ThermoBeat: Harnessing Thermal Energy to Power Pacemakers
Team: ThermoBeat
Program:
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Project Description:
ThermoBeat harnesses the thermal energy of the body to continuously power a pacemaker which eliminates the need for replacement surgeries. The device uses a thermoelectric generator to convert thermal energy into electrical energy that sustains the rechargeable battery, providing continuous power.
There are 3 million people in the world who live with pacemakers, a medical device that maintains a regular rhythm of the heart. Once a pacemaker is implanted, however, the worries of patients are far from over. The battery of current pacemaker models must be replaced every 8-10 years through an additional surgery. Each year, there are 300,000 people who require replacement of their pacemaker battery. Since the introduction of pacemakers in 1958, the battery life of pacemakers has failed to improve significantly. As a result, people with pacemakers undergo an average of 4 replacement surgeries in their life, causing high medical, financial and emotional costs to the patient and their family.
Team Members
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Project Mentors, Sponsors, and Partners
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Dr. Andreas Andreou
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Mr. Sathappan Ramesh
Course Faculty
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