FLEXIBLE THERMOELECTRIC GENERATOR AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURING

Flexible thermoelectric generators and methods of manufacturing are disclosed. In one embodiment, a flexible thermoelectric generator includes a plurality of pillars, a first and a second plurality of flexible interconnects, and a flexible material. The plurality of pillars having a first side and a second side. The first plurality of flexible interconnects electrically connecting pairs of the plurality of pillars on the first side. The second plurality of flexible interconnects electrically connecting the pairs of plurality of pillars on the second side. The first and the second plurality of flexible interconnects alternate among the pairs of plurality of pillars to form an electrical circuit having a first end and a second end. The flexible material covering the first and second plurality of flexible interconnects and having an external surface. The flexible material is configured to conduct thermal energy from the external surface to the plurality of pillars.