What is thermoelectric technology?

The thermoelectric device uses its positive and negative temperature difference to generate voltage. The idea is that when electrons on the warmer side move to the cooler side, the potential difference (voltage) is created and current is generated on the wires connecting them. Due to the weak current, thermoelectric technology typically only powers devices with less energy requirements, such as wearable devices and human implant devices. For watches, the underside of the watch fits the wrist and becomes warmer due to the body temperature of the wearer, by contrast, the dial exposed to the air becomes relatively cool. Therefore, the temperature difference between the front and back makes the watch an ideal device powered by the hot principle. So, why the use of thermoelectric watches in life are rare?

Smart Watch: The ideal thermoelectric carrier?

In fact, as early as 1998, SEIKO released Seiko Thermic, a quartz watch powered by body temperature based on the principle of thermoelectricity. However, Seiko Thermic did not achieve commercial success, probably because of its high selling price (which is still over Euro3,300 on ebay today). More importantly, for the quartz watch, the ordinary button battery can provide one to three years of battery life, "do not need to change the battery" is not an attractive selling point.

But smartwatches are different. Since Apple Watch was released, it has been widely criticized for less than 24 hours of standby time. Although there is life ability called metamorphosis smart watches for more than a month, but the market mainstream product life is generally less than a week, most only two days. Life has become the biggest pain point smart watch market, frequent charging, forgetting to charge is the culprit affecting the user experience.

IEEE Spectrum Editor Tekla S. Perry explains why they no longer use Fitbit watches:

"I actually love tracking the number of steps, but I no longer wear my Fitbit because there are so many times in the months that I forgot to charge it, and my average number of steps was totally outgrown, after which I did not Then there is power to count the steps.
"

Matrix Industries, which released Powerwatch, claims they can solve the problem. Founders Akram Boukai and Douglas Tham, respectively the company's CEO and CTO, are optimistic that thermoelectric technology has matured enough to support wearable products. Moreover, the timing of the adoption of thermoelectric technology in implantable devices and IoT low-power sensors will also be imminent.

Powerwatch: Just try or potential shares?

Powerwatch can be powered entirely by body temperature, and besides its (as advertised) thermoelectric module is more advanced, its equipped AMBI Q processor is the main reason. Matrix Industries claims it is the world's lowest power processor, which consumes far less power than competing products. Without AMBI Q, Powerwatch can not rely on external power. When the user wore the Powerwatch, the amount of power generated by the body temperature in addition to providing watch operation, the excess power will be stored in the Powerwatch internal 200 mA battery. When the user takes off the watch, it will automatically enter hibernation mode with the display off, but the stored power will keep the watch as usual.

Low-power processors are bound to face performance compromises

Compared to Apple Watch, Fitbit and other competitors, Powerwatch as the first generation of products is very simple, and can even be called shabby: pedometer, calorie calculation and sleep tracking, in addition to the function of ordinary watches ( Show time, stopwatch, alarm). This is likely to be the result of processor performance limitations, but it may also be that there is not enough space in the watch to fit other sensors when the thermoelectric module is installed.

Powerwatch does not have no functional advantages (except without charging). Engadget editor Cherlynn Low said Powerwatch's unique thermoelectric design allows it to measure calorie consumption more accurately. In addition, Matrix Industries said it will add more functionality to follow-up products.

While Matrix Industries is very excited about Powerwatch's "never-to-be-charged" campaign, the tech world does not seem to be optimistic about Powerwatch's future:

Cherlynn Low thinks it's really outperforming its competitors.

Tekla Perry calls it a fitness tracker and rates the watch a bit cumbersome, saying it might only appeal to geeks who want to show off "my watch does not need to be charged" to friends.

Even Matrix Industries itself says selling Powerwatch is not really their main goal, but rather persuading other smart hardware companies to adopt their thermoelectric technology. "We look at ourselves as an energy company that extracts heat, not a watch company, and we want to see the thermoelectric technology being used by other wearable, medical, and smart sensors," said Anne Ruminski, Matrix's engineering manager.

Ruminski is optimistic about the prospect of thermoelectric technology, which she thinks is particularly suitable for subcutaneous implants, such as pacemakers. These devices do not require much energy and the skin surface can provide enough thermal energy.

Powerwatch launched the crowdfunding at Indiegogo on November 14 for $ 99.99, up to $ 119 as of the 15th and up to $ 160 on the open offer. Interested in crowdfunding friends can click here to view.


This article is reprinted from Smart Watch .HTM, if you have any questions, please send an email to to contact us.

Vacuum Coffee Mug

Stainless Steel Coffee Mugs are made from high-grade 18/8 stainless steel. This material is food grade, non-toxic, durable and easy to clean.

Our Stainless Steel Bottles are mostly Stainless Steel Vacuum Coffee Mugs. They have a double-wall vacuum treatment, so they can ensure your drink keeps as it is. And you don't need to worry about getting your hands cold or hot.

Stainless Steel Single Coffee Mug has a single wall. It sacrifices thermal insulation and improves portability. Holding it in your hand all the time will not cause any discomfort.

Vacuum Coffee Mug,Vacuum Car Mug,Stainless Steel Coffee Mug,Bamboo Coffee Mug

Ningbo Auland International Co.,Ltd. , https://www.everwaterbottle.com