Photon Intermediate Direct Energy Conversion Using a ⁹⁰Sr Beta Source

Abstract

A compact, long-lived power source is desirable in many different applications. Here a proof of concept is presented using a radioactive source, a pressure chamber, a mirror wave guide that provides such a source of power that could work for more than 30 years. 10 mCi of strontium 90 (Sr-90) was tested under a pressure range from vacuum to 2400 psig in order to determine if the energy could be converted and how long a photovoltaic could last under close proximity to such a powerful radioactive source. After more than 150 hours of exposure time the photovoltaic showed no signs of damage and current was successfully generated from the system.The overall efficiency of the system was very low, however, due to the mirror chamber being designed to protect the photovoltaic from being damaged by the beta radiation rather than optimizing for photon transport.

Radiation hardness of polycrystalline ceramic scintillators for radioisotope batteries

“…This limits the materials which can be used in direct conversion schemes. In contrast, indirect conversion schemes intrinsically are less efficient when compared to ideal direct conversion methods, but the materials used often possess greater radiation hardness and are more tolerant to radiation induced defects 5,6 .…”

High Efficiency Formamidinium‐Cesium Perovskite‐Based Radio‐Photovoltaic Cells

“…[ 13 ] Weaver and Schott studied RPV cells with excimer gases (Ar and Xe) and Si PV converters. [ 25 ] Radioactive sources such as 210 Po α‐radioisotope and 90 Sr β‐radioisotope were loaded into the gas aiming to increase the surface interaction between the radioactive source and the phosphor; thus the conversion efficiency of radiation to light could be greatly improved. Similarly, Russo integrated a 63 Ni radioactive source in a ZnS solid phosphor with chloride solution, and the PCE of the 3D configuration achieved 0.289%, which was 4.5 times higher than the traditional planar structure.…”

Enhancement of energy performance in betavoltaic cells by optimizing self-absorption of beta particles

“…Ni-63 is less harmful than other types of radioisotopes, and easy to treat and fabricate using the electroplating technique [15,16]. Ni-63 is less harmful than other types of radioisotopes, and easy to treat and fabricate using the electroplating technique [15,16].…”

“…In this study, Ni-63 has been selected as the pure beta emitting radioisotope source for a betavoltaic cell. Ni-63 is less harmful than other types of radioisotopes, and easy to treat and fabricate using the electroplating technique [15,16]. The relevant physical properties of Ni-63 are shown in Table I [16][17][18].…”