A Shape Memory-Based Isotope Battery and Electrical Equipment

By filling the coolant in the isotope battery and utilizing the shape memory effect of the shape memory component, combining thermoelectric and piezoelectric transducer components, the heat dissipation and energy efficiency of the temperature-differential thermoelectric isotope battery is solved, and efficient and safe isotope battery application is achieved.

CN116580866BActive Publication Date: 2025-08-01NEUTRON HIGH-TECH IND DEV (CHONGQING) CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202310792122.8
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2023-06-30
Publication Date
2025-08-01
Estimated Expiration
2043-06-30

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The existing temperature-difference thermoelectric isotope batteries have poor heat dissipation, resulting in low stability, short life and safety hazards, and low energy conversion efficiency, which limits their civilized applications.

Method used

Coolant is installed in the closed cavity of the isotope battery, and combined with the shape memory effect of the shape memory component, the heat dissipation of the radio source is achieved through the expansion of the shape memory component, and thermoelectric and piezoelectric transducer components are provided to realize multi-stage transduction.

Benefits of technology

It improves the heat dissipation performance and stability of isotope batteries, extends service life, enhances safety, improves energy efficiency, broadens the scope of use, and reduces production costs.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The present invention relates to an isotope battery based on shape memory and an electrical device using the same. The isotope battery includes a housing having a closed cavity, and disposed in the closed cavity are a radiation source, a thermoelectric conversion component, a heat insulation component, and a shape memory component. The thermoelectric conversion component is arranged close to the radiation source. The space between the housing and the radiation source is divided into at least two first chambers by the heat insulation component. One end of the shape memory component is connected to the radiation source, and the other end is connected to the heat insulation component. Each first chamber is filled with a coolant. While the heat generated by the radiation source is converted by the thermoelectric conversion component, the shape memory component absorbs heat and extends to move the heat insulation component, so that the coolant in the first chamber far from the radiation source flows to the first chamber close to the radiation source, realizing heat dissipation of the radiation source. The present invention also provides an electrical device including the isotope battery. The present invention solves the problem that the existing isotope battery has poor heat dissipation performance, resulting in low stability of the isotope battery.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of isotope batteries, and in particular to an isotope battery based on shape memory and an electrical device using the same. Background Art

[0002] An isotope battery, also known as a nuclear battery, is a long-term power supply device that converts the radiation energy released by radioactive isotopes into electrical energy through a precisely constructed semiconductor transducer. It utilizes the extremely long half-life (from several decades to thousands of years) of radioactive elements to efficiently and continuously provide energy without the need for charging. It is a cutting-edge technology that inherits and leads the transformative technological directions in fields such as advanced nuclear energy, wide-bandgap semiconductors, and intelligent manufacturing. The basic structure of an isotope battery includes several parts such as a radiation source, a transducer device, and electrodes. The radiation source is the source of energy for the device, the transducer device converts the decay energy into electrical energy, and the electrodes output current and voltage.

[0003] The isotope battery was first proposed by the British physicist Henry Moseley in 1913, and the research on isotope batteries has mainly focused on the past 100 years. According to the conversion efficiency and output power of the isotope battery, the conversion methods of isotope batteries are divided into four categories: ① static thermoelectric (thermoelectric difference, thermionic emission, contact potential difference, thermophotovoltaic, alkali metal thermoelectric conversion) isotope batteries; ② radiation volt effect (Schottky, PN / PIN junction) isotope batteries; ③ dynamic thermoelectric (Brayton cycle, Stirling cycle, Rankine cycle, magnetohydrodynamic power generation, jet-driven piezoelectric) isotope batteries; ④ special conversion mechanisms (direct collection, radioluminescence, external neutron source-driven, decay LC circuit coupled resonance, cosmic ray / electromagnetic wave collection, piezoelectric cantilever beam, β-particle electromagnetic radiation under magnetic confinement, magnetic separation, radiation ionization) isotope batteries.

[0004] Among them, due to the large activity and high energy of the heat source used in the thermoelectric isotope battery, an isotope battery with high power can be prepared as needed. The thermoelectric isotope battery utilizes the Seebeck principle, with the ionization heat generated by radioactive isotope-emitted particles on a medium as the heat source, and converts the thermal energy into electrical energy through a thermoelectric temperature difference device. However, the existing thermoelectric isotope batteries currently have the following problems: 1) The heat dissipation problem leads to poor stability of the thermoelectric isotope battery and certain potential safety hazards. Due to the working principle of the thermoelectric isotope battery, there is a layer of thermoelectric components between the continuously heat-releasing isotope heat source (hot end) and the heat dissipation component (cold end). The thermoelectric components are composed of thermoelectric ceramic materials and generate electrical energy using the temperature difference between the hot and cold ends. However, the thermal conductivity of the thermoelectric material is small, which is not conducive to the heat dissipation from the isotope heat source end. The heat continuously accumulates and rises at the hot end, accelerating the device failure and reducing the lifespan of the isotope battery. At the same time, the continuously accumulating heat even causes the core of the isotope battery to melt, resulting in safety accidents. 2) The energy conversion efficiency of a single thermoelectric conversion device is low. The thermoelectric isotope battery is based on the energy conversion of thermoelectric materials, and the energy conversion efficiency of the battery is relatively low. Even the enhanced multi-mission thermoelectric isotope battery recently reported by NASA has an energy conversion efficiency of less than 8%. Therefore, its application range is limited and the process of civilianization is relatively difficult. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a shape-memory-based isotope battery and an electrical device using the same, so as to solve the problems of poor heat dissipation in the existing thermoelectric isotope battery, resulting in low stability of the isotope battery, as well as affecting the lifespan and safety of the isotope battery, and also solve the problem of low energy conversion efficiency in the existing thermoelectric isotope battery.

[0006] In order to achieve the above purpose, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0007] A shape-memory-based isotope battery includes a housing with a closed cavity. A radiation source, a thermoelectric energy conversion component, a heat insulation component, and a shape memory component are arranged in the closed cavity. The thermoelectric energy conversion component is arranged close to the radiation source. The space between the housing and the radiation source is divided into at least two first chambers by the heat insulation component. One end of the shape memory component is connected to the radiation source, and the other end is connected to the heat insulation component. Each first chamber is filled with a coolant. While the radiation source generates heat and the thermoelectric energy conversion component realizes energy conversion, the shape memory component absorbs heat and expands, causing the heat insulation component to move, so that the coolant in the first chamber far from the radiation source flows to the first chamber close to the radiation source, realizing heat dissipation of the radiation source.

[0008] According to the above technical means, by filling a cooling liquid in the closed cavity of the isotope battery and combining with the shape memory effect of the shape memory component, the timely heat dissipation of the radiation source is effectively realized, the heat dissipation performance of the isotope battery is improved, thereby ensuring the stability, service life and safety performance of the isotope battery, and solving the problems of poor heat dissipation in the existing thermoelectric isotope battery, resulting in low stability of the isotope battery, as well as affecting the life and safety of the isotope battery.

[0009] Preferably, a piezoelectric transducer assembly is provided near the outer shell, and the piezoelectric transducer assembly is arranged opposite to the heat insulation component, so that while the shape memory component absorbs heat and stretches to dissipate heat, the heat insulation component can squeeze the piezoelectric transducer assembly to realize energy conversion.

[0010] By simultaneously arranging a thermoelectric transducer assembly and a piezoelectric transducer assembly, and cleverly arranging the piezoelectric transducer assembly at the outer end of the extension of the shape memory component and at a position opposite to the heat insulation component, the purpose of multi-stage energy conversion is realized while effectively dissipating heat, effectively improving the energy conversion efficiency of the isotope battery, and solving the problem of low energy conversion efficiency in the existing thermoelectric isotope battery; at the same time, since the shape memory component needs to reach a certain temperature to stretch, the automatic adjustment function is effectively realized.

[0011] Preferably, clamping grooves are formed on the thermoelectric transducer assembly and are in clamping fit with both ends of the heat insulation component, and both ends of the heat insulation component have elasticity, so that when the shape memory component is in a contracted state, both ends of the heat insulation component are clamped in the clamping grooves.

[0012] By forming clamping grooves on the thermoelectric transducer assembly, when the shape memory component is in a contracted state, both ends of the heat insulation component can be clamped in the clamping grooves, thereby completely separating the space between the outer shell and the radiation source into two first chambers in the radial direction, ensuring the smooth elongation and contraction of the shape memory component.

[0013] Preferably, the thermoelectric transducer assembly is arranged along the radial direction of the radiation source, and the space between the outer shell and the radiation source is separated into at least two second chambers by at least two thermoelectric transducer assemblies, and each second chamber is separated into at least two first chambers by the heat insulation component. One end of the thermoelectric transducer assembly is in contact with the housing of the radiation source, and the other end is in contact with the outer shell. Such a setting can maximize the energy conversion efficiency of the thermoelectric transducer assembly.

[0014] The space between the housing and the radiation source may be radially spaced apart by multiple thermoelectric transducer assemblies, such that the space between the housing and the radiation source is divided into multiple second chambers along the circumference of the radiation source by the multiple thermoelectric transducer assemblies. One end of each thermoelectric transducer assembly is connected to the radiation source housing, and the other end is fixed to the inner wall of the housing via a connector. Each second chamber may be divided into at least two first chambers along the radial direction of the radiation source by at least one thermal insulation component. When multiple thermal insulation components are provided, adjacent thermal insulation components are connected by shape memory components.

[0015] Preferably, 2 to 12 thermoelectric transducer components are evenly spaced radially around the periphery of the radiation source.

[0016] Preferably, the second chamber is divided into 2 to 4 first chambers by 1 to 3 heat insulation components to achieve the purpose of step-by-step heat exchange.

[0017] Preferably, the thermoelectric energy conversion component is fixed to the inner cavity wall of the shell through a connecting piece.

[0018] Preferably, heat dissipation components are arranged at intervals on the outer peripheral wall of the housing.

[0019] Preferably, the heat dissipation component is selected from a fin-type heat sink.

[0020] Preferably, the radiation source is arranged in a columnar shape in the closed cavity, and at least two thermoelectric transducer components are arranged radially at intervals on the periphery of the radiation source, that is, at least two thermoelectric transducer components are arranged in a radiation shape along the periphery of the radiation source.

[0021] Preferably, the material of the shape memory component is selected from shape memory alloy.

[0022] Preferably, the inner diameter of the isotope battery is R, the outer diameter of the radioactive source is r, the length of the shape memory component after thermal expansion is a, the thickness of the thermal insulation component is b, and the thickness of the piezoelectric transducer assembly is c, then a+b=(m+n·ν)×(Rrc), where 1.5≥m≥1, 2≥n≥0, and ν represents the Poisson's ratio of the shape memory alloy.

[0023] By limiting the relationship between the inner diameter of the isotope battery, the outer diameter of the radioactive source, the length of the shape memory component after thermal expansion, the thickness of the thermal insulation component, and the thickness of the piezoelectric transducer assembly, it is effectively ensured that the shape memory alloy generates the most charge on the piezoelectric assembly after thermal expansion and contraction, while at the same time ensuring that the shape memory alloy will not deform and fail due to the reaction force of the piezoelectric assembly.

[0024] Preferably, the shape memory alloy is selected from Ni-Ti alloy, copper alloy or iron-based alloy.

[0025] Preferably, the extension temperature of the shape memory component is between 500 and 600 °C.

[0026] Preferably, the heat insulation component is composed of a heat-absorbing porous material layer and a heat-reflecting material layer coated on the surface of the heat-absorbing porous material layer.

[0027] Preferably, the material of the heat-absorbing porous material layer is selected from at least one of rock wool board, perlite, lightweight corundum mullite brick, lightweight clay brick, and nano-porous silica.

[0028] Preferably, the material of the heat-reflecting material layer is selected from at least one of gold, silver, aluminum, nickel, gold alloy, silver alloy, aluminum alloy, and nickel alloy.

[0029] By coating a heat-reflecting material layer on the surface of the heat-absorbing porous material layer, the heat insulation performance of the heat insulation component is further improved, thereby increasing the expansion and contraction frequency of the shape memory alloy, and further improving the energy conversion efficiency of the piezoelectric energy conversion component.

[0030] Among them, the porosity of the heat-absorbing porous material layer is greater than 50%, and the diameter of the pores is less than 60 nm.

[0031] By controlling the porosity and pore diameter of the heat-absorbing porous material layer, both the heat insulation performance of the heat insulation component and the strength of the heat insulation component are ensured.

[0032] Preferably, the outer shell is of a cylindrical structure, and the overall thickness of the heat insulation component is 0.05 to 0.3 times the outer diameter of the outer shell.

[0033] Preferably, the thermoelectric energy conversion component includes a plurality of thermoelectric modules, each thermoelectric module is composed of a P-type thermoelectric leg and an N-type thermoelectric leg, the plurality of thermoelectric modules are composed of a plurality of P-type thermoelectric legs and a plurality of N-type thermoelectric legs, and the plurality of P-type thermoelectric legs and the plurality of N-type thermoelectric legs are alternately arranged and electrically connected in sequence.

[0034] Preferably, the thermoelectric module is made of a porous thermoelectric material, and the porous thermoelectric material is selected from at least one of bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3), bismuth selenide (Bi2Se3), iron disulfide (FeS2), perovskite oxide, and spinel oxide.

[0035] Preferably, the radiation source is selected from an α radiation source and / or a β radiation source.

[0036] Preferably, the α radiation source is selected from 210 Po, 228 Th, 228 ThO2, 235 U, 238 Pu, 241 Am, 242 Cm, containing 210Compounds of Po, containing 228 Compounds of Th, containing 228 Compounds of ThO2, containing 235 Compounds of U, containing 238 Compounds of Pu, containing 241 Compounds of Am and containing 242 at least one of the compounds of Cm.

[0037] Preferably, the β radiation source is selected from 3 H, 14 C, 35 S, 63 Ni, 90 Sr, 90 Sr / 90 Y, 106 Ru, 137 Cs, 147 Pm, 151 Sm, containing 3 compounds of H, containing 14 compounds of C, containing 35 compounds of S, containing 63 compounds of Ni, containing 90 compounds of Sr, containing 90 Sr / 90 compounds of Y, containing 106 compounds of Ru, containing 137 compounds of Cs, containing 147 compounds of Pm and containing 151 at least one of the compounds of Sm.

[0038] Preferably, the material of the piezoelectric transducer assembly is selected from piezoelectric single crystals, polycrystalline piezoelectric ceramics or polymer piezoelectric materials.

[0039] Preferably, the coolant is selected from liquid metals or water with a pressure of 0.1 - 10 MPa.

[0040] Among them, the piezoelectric transducer assembly is fixed on the inner cavity wall of the housing. The piezoelectric transducer assembly is provided with a first piezoelectric output electrode and a second piezoelectric output electrode, and the materials of the first piezoelectric output electrode and the second piezoelectric output electrode are respectively selected from at least one of Au (gold), Pd (palladium), Pt (platinum), Al (aluminum), Cu (copper), Ni (nickel) and Ti (titanium).

[0041] Preferably, the liquid metal is selected from lead, lithium, lead alloys or lithium alloys.

[0042] The present invention also provides an electrical device, including the shape memory-based isotope battery as described in the present invention.

[0043] Advantages of the present invention:

[0044] The shape memory-based isotope battery of the present invention effectively realizes timely heat dissipation of the radiation source by filling a cooling liquid into the closed cavity of the isotope battery and combining the shape memory effect of the shape memory component, improves the heat dissipation performance of the isotope battery, thereby ensuring the stability, service life and safety performance of the isotope battery, and effectively solves the problems existing in the existing thermoelectric isotope battery, such as poor heat dissipation, low stability of the isotope battery, and affecting the life and safety of the isotope battery; at the same time, since the shape memory component needs to reach a certain temperature to stretch, the automatic adjustment function is effectively realized, and it has the advantages of high safety performance, strong adaptability, wide application range, simple structure and low production cost, and has the value of popularization and application in the field of isotope battery technology. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of the present invention (the shape memory component is in a contracted state);

[0046] Figure 2 is a schematic structural diagram of the present invention (the shape memory component is in a contracted state and the cooling liquid is not filled);

[0047] Figure 3 is another schematic structural diagram of the present invention (the shape memory component is in an extended state);

[0048] Figure 4 is another schematic structural diagram of the present invention (the shape memory component is in an extended state and the cooling liquid is not filled);

[0049] Figure 5 is Figure 1 a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in

[0050] Figure 6 is a schematic structural diagram of the shape memory component in a contracted state;

[0051] Figure 7 is a schematic structural diagram of the shape memory component in an extended state;

[0052] Figure 8 is a partially enlarged view of the snap-fit cooperation between the thermoelectric conversion component and the heat insulation component;

[0053] Wherein, 1 - outer shell; 2 - radiation source; 3 - thermoelectric conversion component, the 31 - card slot; 4 - heat insulation component; 5 - shape memory component; 6 - first chamber; 7 - cooling liquid; 8 - piezoelectric conversion component; 9 - connecting member; 10 - heat dissipation component. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0054] The embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments. Those skilled in the art can easily understand the other advantages and effects of the present invention from the content disclosed in this specification. The present invention can also be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments. Various details in this specification can also be modified or changed based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the spirit of the present invention. It should be understood that the preferred embodiments are only for explaining the present invention, rather than limiting the protection scope of the present invention.

[0055] It should be noted that the diagrams provided in the following embodiments only illustrate the basic concept of the present invention in a schematic manner. Therefore, only the components related to the present invention are shown in the diagrams, rather than being drawn according to the number, shape, and size of the components in actual implementation. The type, quantity, and ratio of each component in actual implementation can be arbitrarily changed, and the component layout type may also be more complex.

[0056] In the following description, a large number of details are explored to provide a more thorough explanation of the embodiments of the present application. However, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that the embodiments of the present application can be implemented without these specific details.

[0057] Embodiment 1

[0058] As Figures 1 to 8 shown, a shape-memory-based isotope battery includes a housing 1 with a closed cavity. Inside the closed cavity, there are a radiation source 2, a thermoelectric conversion component 3, a heat insulation component 4, and a shape-memory component 5. The thermoelectric conversion component 3 is arranged close to the radiation source 2. The space between the housing 1 and the radiation source 2 is divided into at least two first chambers 6 by the heat insulation component 4. One end of the shape-memory component 5 is connected to the radiation source 2, and the other end is connected to the heat insulation component 4. Each first chamber 6 is filled with a coolant 7. While the heat generated by the radiation source 2 is converted into energy through the thermoelectric conversion component 3, the shape-memory component 5 absorbs heat and expands, causing the heat insulation component 4 to move, so that the coolant 7 in the first chamber 6 far from the radiation source 2 flows to the first chamber 6 close to the radiation source 2, realizing the heat dissipation of the radiation source 2.

[0059] By filling the coolant 7 in the closed cavity of the isotope battery and combining the shape-memory effect of the shape-memory component, the timely heat dissipation of the radiation source is effectively realized, the heat dissipation performance of the isotope battery is improved, thereby ensuring the stability, service life, and safety performance of the isotope battery; at the same time, since the shape-memory component needs to reach a certain temperature to expand, the automatic adjustment function is effectively realized. At the same time, the heat insulation component 4 can expand the relative temperature difference between the first chamber 6 far from the radiation source 2 and the first chamber 6 close to the radiation source 2. The greater the temperature difference between the two, the higher the power generation efficiency of the thermoelectric conversion component 3, thereby improving the power generation efficiency of the thermoelectric conversion component 3.

[0060] A piezoelectric transducer assembly 8 is provided near the outer shell 1. The piezoelectric transducer assembly 8 and the heat insulation component 4 are arranged oppositely, so that while the shape memory component 5 absorbs heat and expands to achieve heat dissipation, the heat insulation component 4 can squeeze the piezoelectric transducer assembly 8 to achieve energy conversion.

[0061] By simultaneously providing the piezoelectric transducer assembly and cleverly arranging the piezoelectric transducer assembly at the outer end of the extension of the shape memory component and at a position opposite to the heat insulation component, while achieving effective heat dissipation, the purpose of multi-stage energy conversion is achieved, and the energy conversion efficiency of the isotope battery is effectively improved.

[0062] To ensure the smooth elongation and contraction of the shape memory component, clamping grooves 31 are formed on the thermoelectric transducer assembly 3 to be clamped and matched with both ends of the heat insulation component 4. Both ends of the heat insulation component 4 are elastic, so that when the shape memory component 5 is in a contracted state, both ends of the heat insulation component 4 are clamped in the clamping grooves 31.

[0063] Among them, when the shape memory component 5 is in a contracted state, both ends of the heat insulation component 4 are clamped in the clamping grooves 31, so that the space between the outer shell 1 and the radiation source 2 is completely divided into two first chambers 6. The coolant 7 located between the radiation source 2 and the heat insulation component 4 has its temperature continuously rising under the action of the radiation source, and the temperature of the coolant 7 located between the heat insulation component 4 and the outer shell 1 remains unchanged. When the coolant 7 located between the radiation source 2 and the heat insulation component 4 reaches the extension temperature of the shape memory component, with the extension of the shape memory component, both ends of the heat insulation component 4 are disengaged from the clamping grooves 31 and move towards the outer shell to squeeze the piezoelectric transducer assembly 8 to achieve energy conversion. At the same time, the coolant 7 located between the heat insulation component 4 and the outer shell 1 flows towards the space between the radiation source 2 and the heat insulation component 4, realizing the mixing of coolants 7 at different temperatures, and effectively achieving the purpose of reducing the temperature of the radiation source.

[0064] To improve the energy conversion efficiency of the thermoelectric transducer assembly, the thermoelectric transducer assembly 3 is arranged along the radial direction of the radiation source 2. The space between the outer shell 1 and the radiation source 2 is divided into at least two second chambers by at least two thermoelectric transducer assemblies 3, and each second chamber is divided into at least two first chambers 6 by the heat insulation component 4.

[0065] Among them, a plurality of thermoelectric transducer assemblies 3 can be arranged at intervals along the radial direction of the space between the outer shell 1 and the radiation source 2, so that the space between the outer shell 1 and the radiation source 2 is divided into a plurality of second chambers along the circumferential direction of the radiation source 2 by a plurality of thermoelectric transducer assemblies 3. One end of the thermoelectric transducer assembly 3 is connected to the housing of the radiation source 2, and the other end is fixed on the inner cavity wall of the outer shell 1 through a connecting member 9. Each second chamber can be divided into at least two first chambers 6 by at least one heat insulation component 4 along the radial direction of the radiation source 2. When a plurality of heat insulation components 4 are provided, adjacent heat insulation components 4 are connected by a shape memory component 5.

[0066] In order to improve the heat dissipation efficiency of the coolant 7 , heat dissipation components 10 are arranged at intervals on the outer peripheral wall of the housing 1 .

[0067] The radiation source 2 is arranged in a columnar shape in a closed cavity, and at least two thermoelectric conversion components 3 are arranged in a radially radiating shape on the periphery of the radiation source 2 .

[0068] One end of the shape memory component 5 away from the heat insulation component 4 is fixed to the housing of the radiation source 2. The shape memory component 5 is made of Ni-Ti alloy, copper alloy or iron-based alloy. The expansion temperature of the shape memory component 5 is between 500 and 600°C.

[0069] To ensure that the shape memory alloy generates the maximum charge on the piezoelectric component after thermal expansion and contraction, while also preventing deformation and failure due to the reaction force of the piezoelectric component, the inner diameter R of the isotope battery is controlled to be 500±50mm (excluding the heat sink), the outer diameter r of the radiation source 2 is controlled to be 100±10mm, the length a of the shape memory component after thermal expansion is controlled to be 380±5mm, the thickness b of the thermal insulation component 4 is controlled to be 30±3mm, and the thickness c of the piezoelectric transducer component 8 is controlled to be 50±5mm.

[0070] In order to improve the thermal insulation performance of the thermal insulation component, increase the expansion and contraction frequency of the shape memory alloy, and thus improve the conversion efficiency of the piezoelectric transducer assembly, the thermal insulation component 4 is provided to be composed of a heat-absorbing porous material layer and a heat-reflecting material layer coated on the surface of the heat-absorbing porous material layer.

[0071] Wherein, the material of the heat-absorbing porous material layer is selected from at least one of rock wool board, perlite, lightweight corundum mullite brick, lightweight clay brick and nanoporous silica;

[0072] The material of the heat reflective material layer is selected from at least one of gold, silver, aluminum, nickel, gold alloy, silver alloy, aluminum alloy and nickel alloy.

[0073] The thermoelectric transducer assembly 3 includes a plurality of thermoelectric modules, each thermoelectric module is composed of a P-type thermoelectric leg and an N-type thermoelectric leg, and the plurality of thermoelectric modules are composed of a plurality of P-type thermoelectric legs and a plurality of N-type thermoelectric legs, and the plurality of P-type thermoelectric legs and the plurality of N-type thermoelectric legs are alternately arranged and electrically connected in sequence;

[0074] The thermoelectric module is made of porous thermoelectric material, and the porous thermoelectric material is selected from at least one of bismuth telluride, bismuth selenide, iron sulfide, perovskite oxide and spinel oxide.

[0075] The radiation source 2 is selected from alpha radiation sources and / or beta radiation sources.

[0076] Alpha radiation source is selected from 210 Po, 228 Th, 228 ThO2,235 U, 238 Pu, 241 Am, 242 Cm, and compounds containing 210 Po, compounds containing 228 Th, compounds containing 228 ThO2, compounds containing 235 U, compounds containing 238 Pu, compounds containing 241 Am, and compounds containing 242 Cm, and at least one of the compounds; the β radiation source is selected from 3 H, 14 C, 35 S, 63 Ni, 90 Sr, 90 Sr / 90 Y, 106 Ru, 137 Cs, 147 Pm, 151 Sm, and compounds containing 3 H, compounds containing 14 C, compounds containing 35 S, compounds containing 63 Ni, compounds containing 90 Sr, compounds containing 90 Sr / 90 Y, compounds containing 106 Ru, compounds containing 137 Cs, compounds containing 147 Pm, and compounds containing 151 Sm, and at least one of the compounds.

[0077] The piezoelectric transducer assembly 8 is fixed on the inner cavity wall of the housing 1.

[0078] The material of the piezoelectric transducer assembly 8 is selected from piezoelectric single crystals, polycrystalline piezoelectric ceramics, or polymer piezoelectric materials.

[0079] The piezoelectric transducer assembly 8 is provided with a first piezoelectric output electrode and a second piezoelectric output electrode. The materials of the first piezoelectric output electrode and the second piezoelectric output electrode are respectively selected from at least one of Au (gold), Pd (palladium), Pt (platinum), Al (aluminum), Cu (copper), Ni (nickel), and Ti (titanium).

[0080] The coolant 7 is selected from liquid metal or high-pressure water.

[0081] The liquid metal is selected from lead, lithium, lead alloys, or lithium alloys.

[0082] In this embodiment, the materials of the first piezoelectric output electrode and the second piezoelectric output electrode are selected from Cu (copper).

[0083] In this embodiment, a first thermoelectric output electrode and a second thermoelectric output electrode are provided on the thermoelectric conversion component 3.

[0084] The working principle of the shape-memory-based isotope battery in this embodiment is as follows: The heat emitted by the radiation source 2 is absorbed by the thermoelectric conversion component 3, thereby generating electric energy. At the same time, based on the shape-memory effect of the shape-memory alloy, as the radiation source 2 releases heat, the heat of the coolant 7 between the radiation source 2 and the heat insulation component 4 accumulates continuously. When the temperature rises to between 500 and 600 °C, the shape-memory component 5 gradually extends, that is, it unfolds like a spring shape. The shape-memory component 5 pushes the heat insulation component 4 to move, so that the heat insulation component 4 squeezes the piezoelectric conversion component 8 to generate electric energy. And as the shape-memory component 5 pushes the heat insulation component 4 to move, the coolant 7 at a low temperature between the housing 1 and the heat insulation component 4 will flow into the space between the heat insulation component 4 and the radiation source 2, so that the low-temperature coolant 7 and the high-temperature coolant 7 are mixed, achieving the purpose of reducing the temperature of the coolant 7 between the heat insulation component 4 and the radiation source 2, as well as the temperature of the radiation source 2. As the temperature of the coolant 7 between the heat insulation component 4 and the radiation source 2 decreases, the shape-memory component 5 gradually contracts to its initial state, that is, it contracts like a spring shape. As the shape-memory component 5 contracts, it will drive the heat insulation component 4 to move towards the direction close to the radiation source 2, and the coolant 7 located between the heat insulation component 4 and the radiation source 2 is extruded to the space between the housing 1 and the heat insulation component 4. The heat carried by the extruded coolant 7 is dissipated through the heat dissipation component 10 at the outer end of the housing 1, thus forming a cycle. Since the shape-memory component 5 needs to reach a certain temperature to extend and deform, as long as the heat accumulation of the coolant 7 between the heat insulation component 4 and the radiation source 2 does not reach a certain level, the extension and deformation of the shape-memory component 5 will not occur, truly realizing automatic regulation and achieving multi-stage power generation, improving the battery efficiency.

[0085] This embodiment also provides an electrical equipment, including the shape-memory-based isotope battery in this embodiment.

[0086] Embodiment 2

[0087] As Figures 1 to 5As shown in the figure, a shape memory-based isotope battery includes a housing 1 with a closed cavity. Inside the closed cavity, there are a radiation source 2, a thermoelectric energy conversion component 3, a heat insulation component 4, and a shape memory component 5. The thermoelectric energy conversion component 3 is arranged close to the radiation source 2. The space between the housing 1 and the radiation source 2 is divided into at least two first chambers 6 by the heat insulation component 4. One end of the shape memory component 5 is connected to the radiation source 2, and the other end is connected to the heat insulation component 4. Each first chamber 6 is filled with a coolant 7. While the heat generated by the radiation source 2 is converted into energy through the thermoelectric energy conversion component 3, the shape memory component 5 absorbs heat and expands, causing the heat insulation component 4 to move, so that the coolant 7 in the first chamber 6 farther from the radiation source 2 flows to the first chamber 6 closer to the radiation source 2, realizing the heat dissipation of the radiation source 2.

[0088] By filling the coolant 7 in the closed cavity of the isotope battery and combining with the shape memory effect of the shape memory component, the timely heat dissipation of the radiation source is effectively realized, the heat dissipation performance of the isotope battery is improved, thus ensuring the stability, service life, and safety performance of the isotope battery; at the same time, since the shape memory component needs to reach a certain temperature to expand, the automatic adjustment function is effectively realized.

[0089] A piezoelectric energy conversion component 8 is arranged at a position close to the housing 1. The piezoelectric energy conversion component 8 is arranged opposite to the heat insulation component 4, so that when the shape memory component 5 absorbs heat and expands to realize heat dissipation, the heat insulation component 4 can squeeze the piezoelectric energy conversion component 8 to realize energy conversion.

[0090] By setting the piezoelectric energy conversion component at the same time and cleverly arranging the piezoelectric energy conversion component at the outer end of the expansion of the shape memory component and at a position opposite to the heat insulation component, the purpose of multi-stage energy conversion is achieved while effectively dissipating heat, effectively improving the energy conversion efficiency of the isotope battery.

[0091] In order to ensure the smooth elongation and contraction of the shape memory component, clamping grooves 31 that are engaged with the two ends of the heat insulation component 4 are formed on the thermoelectric energy conversion component 3. The two ends of the heat insulation component 4 are elastic, so that when the shape memory component 5 is in a contracted state, the two ends of the heat insulation component 4 are clamped in the clamping grooves 31.

[0092] Among them, when the shape memory component 5 is in a contracted state, both ends of the heat insulation component 4 are clamped in the card slots 31, so that the space between the outer shell 1 and the radiation source 2 is completely divided into two first chambers 6. As a result, the coolant 7 located between the radiation source 2 and the heat insulation component 4 has its temperature continuously rising under the action of the radiation source, while the temperature of the coolant 7 located between the heat insulation component 4 and the outer shell 1 remains unchanged. When the coolant 7 located between the radiation source 2 and the heat insulation component 4 reaches the extension temperature of the shape memory component, with the extension of the shape memory component, both ends of the heat insulation component 4 are disengaged from the card slots 31 and move towards the outer shell to squeeze the piezoelectric transducer assembly 8 to achieve energy conversion. At the same time, the coolant 7 located between the heat insulation component 4 and the outer shell 1 flows towards the space between the radiation source 2 and the heat insulation component 4, realizing the mixing of coolants 7 at different temperatures, effectively achieving the purpose of reducing the temperature of the radiation source.

[0093] In order to improve the energy conversion efficiency of the thermoelectric transducer assembly, the thermoelectric transducer assembly 3 is arranged along the radial direction of the radiation source 2. In this embodiment, the space between the outer shell 1 and the radiation source 2 is divided into eight second chambers by eight thermoelectric transducer assemblies 3 along the circumferential direction of the radiation source 2, and each second chamber is divided into two first chambers 6 by a heat insulation component 4. The radiation source 2 is arranged in a columnar shape in the closed cavity. One end of the thermoelectric transducer assembly 3 is connected to the housing of the radiation source 2, and the other end is fixed on the inner cavity wall of the outer shell 1 through a connecting piece 9.

[0094] [[ID=⑥]]In order to improve the heat dissipation efficiency of the coolant 7, heat dissipation components 10 are also arranged at intervals on the outer peripheral wall of the outer shell 1.

[0095] The heat dissipation component 10 in this embodiment is a finned radiator.

[0096] Among them, the eight thermoelectric transducer assemblies 3 are arranged at intervals in a radially outward radiation pattern along the outer periphery of the radiation source 2.

[0097] One end of the shape memory component 5 far from the piezoelectric transducer assembly is fixed on the housing of the radiation source 2. The shape memory component 5 is made of Ni a Ti b V c Cu d Fe e material, where a≥4, b≥4, c≤1, d≤1, e≤2, and the extension temperature of the shape memory component 5 is between 500~600°C. Through experimental verification, the shape memory alloy can reciprocate and stretch more than 100,000 times.

[0098] To ensure that the shape memory alloy generates the maximum charge on the piezoelectric component after thermal expansion and contraction, while also preventing deformation and failure due to the reaction force of the piezoelectric component, the inner diameter R of the isotope battery is controlled to be 100±10mm (excluding the heat sink), the outer diameter r of the radiation source 2 is controlled to be 20±2mm, the length a of the shape memory component after thermal expansion is controlled to be 70±3mm, the thickness b of the thermal insulation component 4 is controlled to be 10±1mm, and the thickness c of the piezoelectric transducer component 8 is controlled to be 10±1mm.

[0099] In order to improve the thermal insulation performance of the thermal insulation component, increase the expansion and contraction frequency of the shape memory alloy, and thus improve the conversion efficiency of the piezoelectric transducer assembly, the thermal insulation component 4 is provided to be composed of a heat-absorbing porous material layer and a heat-reflecting material layer coated on the surface of the heat-absorbing porous material layer.

[0100] In this embodiment, the heat-absorbing porous material layer is made of nanoporous silica material, the voids in the heat-absorbing porous material layer are 60 nm, and the porosity is greater than 75%; the heat-reflecting material layer is made of nickel.

[0101] The thermoelectric transducer assembly 3 includes a plurality of thermoelectric modules, each thermoelectric module is composed of a P-type thermoelectric leg and an N-type thermoelectric leg, and the plurality of thermoelectric modules are composed of a plurality of P-type thermoelectric legs and a plurality of N-type thermoelectric legs, and the plurality of P-type thermoelectric legs and the plurality of N-type thermoelectric legs are alternately arranged and electrically connected in sequence;

[0102] The thermoelectric module is made of porous thermoelectric materials.

[0103] In this embodiment, the porous thermoelectric material is bismuth telluride.

[0104] Radioactive source 2 is 210 Po.

[0105] The piezoelectric transducer assembly 8 is fixed on the inner wall of the housing 1 .

[0106] The material of the piezoelectric transducer component 8 is selected from lead zirconate titanate piezoelectric ceramics.

[0107] The piezoelectric transducer assembly 8 is provided with a first piezoelectric output electrode and a second piezoelectric output electrode, and the materials of the first piezoelectric output electrode and the second piezoelectric output electrode are both selected from Cu (copper).

[0108] The cooling liquid 7 is selected from liquid metal lead-bismuth alloy.

[0109] In this embodiment, the thermoelectric conversion component 3 is provided with a first thermoelectric output electrode and a second thermoelectric output electrode.

[0110] This embodiment also provides an electrical device, including the shape memory-based isotope battery in this embodiment.

[0111] In summary, for the shape memory-based isotope battery and the electrical equipment thereof according to the present invention, by filling a cooling liquid into the closed cavity of the isotope battery and combining with the shape memory effect of the shape memory component, the timely heat dissipation of the radiation source is effectively achieved, the heat dissipation performance of the isotope battery is improved, thereby ensuring the stability, service life and safety performance of the isotope battery, and effectively solving the problems of poor heat dissipation in the existing thermoelectric isotope battery, resulting in low stability of the isotope battery, as well as affecting the life and safety of the isotope battery; by simultaneously arranging a thermoelectric conversion component and a piezoelectric conversion component, and ingeniously arranging a heat insulation component and arranging the piezoelectric conversion component at the outer end where the shape memory component extends, while achieving effective heat dissipation, the coupling of the shape memory alloy and the piezoelectric material is realized, the purpose of multi-stage energy conversion is achieved, the energy conversion efficiency of the isotope battery is improved, the adaptability of the isotope battery is increased, the application range of the isotope battery is broadened, and the problem of low energy conversion efficiency in the existing thermoelectric isotope battery is effectively solved; at the same time, since the shape memory component needs to reach a certain temperature to extend, the automatic adjustment function is effectively realized, and it has the advantages of excellent energy conversion efficiency, simple structure and low production cost, and has the value of popularization and application in the technical field of isotope batteries.

[0112] The above embodiments are only illustrative of the principles and effects of the present invention and are not intended to limit this application. Any person familiar with this technology can modify or change the above embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Therefore, all equivalent modifications or changes completed by those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field without departing from the spirit and technical idea disclosed in this application should still be covered by the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A shape memory-based isotopic battery, characterized in that It includes a housing (1) with a closed cavity, in which a radiation source (2), a thermoelectric energy conversion component (3), a heat insulation component (4) and a shape memory component (5) are provided. The thermoelectric energy conversion component (3) is arranged close to the radiation source (2). The space between the housing (1) and the radiation source (2) is divided into at least two first chambers (6) by the heat insulation component (4). One end of the shape memory component (5) is connected to the radiation source (2), and the other end is connected to the heat insulation component (4). Each first chamber (6) is filled with a coolant (7). While the heat generated by the radiation source (2) is converted into energy through the thermoelectric energy conversion component (3), the shape memory component (5) absorbs heat and expands to move the heat insulation component (4), so that the coolant (7) in the first chamber (6) far from the radiation source (2) flows to the first chamber (6) close to the radiation source (2), realizing heat dissipation of the radiation source (2).

2. The shape memory-based isotope battery according to claim 1, wherein, A piezoelectric energy conversion component (8) is provided near the housing (1). The piezoelectric energy conversion component (8) is arranged opposite to the heat insulation component (4), so that while the shape memory component (5) absorbs heat and expands to realize heat dissipation, the heat insulation component (4) can squeeze the piezoelectric energy conversion component (8) to realize energy conversion.

3. The shape memory-based isotope battery according to claim 1, wherein, Clamping grooves (31) engaged with both ends of the heat insulation component (4) are formed on the thermoelectric energy conversion component (3). Both ends of the heat insulation component (4) are elastic, so that when the shape memory component (5) is in a contracted state, both ends of the heat insulation component (4) are clamped in the clamping grooves (31).

4. The shape memory-based isotope battery according to claim 2, wherein, The thermoelectric energy conversion component (3) is arranged along the radial direction of the radiation source (2). The space between the housing (1) and the radiation source (2) is divided into at least two second chambers along the circumferential direction of the radiation source (2) by at least two thermoelectric energy conversion components (3). Each second chamber is divided into at least two first chambers (6) by the heat insulation component (4).

5. The shape-memory-based isotope battery according to claim 1, wherein, The thermoelectric energy conversion component (3) is fixed on the inner cavity wall of the housing (1) through a connecting piece (9); and / or heat dissipation components (10) are arranged at intervals on the outer peripheral wall of the housing (1).

6. The shape-memory-based isotope battery according to claim 2 or 4, wherein The material of the shape memory component (5) is selected from shape memory alloys; and / or the inner diameter of the isotope battery is R, the outer diameter of the radiation source (2) is r, the length of the shape memory component (5) after being heated and expanded is a, the thickness of the heat insulation component (4) is b, and the thickness of the piezoelectric energy conversion component (8) is c. Then a + b = (m + n·ν)×(R - r - c), where 1.5 ≥ m ≥ 1, 2 ≥ n ≥ 0, and ν represents the Poisson's ratio of the shape memory alloy.

7. The shape-memory-based isotope battery according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The material of the shape memory component (5) is selected from Ni-Ti alloys, copper alloys or iron-based alloys; and / or the heat insulation component (4) is composed of a heat-absorbing porous material layer and a heat-reflecting material layer coated on the surface of the heat-absorbing porous material layer; The material of the endothermic porous material layer is selected from at least one of rock wool board, perlite, lightweight corundum-mullite brick, lightweight clay brick and nano-porous silica; The material of the heat-reflective material layer is selected from at least one of gold, silver, aluminum, nickel, gold alloy, silver alloy, aluminum alloy and nickel alloy.

8. The shape memory-based isotope battery according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The thermoelectric conversion component (3) includes a plurality of thermoelectric modules, each thermoelectric module is composed of a P-type thermoelectric leg and an N-type thermoelectric leg, the plurality of thermoelectric modules are composed of a plurality of P-type thermoelectric legs and a plurality of N-type thermoelectric legs, and the plurality of P-type thermoelectric legs and the plurality of N-type thermoelectric legs are alternately arranged and electrically connected in sequence; The thermoelectric module is made of a thermoelectric material, and the thermoelectric material is selected from at least one of bismuth telluride, bismuth selenide, iron sulfide, perovskite oxide and spinel oxide.

9. The shape memory-based isotope battery according to claim 2 or 4, characterized in that, The radiation source (2) is selected from an α radiation source and / or a β radiation source; The α radiation source is selected from 210 Po, 228 Th, 228 ThO2, 235 U, 238 Pu, 241 Am, 242 Cm, including 210 compounds containing Po, 228 compounds containing Th, 228 compounds containing ThO2, 235 compounds containing U, 238 compounds containing Pu, 241 compounds containing Am, and 242 compounds containing Cm, at least one of which; and / or the β radiation source is selected from 3 H, 14 C, 35 S, 63 Ni, 90 Sr, 90 Sr / 90 Y, 106 Ru, 137 Cs, 147 Pm, 151 Sm, compounds containing 3 H, compounds containing 14 C, compounds containing 35 S, compounds containing 63 Ni, compounds containing 90 Sr, compounds containing 90 Sr / 90 Y, compounds containing 106 Ru, compounds containing 137 Cs, compounds containing 147 Pm, and compounds containing 151 Sm, at least one of which; and / or the material of the piezoelectric conversion component (8) is selected from piezoelectric single crystals, polycrystalline piezoelectric ceramics or polymer piezoelectric materials; and / or the coolant (7) is selected from liquid metal or water with a pressure of 0.1 to 10 MPa.

10. An electrical device, characterized in that, Comprising the shape memory-based isotope battery according to any one of claims 1-5.

Citation Information

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