A micro thermoelectric energy scavenger for a hybrid insect

We report: (1) the design, fabrication, and testing results of an implantable micro-scale thermoelectric power scavenging device that utilizes the body temperature of beetles as an energy source, (2) measurements of beetle body temperature during flight and (3) the developmental stability of beetles with implanted devices. The implantable energy scavenger consists of multiple Bi₂Te₃ legs and long heat pipes that extend outside the beetlepsilas body to maintain a temperature difference. The device is fabricated on a flexible SU-8 substrate, has a footprint of 2times4 mm², and is 250 mum thick. It produces a power density of 10 muW/cm² with an 11degC DeltaT. The beetles produce an 11degC temperature difference during flight at the wing base and demonstrate a survival rate over 95% when devices are implanted in their backs during the pupa stage.