Wearable gadgets to replace air conditioners and heaters

University of California engineers has come up with an unusual way to deal with the winter cold and summer heat. They created a wearable gadget that can, depending on the situation, heat or cool a person’s skin. Such a device can be embedded directly in clothing, and its use can significantly reduce energy consumption by minimizing the operation of air conditioners and heaters.
 
The prototype of the wearable gadget is made in the form of a bandage, which is mounted on the shoulder of a person. It is made using thermoelectric alloys that use electricity to create temperature differences and vice versa.
 
Its structure includes a battery, board, and thermoelement – all components are flexible. The device is able to heat or cool the skin to a user-selected temperature.
 
According to Renkun Chen, lead developer, the gadget is not able to completely replace heating appliances and air conditioners, but it significantly expands the temperature range within which a person feels comfortable.
 
In what temperatures the device works and how much it is able to withstand on one charge – not specified.

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