We've all heard of solar power and wind power, but researchers at Wake Forest are developing another alternative form of power: thermoelectrics. They've created a fabric — comprised of tiny carbon nanotubes — that can convert body heat into an electric charge.

The device, called Power Felt, uses temperature differences to create electricity.

“We waste a lot of energy in the form of heat. For example, recapturing a car’s energy waste could help improve fuel mileage and power the radio, air conditioning or navigation system,” graduate student Corey Hewitt Hewitt says. “Generally thermoelectrics are an underdeveloped technology for harvesting energy, yet there is so much opportunity.”

How might we see Power Felt used in practical applications? The researchers say it could line car seats for a battery boost or line clothing garments to power devices that monitor performance or your iPod — among other uses.

“Imagine it in an emergency kit, wrapped around a flashlight, powering a weather radio, charging a prepaid cellphone,” says David Carroll, director of the Center for Nanotechnology and Molecular Materials and head of the team leading this research. “Literally, just by sitting on your phone, Power Felt could provide relief during power outages or accidents.”

The researchers are still looking for ways to improve the device, but the university is also in talks with investors to bring Power Felt to the market.

Check out the video above to learn more.

Thumbnail image courtesy of Wake Forest