (TEG)
Thermoelectric generators are all solid-state devices that convert heat into
electricity. Unlike traditional dynamic heat engines, thermoelectric generators contain no

moving parts and are completely silent. Such generators have been used reliably for
over 30 years of maintenance-free operation in deep space probes such as the Voyager
missions of NASA. But for small applications, thermoelectric can become competitive
because they are compact, simple (inexpensive) and scalable. Thermoelectric systems
can be easily designed to operate with small heat sources and small temperature
differences. Such small generators could be mass produced for use in automotive
waste heat recovery or home co-generation of heat and electricity. Thermo electrics
have even been miniaturized to harvest body heat for powering a wristwatch. [7]
A thermoelectric produces electrical power from heat flow across a temperature
gradient. As the heat flows from hot to cold, free charge carriers (electrons or holes) in
the material are also driven to the cold end. The resulting voltage (V) is proportional to
the temperature difference (T) by the Seebeck effect. By connecting an electron
conducting (n-type) and hole conducting (p-type) material in series, a net voltage is
produced that can be driven through a load. Many thermoelectric couples need to be
connected in series to make the thermoelectric device as shown in Figure 1. [7]

Figure 1

For small portable applications, power sources that are smaller and lighter than
conventional batteries are of great commercial interest. Even for low thermal-to-electric
conversion efficiencies (e.g. a few percent), a small combustor supplying heat to a
thermoelectric generator could provide greater energy density than a battery. However,
a 10% efficient generator can require at least 500C. In addition, to ensure that the heat
is directed through the thermoelectric and not lost in the exhaust, the heat exchangers
must be carefully designed. [7]
In a study conducted by Kim, We, & Jo (2014), they developed a glass fabric
based thermoelectric power generator using a screen printing technique and the selfsustaining structure of a thermoelectric device without the top and bottom substrates.
With the technology they used, they were able to create a thin, lightweight, and flexible
thermoelectric generator which can be worn. This study can be the grounds for
developing new devices such as a self powered wristwatch, or other mobile devices.
Environmental Impact
Ban Ki-moon is determined to put global warning at the top of the global political
agenda and determined to build th trustt so urgently needed if we are to succed in
combating climate change. Under his leadership, the UN is credentials by action on the
ground and by good housekeeping at home. - Achim Steiner, Executive Director,
UNEP Geneva, 117th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union

A generator can be used as an energy producing unit in it, because it is

producing DC or more commonly, AC voltage. Their typical use is to deliver electrical

power at places where the main power supply is unstable or non-existent. Such
generators may be in operation from a few hours each month to 24 hours a day.
Thermoelectric generator is the one kind of generator that we use in making a
project. (In research article by Thomas Seebeck, he observed that when heat is
transferred between two objects, a current is produced. Since then, electromagnetic
field has been harnessed and converted into electricity with the advent of thermoelectric
generators.) Thermoelectric generators have a wide range of applications in different
fields ranging from household

appliances to

spacecraft technology.

Though

thermoelectricity has the potential to greatly impact energy waste, limitations remain in
terms of cost and efficiency.
The environmental impacts of the thermoelectric generators are particularly
useful because they turn a waste product, in the form of heat, into a usable resource in
the form of electricity. And these thermoelectric generators are solid-state devices that
provide a method for converting the necessary waste product of heat into a reusable
energy resource. Heat energy is responsible for almost 90 percent of global electricity
production, but the limitations of existing system efficiency results in more than half of
that heat energy being wasted as "waste heat." These thermoelectric generators have
the potential to reduce the amount of waste heat and, in turn, provide a renewable
source of electricity generation. But other generators like the Diesel generators are
widely used in many areas where electrical power is unreliable or non-existing. There
are generators that are used as a supplement to the main power supply, or as the main
power supply as well as emergency backup for hospitals, schools, for computer data-

storage, server application that are only used a few extensively as they cause major
problems locally, regionally, and on the global plan.

Chapter III
METHODOLOGY
This chapter is about the approach used to implement the planned project and to
keep the validity and consistency of the study. This part includes the flow chart of the
project development, block diagram, testing procedures and evaluation procedures
which can help in improving the studys integrity.

Flow Chart of the Project Development

The study starts with the research on what topic the proponents would want to
focus their research on. The search for possible topics took time and effort before
arriving at the present topic. After proposing and making this topic pass, circuitry and
other verification methods are needed to verify if this study is feasible with time, money,
and effort of the researchers. Proceeding to the next step is another challenge for their
resources to produce the components and how to assemble everything that is needed
in the circuitry of the device including its strap. The next thing to do is to test and to
produce testing parameters to see if the device is accurate and precise in the quantity it
gives off. Lastly, if all the given conditions are satisfied, the research is done.
The proponents need extra effort to pursue this kind of study because it is a
young technology to be used as topic for a research. Only few are able to produce this
application of TEG and other organizations / people use TEG on different applications
or different conversions of energy.

Start

A:

Testing

Topic Research

If proposed
and passed?

NO

If working?

YES
YES

End

Circuit
Simulation and
Verification

If all
conditioned
are satisfied?

NO

YES
Pricing and
Assembly

Figure 2

NO

Project Design
The device will solely produce current from the heat of human arm or wrist. This
device derived its function from the Seebeck effect, which was previously discussed in
Chapter 2 under the topic Thermoelectric Generator (TEG). It is being used in wrist
watch according to the article and most likely, the TEG is used to power the watch. But
watches are low powered devices, comparing it to the results of this study is irrelevant,
but it is still used to power a device that needs current to be operational.
In this study, the thermoelectric generator (TEG) is used to charge smartphones
or other similar devices. The TEG alone cannot do it but with the help of a DC to DC
boost converter, it can achieve a reasonable voltage to charge up batteries from
different gadgets and it must be regulated so that every gadget is safe from overvoltage
that the TEG can cause. This device is not always placed at the wrist or arm of the user
that is why there is battery in the power bank and it is also the initiator of the biasing of
the transistor that might be used to produce the boost converter of the device.

Thermoelectric
Generator

Boost Converter and

Regulator

Figure 3

Battery

Testing Procedure
Pre-testing of components involves carefully examining each component if there
are any faults or irregularities that might effect on the progress and the output of the
device that needs to be assembled in an ample amount of time for research to have an
outcome or prototype per se. It is important on the TEG to be tested before anything
else is done, and the output voltage of the TEG must be known to the proponents
before the next steps are put into place to ensure the success of this study. Testing the
temperature response of the TEG and the assembled device are the next test that must
be done to know if it produces the expected voltage to charge up the said gadget.
Tabulating the input temperature and the output voltage will help the proponents
analyse if the device works perfectly.
Evaluation Procedures
The project will undergo evaluation in order to observe if the objectives of
the system were met. Five (5) individuals will be asked to try and test the finished
project, and ask them to evaluate it by answering the evaluation form.
Each individual will rate the project according to the following factors and ratings:
5 Excellent
4 Satisfactory
3 Very Good
2 Good
1 Fair

Questions:
1. Is it accurate and consistent?
2. Is it user-friendly?
3. How is the quality of the sound?
4. How is the quality of the video?
5. It is helpful?

REFERENCES
[1] Heydarian, Richard Javad (2013, December 23). Philippines Electricity Crisis: How
Regulatory

Capture

Undermines

Emerging

Markets.

Retrieved

from

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/richard-javad-heydarian/philippines-electricitycrisis_b_4490680.html
[2] Gonzales, Iris (2014, July 22). Power crisis looms in 2015. Retrieved from
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2014/07/22/1348931/power-crisis-looms-2015
[3] Quick, Darren (2012, September 20). Worlds most efficient thermoelectric material
developed.

Retrieved

from

http://www.gizmag.com/most-efficient-thermoelectric-

material/24210/
[4] Weisse, Jeffrey (2010, October 24). Thermoelectric Generators. Retrieved from
http://large.stanford.edu/courses/2010/ph240/weisse1/
[5] http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/532358/Seebeck-effect
[6] http://science.howstuffworks.com/thermoelectricity-info.htm
[7]

Snyder,

G.

J.

Small

Thermoelectric

Generators.

https://www.electrochem.org/dl/interface/fal/fal08/fal08_p54-56.pdf

Retrieved

from