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NUCLEAR
BATTERY
INTRODUCTION
Need for compact reliable light weight and
HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENTS
Idea was introduced in 1950 and patented to
Tracer Lab.
Radioisotope electric power system developed
by Paul Brown.
He organized an approach to harness energy
from the magnetic field of alpha and beta
particles using Radium-226.
Low efficiency due to loss of electrons.
ENERGY PRODUCTION
MECHANISMS
Betavoltaics
:
Alternative energy technology.
Provides extended battery life and power
density.
Uses energy from beta particles.
Beta particles from radioactive gas captured in
Si wafer coated with diode material.
Absorbed radiation creates electron-hole pair.
Results in the generation of electric current.
3 capacitor
5 inductor
9 transformer T primary winding
11 resistance
7 core with radioactive elements
Working
Oscillations induced in LCR circuit damp out due to
loss of energy.
Here energy is imparted to the alpha particles
during the decay of elements in the core.
This energy is introduced to circuit when alpha
particles are absorbed by the inductor.
Oscillations sustain until amount of energy
absorbed=amount of energy dissipated in ohmic
resistance.
This excess energy is delivered to the load
connected across transformer T secondary
winding.
FUEL CONSIDERATIONS
Avoiding gamma rays in decay chain.
Ra-226 produces Bi-214.
Strong gamma radiation.
Shielding makes it bulky.
Half life.
Particle range.
Cost.
ADVANTAGES
Life span- minimum of 10 years.
Reliable electricity.
Amount of energy highest.
Lighter with high energy density.
Efficient; less waste generation.
Reduces green house and associated effects.
Fuel used is the nuclear waste from nuclear
fission.
APPLICATIONS
Space applications:
Medical applications:
In Cardiac pacemakers
Batteries should have reliability and longevity
to avoid frequent replacements.
Mobile devices:
Nuclear powered laptop battery Xcell-N has
7000-8000 times more life.
No need for charging, battery replacing.
Automobiles:
In initial stages.
No running short of fuel.
Possibility of replacing ionic fuels with its advantages.
Under-water sea probes and sea sensors:
In sensors working for long time.
At inaccessible and extreme conditions.
Use in coal mines and polar sensor applications too.
For powering MEMS devices : in optical switches and
smart dust sensors.
DRAWBACKS
High initial cost of production as its in the
experimental stage
Energy conversion methodologies are not
much advanced.
Regional and country-specific laws regarding
use and disposal of radioactive fuels.
To gain social acceptance.
CONCLUSION
Small compact devices of future require small
batteries.
Nuclear batteries increase functionality,
reliability and longevity.
Until final disposal all Radiation Protection
Standards must be met.
Batteries of the near future.
THANK YOU