adminNUCLEAR BATTERY
A nuclear battery converts the energy released from the decay of radioactive isotopes into electric energy. Nuclear battery use the heat generated during radioactive decay to produce electricity.
There are several types of nuclear battery and they are; radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs), radioisotope thermophotonic converters (RTCs), nuclear electrochemical battery, betavoltaic cell and alphavoltaic cell.
Radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG) converts the heat generated by radioactive decay into electricity using a thermoelectric converter. Radioisotope thermo electric generators use a radioactive isotope such as plutonium 238 (PU-238), as the heat source. The thermoelectric converter is made up of thermocouples which are pairs of dissimilar metals joined together at one end. When there is a temperature difference between the hot and cold junctions an electric current is generated. The heat exchanger is used to transfer heat from the radioisotope to the thermoelectric converter.
Radioisotope thermophotonic converter (RTC) converts the heat generated by radioactive decay into electricity using a thermophotonic converter. Radioisotope thermophotonic converters use a radioisotope such as PU-238 as the heat source. The thermophotonic converter uses a photonic material to convert the heat energy into electricity.
Nuclear electrochemical battery uses a nuclear reactor to generate electricity through electrochemical reactions. The nuclear reactor is used to generate heat energy while the electrochemical cell is used to convert the heat energy into electricity.
Betavoltaic cell is a type of nuclear battery that converts the energy released from beta decay into electricity. Betavoltaic cells use a radioactive isotope such as strontium-90 (Sr-90) as the energy source thereafter a semiconductor material is used to convert the beta particles into electricity.
Alphavoltaic cell is a type of nuclear battery that converts the energy released from alpha decay into electricity. Alphavoltaic cells use a radioactive isotope such as americium-242 (Am-241) as energy source. Thereafter a semiconductor material is used to convert the alpha particles into electricity.
The advantages of nuclear battery are; nuclear batteries can operate for decades making them ideal for applications where maintenance or replacement is not feasible. Nuclear batteries have a high energy density allowing them to store a large amount of energy in a small amount of material. Nuclear batteries are highly reliable and can operate in extreme environments. Nuclear batteries require minimal maintenance as they have no moving parts and do not require refueling.
The disadvantages of nuclear battery are; nuclear batteries contain radioactive materials which can pose radiation safety concerns. Nuclear batteries typically have a limited power output making them unsuitable for high power applications. Nuclear batteries generate nuclear waste which must be disposed properly. Nuclear batteries are expensive to develop and manufacture.
Nuclear batteries find application in the following; nuclear batteries are used to power spacecraft, satellites and other space based applications. Nuclear batteries are used to power remote sensing equipment such as weather stations and seimic monitoring equipment. Nuclear batteries have been used to power medical implants such as pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators. Nuclear batteries are used to power military equipment such as communication devices and navigation systems.
The future of nuclear battery is based on the advances and development of the following technologies; development of small modular reactors promises a great future for nuclear reactors that can be used to power nuclear batteries. Radioisotope fuel cell a new type of nuclear battery that uses a fuel cell design to convert the energy released from radioactive decay into electricity are in the works. Also researchers are developing advanced thermoelectric materials that can improve efficiency of nuclear batteries.
SOURCES:
- Nuclear batteries by George H. Miley.
- Radioisotopes batteries by Paul J. Benham.
- Nuclear electric power by Leonard S. Sterlin.
- Radioisotope thermoelectric generators by Robert D. Eagleton.
- Nuclear batteries in spacecraft: Fundamentals and case study by Dr Ugur Guven.
