Design and development of gait-powered active thermoregulatory insole using thermoelectric module (TEC) powered by lead zirconate titanate (PZT) piezoelectric discs

RYA ZENILDE T. CAWALING, LYLE KENNETH M. GERALDEZ, ELCID M. VILLEGAS, AND RAPHAEL ERIC C. YTURRALDE
Philippine Science High School – Western Visayas Campus, Brgy. Bito-on, Jaro, Iloilo City 5000, Department of Science and Technology – Science Education Institute, Philippines


Abstract
Existing footwear design lacks crucial potential foot thermoregulation feature. By utilizing piezoelectric and thermoelectric energy manipulation, the study successfully developed a battery-replenishing thermoregulating insole which is solid-state and portable with zero carbon-emission capable of harvesting 500 mW of power with an efficiency of 0.3, heating the foot up to 40°C with a COP of 1.89, and cooling the foot down to 23°C with a COP of 0.89.

Keywords: renewable energy source, foot thermoregulation, piezoelectricity, thermoelectricity