Parametric Simulation of a Packaged Thermoelectric Generator for Electrically Active Implants

Abstract

This work investigates the performance of an implantable packaged thermoelectric generator (TEG) through parametric simulation. A finite element model is proposed, where a packaged TEG is embedded into the human tissue. After thermal resistance matching of the TEG with the surrounding tissue, an optimized size is found for the thermopiles to provide maximum power. The influence of implant position and its housing geometry on TEG performance is simulated. We found that in a promising implant position a TEG of $20 \times 20$ mm2 size can provide $160 \mu \mathrm{W}$ power in a matched resistive load.