A circuit which extends the operational life of a main energy source
coupled to a load, said circuit comprising a power generator having a
heat source and a cooler thermally coupled to a thermoelectric generator
(TEG) for converting thermal energy into electrical energy; and a first
capacitor coupled to the TEG for receiving and storing the electrical
energy from the TEG. The circuit further comprising at least one
switching element coupled between the first capacitor and the load, a
converter coupled between the capacitor and the at least one switching
element for generating a regulated output, and a controller for
activating the at least one switching element when the charge stored on
the first capacitor reaches a predetermined level, thereby delivering
power from the first capacitor to the load, via the converter, and
reducing the amount of power drawn from the main energy source, thereby
extending the operational life of the main energy source.