A high-performance Sr-90 isotope thermoelectric battery for deep-sea environments and its preparation method

Abstract

This invention discloses a high-performance Sr-90 isotope thermoelectric battery and its preparation method for deep-sea environments, belonging to the field of isotope batteries and solving the problem that existing isotope batteries cannot be used in deep-sea environments. The invention includes an interconnected pressure-resistant chamber and a pressure-resistant chamber cover. The pressure-resistant chamber has a chamber insulation layer, within which are an isotope heat source component and a thermoelectric conversion component. The pressure-resistant chamber cover has an insulation layer cover that is fastened to the chamber insulation layer, and a power interface is provided on the pressure-resistant chamber cover. This invention is designed for deep-sea environments, enabling the battery to operate in such conditions. The pressure-resistant chamber structure is suitable for the high-pressure environment of the deep sea. A special heat source structure design reduces the insulation layer area, resulting in a smaller heat leakage area, reducing battery heat dissipation loss, achieving better insulation, reaching higher heat source temperatures, and improving heat source utilization, thereby improving the energy conversion efficiency of the thermoelectric conversion component in marine environments.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of isotope batteries, specifically relating to a high-performance Sr-90 isotope thermoelectric battery and its preparation method in a deep-sea environment. Background Technology

[0002] Isotopes whose atomic nuclei spontaneously change composition (or energy state) and emit radiation are called radioactive isotopes. Radioactive isotope batteries, or simply isotope batteries, are widely used in important fields such as military defense, aerospace, polar exploration, biomedicine, and electronics due to their advantages such as long service life, strong environmental adaptability, good operational stability, maintenance-free operation, and miniaturization. Since the British physicist Henry Mosley proposed the isotope battery in 1913, extensive research has been conducted on isotope batteries with static transduction mechanisms. Currently, various static transduction mechanism isotope batteries exist, including direct collection, thermoelectric / thermoelectric, thermionic emission, thermophotovoltaics, alkali metal thermoelectric conversion, and magnetohydrodynamic power generation. Among these, the isotope thermoelectric battery, which converts the thermal energy of an isotope into electrical energy using the thermoelectric effect of a transduction device, is currently the most widely used static isotope battery in engineering applications.

[0003] Sr-90 isotopes possess high power density, allowing for high heat source surface temperatures, and can be extracted in large quantities from high-level radioactive waste from reactors, making them economically viable. However, due to traditional heat source design, Sr-90 isotope heat sources experience increased heat leakage losses in seawater, an environment with excellent heat exchange, leading to reduced system efficiency. Furthermore, the extreme water pressure in the deep sea necessitates the protection of the battery within a pressure chamber. These characteristics mean that existing isotope battery design concepts are not entirely suitable for deep-sea environments. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a high-performance Sr-90 isotope thermoelectric battery for deep-sea environments, in order to solve the problem that existing isotope batteries are not suitable for deep-sea environments.

[0005] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for preparing a high-performance Sr-90 isotope thermoelectric battery in a deep-sea environment.

[0006] The technical solution of the present invention is: a high-performance Sr-90 isotope thermoelectric battery for deep-sea environments, comprising a pressure-resistant chamber and a pressure-resistant chamber cover connected to each other. The pressure-resistant chamber is provided with a chamber insulation layer, and the chamber insulation layer is provided with an isotope heat source component and a thermoelectric conversion component. The pressure-resistant chamber cover is provided with an insulation layer cover, which is fastened to the chamber insulation layer. The pressure-resistant chamber cover is provided with a power interface.

[0007] As a further improvement of the present invention, the isotope heat source assembly includes a radiation source, a photon shielding layer and an absorption layer. The absorption layer has a hollow structure, and the radiation source is wrapped inside the absorption layer. The photon shielding layer is connected to the top of the absorption layer. The thermoelectric conversion assembly is located on top of the photon shielding layer.

[0008] As a further improvement of the present invention, it also includes a heat dissipation component, which includes a heat-conducting wall and a heat-conducting block. The heat-conducting wall is disposed in close contact with the inner wall of the pressure-resistant chamber cover. The upper end of the heat-conducting block is connected to the heat-conducting wall, and the lower end of the heat-conducting block is connected to the thermoelectric conversion component. An installation groove is provided on the insulation layer cover, and the heat-conducting block is located in the installation groove. A wire hole is provided on the heat-conducting wall.

[0009] As a further improvement of the present invention, the heat-conducting block is provided with wire grooves.

[0010] As a further improvement of the present invention, the pressure chamber and the pressure chamber cover are connected by bolts.

[0011] As a further improvement of the present invention, a sealing ring is provided at the connection between the pressure chamber and the pressure chamber cover.

[0012] As a further improvement of the present invention, the bottom of the pressure chamber is provided with an anchor cable fixing end.

[0013] A method for preparing a high-performance Sr-90 isotope thermoelectric battery in a deep-sea environment includes the following steps:

[0014] A. Preparation and installation of heat dissipation components: Press copper plates into arc-shaped heat-conducting walls that fit the inner wall of the pressure-resistant chamber cover. Make wire holes in the heat-conducting walls, weld heat-conducting blocks on the heat-conducting walls, and reserve wire grooves on the side of the heat-conducting blocks to complete the preparation of the heat dissipation components. Then install the heat dissipation components inside the pressure-resistant chamber cover.

[0015] B. Fabrication of the pressure chamber components: The pressure chamber and pressure chamber cover are cast into shape, and holes are drilled in the pressure chamber cover to install the power interface;

[0016] C. Preparation and installation of insulation layer components: Cut the insulation material into shape to form the cabin insulation layer and insulation layer cover. The insulation layer cover is opened with an installation groove for accommodating the heat-conducting block. The cabin insulation layer is reserved for the isotope heat source components. The cabin insulation layer is installed in the pressure chamber.

[0017] D. Preparation and installation of isotope heat source assembly: The radioactive source is inserted into the absorption layer and sealed. The photon shielding layer is installed on the absorption layer to complete the preparation of the isotope heat source assembly. The isotope heat source assembly is installed into the reserved space of the cabin insulation layer. The insulation layer cover is fastened and installed on the top of the cabin insulation layer.

[0018] E. Encapsulation of the pressure-resistant chamber: The cold end of the thermoelectric conversion component is placed at the lower end of the heat-conducting block. The wires are led out along the wire groove and then passed through the wire hole to connect to the inside of the power interface. The pressure-resistant chamber cover is installed on the pressure-resistant chamber so that the hot end of the thermoelectric conversion component is in contact with the top of the photon shielding layer. Then, the pressure-resistant chamber cover and the pressure-resistant chamber are tightly connected by bolts.

[0019] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: This invention is specially designed for deep-sea environments, enabling the battery to operate in such environments. The pressure-resistant chamber structure is suitable for the high-pressure environment of the deep sea. A special heat source structure design reduces the area of ​​the insulation layer, resulting in a smaller heat leakage area and reduced heat dissipation loss from the battery. This leads to better insulation and a higher heat source temperature, improving the heat source utilization rate and thus enhancing the energy conversion efficiency of the thermoelectric conversion component in marine environments.

[0020] Compared to traditional beta decay isotope thermoelectric cells, which incorporate a thick shielding layer between the heat source's absorption and insulation layers, this invention's isotope cell only has a photon shielding layer on top of the radiation source. The sides and bottom of the radiation source are not shielded; instead, the pressure chamber provides radiation protection. This design achieves the same radiation protection while reducing the insulation area, increasing the heat source temperature, and resulting in higher thermoelectric conversion efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is an external view of a high-performance Sr-90 isotope thermoelectric battery for deep-sea environments according to the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of a high-performance Sr-90 isotope thermoelectric battery for deep-sea environments according to the present invention.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the heat dissipation component in this invention;

[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the pressure-resistant hatch structure in this invention;

[0025] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the thermoelectric conversion component in this invention.

[0026] In the diagram: 1-Pressure chamber cover; 2-Pressure chamber; 3-Power interface; 4-Body insulation layer; 5-Radiation source; 6-Absorption layer; 7-Photon shielding layer; 8-Thermoelectric conversion component; 9-Insulation layer cover; 10-Heat-conducting block; 11-Heat-conducting wall; 12-Wire groove; 13-Wire hole; 14-Bolt; 15-Anchor cable fixing end; 16-Sealing ring; 18-Hot end; 19-Cold end; 20-Screw; 21-Mounting groove. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0028] Example 1

[0029] like Figure 1-5 As shown, a high-performance Sr-90 isotope thermoelectric battery for deep-sea environments includes a pressure-resistant chamber 2 and a pressure-resistant chamber cover 1 connected to each other. The pressure-resistant chamber 2 is provided with a chamber insulation layer 4, and the chamber insulation layer 4 is provided with an isotope heat source component and a thermoelectric conversion component 8. The pressure-resistant chamber cover 1 is provided with an insulation layer cover 9, which is fastened to the chamber insulation layer 4. The pressure-resistant chamber cover 1 is provided with a watertight penetration power interface 3.

[0030] The isotope heat source assembly includes a radioactive source 5, a photon shielding layer 7, and an absorption layer 6. The absorption layer 6 has a hollow structure, and the radioactive source 5 is enclosed inside the absorption layer 6. The photon shielding layer 7 is connected to the top of the absorption layer 6. The thermoelectric conversion assembly 8 is located on top of the photon shielding layer 7.

[0031] It also includes a heat dissipation assembly, which includes a heat-conducting wall 11 and a heat-conducting block 10. The heat-conducting wall 11 is fitted to the inner wall of the pressure-resistant cover 1. A heat-conducting medium is coated in the gap between the heat-conducting wall 11 and the inner wall of the pressure-resistant cover 1. The upper end of the heat-conducting block 10 is connected to the heat-conducting wall 11, and the lower end of the heat-conducting block 10 is connected to the thermoelectric conversion assembly 8. An installation groove 21 is provided on the insulation layer cover 9, and the heat-conducting block 10 is located in the installation groove 21. A wire hole 13 is provided on the heat-conducting wall 11.

[0032] The heat-conducting block 10 is provided with a wire groove 12. The wires of the thermoelectric conversion assembly 8 are arranged in the wire groove 12 and pass through the wire hole 13 to connect to the power interface 3.

[0033] The pressure chamber 2 and the pressure chamber cover 1 are connected by bolts 14.

[0034] A sealing ring 16 is provided at the connection between the pressure chamber 2 and the pressure chamber cover 1.

[0035] The bottom of the pressure chamber 2 is equipped with an anchor cable fixing end 15.

[0036] The present invention discloses a high-performance Sr-90 isotope thermoelectric battery for deep-sea environments, which has a capsule-shaped design and stronger resistance to water pressure.

[0037] Absorption layer 6 is a β-ray absorption layer and is cylindrical.

[0038] The photonic shielding layer 7 is also cylindrical, with a radius larger than that of the absorption layer 6. The top surface of the photonic shielding layer 7 has a groove suitable for the size of the thermoelectric conversion component 8, and the bottom surface of the photonic shielding layer 7 has a groove suitable for the size of the absorption layer 6.

[0039] The thermoelectric semiconductor and electrodes of the thermoelectric conversion component 8 are sandwiched between the cold end 19 and the hot end 18. The hot end 18 is disposed in the groove of the photonic shielding layer 7, and the gap is filled with a thermally conductive medium. The dimensions of the thermoelectric conversion component 8, the number of PN legs of the thermoelectric semiconductor, and the leg length are designed according to the actual heat source temperature. The cold end 19 is in contact with the heat-conducting block 10, and the connection surface is coated with a thermally conductive medium.

[0040] Radioactive source 5 is a beta radioactive source: 90 Sr、 90 SrO, 90 SrF2, 90 SrTiO3.

[0041] The material of the photon shielding layer 7 can be depleted uranium, lead, tungsten, stainless steel, nano-lead composite materials, etc.

[0042] The cabin insulation layer 4 and insulation layer cover 9 can be perlite, glass wool, fumed silica, rigid insulation material or vacuum insulation board, etc.

[0043] The absorber layer 6 can be made of aluminum, graphite, etc.

[0044] The material of thermoelectric conversion component 8 can be Bi2Te3, Sb2Te3, PbTe, etc.

[0045] The pressure chamber 2 and the pressure chamber cover 1 can be made of TC4 titanium alloy, stainless steel, etc.

[0046] Heat dissipation components can be made of copper, heat pipes, etc.

[0047] The preparation method is as follows:

[0048] A. Preparation and installation of heat dissipation components: Press copper plates into arc-shaped heat-conducting walls 11 that fit the inner wall of the pressure-resistant chamber cover 1. Make wire holes 13 on the heat-conducting walls 11. Weld heat-conducting blocks 10 at the top of the arc of the heat-conducting walls 11. Reserve wire grooves 12 on the side of the heat-conducting blocks 10 to complete the preparation of the heat dissipation components. Then install the heat dissipation components inside the pressure-resistant chamber cover 1.

[0049] B. Fabrication of the pressure chamber components: The pressure chamber 2 and the pressure chamber cover 1 are cast in one piece using the melting casting method, and there are no welded connections on the main pressure-bearing structure; the anchor cable fixing end 15 is welded to the bottom of the pressure chamber 2; holes are drilled in the pressure chamber cover 1 and a power interface 3 is installed; a circular groove is cut at the opening end of the pressure chamber cover 1 and a sealing ring 16 is installed.

[0050] The power interface 3 is machined into a hollow column shape by a machine tool. The hollow column has axial grooves to increase pressure resistance. After connecting a thin copper rod, epoxy resin is poured into the hollow cavity to fill it. A sealing ring is set at the connection between the power interface 3 and the pressure chamber cover 1 to ensure water tightness. The power interface 3 is fixed to the pressure chamber cover 1 by screws 20.

[0051] C. Preparation and installation of insulation layer components: The insulation material is cut and shaped to form the cabin insulation layer 4 and the insulation layer cover 9. The connection between the cabin insulation layer 4 and the insulation layer cover 9 is a toothed staggered connection. An installation groove 21 for accommodating the heat-conducting block 10 is opened in the insulation layer cover 9. The cabin insulation layer 4 has reserved space for the isotope heat source component. The cabin insulation layer 4 is installed in the pressure chamber 2.

[0052] D. Preparation and installation of the isotope heat source assembly: The SrCO3-TO3 solution containing Sr-90 isotope is concentrated, impurities are removed, and it is calcined at high temperature to obtain high-purity granular SrTiO3, which serves as the Sr-90 radioactive source 5; the radioactive source 5 is installed into the absorption layer 6 and sealed; a groove suitable for the size of the thermoelectric conversion assembly 8 is cut on the top surface of the photon shielding layer 7; a groove suitable for the size of the absorption layer 6 is cut on the bottom surface of the photon shielding layer 7, and the photon shielding layer 7 is installed on the absorption layer 6 to complete the preparation of the isotope heat source assembly; the isotope heat source assembly is installed into the reserved space of the cabin insulation layer 4; the insulation layer cover 9 is fastened and installed on top of the cabin insulation layer 4;

[0053] E. Preparation and installation of thermoelectric conversion components: Copper sheets are plated on a ceramic substrate, and p- and n-type thermoelectric semiconductor materials are soldered on the copper sheets at intervals. The copper sheets are connected and another ceramic substrate is installed on the copper sheets. Electrodes are led out from the copper sheets. The upper ceramic substrate corresponds to the cold end 19 of the thermoelectric conversion component 8, and the lower ceramic substrate corresponds to the hot end 18 of the thermoelectric conversion component 8, thus obtaining the thermoelectric conversion component 8.

[0054] F. Encapsulation of the pressure chamber: The cold end 19 of the thermoelectric conversion component 8 is placed at the lower end of the heat-conducting block 10. The wires are led out along the wire groove 12 and then pass through the wire hole 13 to connect to the inside of the power interface 3. The pressure chamber cover 1 is installed on the pressure chamber 2, so that the hot end 18 of the thermoelectric conversion component 8 is embedded in the reserved groove on the top of the photon shielding layer 7. Then, the pressure chamber cover 1 and the pressure chamber 2 are tightly connected by bolts 14.

[0055] This isotope thermoelectric battery can be used in deep-sea environments and effectively improves the energy conversion efficiency of the battery.

[0056] The β decay energy of the isotope is deposited as thermal energy in the isotope heat source assembly. The thermoelectric conversion assembly 8 converts this thermal energy into electrical energy output when there is a temperature difference between the hot end 18 and the cold end 19. The greater the temperature difference, the higher the efficiency of the thermoelectric conversion assembly 8. The smaller the contact area between the cabin insulation layer 4 and the insulation cover 9 and the high-temperature surface of the inner heat source, the less heat is lost due to leakage, and the higher the temperature of the isotope heat source, resulting in higher thermoelectric conversion efficiency.

[0057] The β-ray energy released during the decay of the Sr-90 isotope is mainly deposited as thermal energy in the isotope heat source assembly. The hull insulation layer 4 and insulation cover 9 reduce heat conduction in other directions, causing heat to accumulate at the hot end 18 of the thermoelectric conversion assembly 8. Based on the thermoelectric effect, the thermoelectric conversion assembly 8 converts thermal energy into electrical energy when a temperature difference exists between the hot end 18 and the cold end 19. The residual heat at the cold end 19 of the thermoelectric conversion assembly 8 is carried away by the heat dissipation assembly and transferred to the external seawater environment through the pressure tank cover 1. The pressure tank 2 and pressure tank cover 1 serve to withstand deep-sea pressure, shield internal radiation, and dissipate heat.

Claims

1. A high-performance Sr-90 isotope thermoelectric battery for deep-sea environments, characterized in that: It includes a pressure-resistant chamber (2) and a pressure-resistant chamber cover (1) connected to each other. The pressure-resistant chamber (2) is provided with a chamber insulation layer (4). The chamber insulation layer (4) is provided with an isotope heat source assembly and a thermoelectric conversion assembly (8). The pressure-resistant chamber cover (1) is provided with an insulation layer cover (9). The insulation layer cover (9) is fastened to the chamber insulation layer (4). The pressure-resistant chamber cover (1) is provided with a power interface (3). The isotope heat source assembly includes a radioactive source (5), a photon shielding layer (7), and an absorption layer (6). The absorption layer (6) has a hollow structure, and the radioactive source (5) is wrapped inside the absorption layer (6). The photon shielding layer (7) is connected to the top of the absorption layer (6). The thermoelectric conversion assembly (8) is located on top of the photon shielding layer (7). The photon shielding layer (7) is no longer set on the side and bottom of the radiation source (5), and the pressure chamber (2) plays the role of radiation protection.

2. The high-performance Sr-90 isotope thermoelectric battery for deep-sea environments according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a heat dissipation component, which includes a heat-conducting wall (11) and a heat-conducting block (10). The heat-conducting wall (11) is fitted to the inner wall of the pressure-resistant cover (1). The upper end of the heat-conducting block (10) is connected to the heat-conducting wall (11), and the lower end of the heat-conducting block (10) is connected to the thermoelectric conversion component (8). The insulation layer cover (9) is provided with an installation groove (21), and the heat-conducting block (10) is located in the installation groove (21). The heat-conducting wall (11) is provided with a wire hole (13).

3. The high-performance Sr-90 isotope thermoelectric battery for deep-sea environments according to claim 2, characterized in that: The heat-conducting block (10) is provided with a wire groove (12).

4. A high-performance Sr-90 isotope thermoelectric battery for deep-sea environments according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that: The pressure chamber (2) and the pressure chamber cover (1) are connected by bolts (14).

5. A high-performance Sr-90 isotope thermoelectric battery for deep-sea environments according to claim 4, characterized in that: A sealing ring (16) is provided at the connection between the pressure chamber (2) and the pressure chamber cover (1).

6. The high-performance Sr-90 isotope thermoelectric battery for deep-sea environments according to claim 5, characterized in that: The bottom of the pressure chamber (2) is provided with an anchor cable fixing end (15).

7. A method for preparing a high-performance Sr-90 isotope thermoelectric battery in a deep-sea environment, characterized in that... Includes the following steps: A. Preparation and installation of heat dissipation components: Press copper plates into arc-shaped heat-conducting walls (11) that fit the inner wall of the pressure-resistant chamber cover (1), open wire holes (13) on the heat-conducting walls (11), weld heat-conducting blocks (10) on the heat-conducting walls (11), and reserve wire grooves (12) on the side of the heat-conducting blocks (10) to complete the preparation of heat dissipation components. Then install the heat dissipation components inside the pressure-resistant chamber cover (1). B. Fabrication of pressure chamber components: The pressure chamber (2) and the pressure chamber cover (1) are cast and molded. Holes are drilled on the pressure chamber cover (1) and a power interface (3) is installed. C. Preparation and installation of insulation layer components: Cut the insulation material into shape to form the cabin insulation layer (4) and insulation layer cover (9). An installation groove (21) for accommodating the heat-conducting block (10) is opened in the insulation layer cover (9). Space is reserved in the cabin insulation layer (4) for the isotope heat source components. The cabin insulation layer (4) is installed in the pressure chamber (2). D. Preparation and installation of isotope heat source assembly: The radioactive source (5) is inserted into the absorption layer (6) and sealed. The photon shielding layer (7) is installed on the absorption layer (6) to complete the preparation of the isotope heat source assembly. The photon shielding layer (7) is no longer set on the side and bottom of the radioactive source (5), and the pressure chamber (2) plays the role of radiation protection. The isotope heat source assembly is installed into the reserved space of the heat insulation layer (4) of the chamber. The heat insulation layer cover (9) is fastened and installed on the top of the heat insulation layer (4). E. Packaging of the pressure chamber: The cold end (19) of the thermoelectric conversion component (8) is placed at the lower end of the heat-conducting block (10). The wire is led out along the wire groove (12) and then passed through the wire hole (13) to connect with the inside of the power interface (3). The pressure chamber cover (1) is installed on the pressure chamber (2) so that the hot end (18) of the thermoelectric conversion component (8) is in contact with the top of the photon shielding layer (7). Then the pressure chamber cover (1) and the pressure chamber (2) are tightly connected by bolts (14).

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