In this paper, a thermoelectric generator that embeds phase change materials for wasted heat
energy harvesting is proposed. The proposed thermoelectric generator embeds phase change
materials in its device structure. The phase change materials store large amounts of heat
energy using the latent heat of fusion. When the heat source contacts the thermoelectric
generator, dissipated heat from the heat source is stored in the phase change materials. When
the heat source is removed from the thermoelectric generator, the output power of the
thermoelectric generator slowly decreases, while the output power of conventional
thermoelectric generators decreases rapidly without the heat source. The additional air layer in
the proposed thermoelectric generator disturbs the heat dissipation from the phase change
materials, so the thermoelectric generator can maintain the power generation for longer
without a heat source. The experimental results for the thermoelectric generator fabricated
clearly show the latent heat effect of the phase change materials and the embedded air layer.