Piezoelectric thermoelectric integrated isotope battery

Abstract

The present application relates to a piezoelectric thermoelectric integrated isotope battery. The piezoelectric thermoelectric integrated isotope battery comprises a shell with a closed cavity, a radioactive source, a thermoelectric transducer assembly and a piezoelectric transducer assembly are arranged in the closed cavity, and the closed cavity is filled with inert gas, so that the heat generated by the radioactive source is transduced by the thermoelectric transducer assembly, and at the same time, the inert gas absorbs heat to expand in volume to press the piezoelectric transducer assembly to realize transduction. The present application solves the problems of single transduction, poor reliability and large energy loss of the conventional isotope battery.

Description

A piezoelectric-thermoelectric integrated isotope battery Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of isotope battery technology, and more specifically to a piezoelectric-thermoelectric integrated isotope battery. Background Technology

[0002] Radioisotope batteries, or isotope cells for short, use transducers to convert the energy of radiation released during the decay of radioactive isotopes into electrical energy, thereby providing power. Due to their advantages such as long service life, strong environmental adaptability, good operational stability, maintenance-free operation, and miniaturization, isotope batteries are now widely used in important fields such as military defense, deep space and deep sea exploration, polar exploration, biomedicine, and the electronics industry.

[0003] The concept of isotope batteries was first proposed by British physicist Henry Moseley in 1913, and research on them has primarily focused on the last 100 years. Based on their energy conversion efficiency and output power, isotope batteries are classified into four categories: ① Static thermoelectric batteries (thermoelectric / thermoelectric, thermionic emission, contact potential difference, thermophotovoltaic, alkali metal thermoelectric conversion); ② Radiation-voltaic effect batteries (Schottky, PN / PIN junction); ③ Dynamic thermoelectric batteries (Bretton cycle, Stirling cycle, Rankine cycle, magnetohydrodynamic power generation, jet-driven piezoelectric); ④ Isotope batteries with special energy conversion mechanisms (direct collection, radiative emission, external neutron source driven, decay LC circuit coupled resonance, cosmic ray / electromagnetic wave collection, piezoelectric cantilever beam, beta particle electromagnetic radiation under magnetic confinement, magnetic separation, radiative ionization).

[0004] Research results indicate that the main problem with current isotope batteries is their low energy conversion efficiency. Thermoelectric isotope batteries, which rely on thermoelectric materials for energy conversion, have relatively low energy conversion efficiency. Even the enhanced multi-mission thermoelectric battery recently reported by NASA has a conversion efficiency of less than 8%, thus limiting their application and hindering their civilian adoption. In contrast, radiation-voltaic isotope batteries, which use semiconductor materials as energy conversion units, suffer from the problem of semiconductor material performance degradation under long-term radiation exposure, reducing the battery's lifespan.

[0005] Traditional dynamic isotope batteries generate electricity based on turbines or heat engines. However, they suffer from technical bottlenecks such as difficulties in lubricating high-speed rotating components and the impact of inertial vectors generated by high-speed rotation on system stability, preventing their practical application. Therefore, traditional dynamic isotope batteries suffer from technical limitations such as single energy conversion, poor reliability, and significant energy loss. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a piezoelectric thermoelectric integrated isotope battery to solve the problems of traditional isotope batteries, such as single energy conversion, poor reliability, and large energy loss.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0008] A piezoelectric thermoelectric integrated isotope battery includes a shell with a closed cavity. The closed cavity contains a radiation source, a thermoelectric transducer, and a piezoelectric transducer. The closed cavity is filled with an inert gas, so that the heat generated by the radiation source is converted into energy through the thermoelectric transducer, while the inert gas absorbs heat and expands in volume, thus compressing the piezoelectric transducer to achieve energy conversion.

[0009] Based on the aforementioned technical means, by simultaneously placing a radioactive source, a thermoelectric transducer, a piezoelectric transducer, and filling an inert gas within the sealed cavity of the outer shell, the heat generated by the decay of the radioactive source is converted into electrical energy through the thermoelectric transducer. Simultaneously, the inert gas absorbs the heat generated by the radioactive source's decay, expands in volume, and compresses the piezoelectric transducer, converting it into electrical energy. This effectively integrates thermoelectric and piezoelectric technologies, achieving multi-stage energy conversion, improving the energy conversion efficiency and operational stability of the isotope battery, and solving the problems of single energy conversion and poor reliability inherent in traditional isotope batteries. Furthermore, the integrated design of thermoelectric and piezoelectric technologies eliminates the need for external power, significantly reducing energy loss.

[0010] Preferably, the cross-section of the isotope battery has a core-shell structure and includes a core and a multi-layered shell surrounding the core, wherein the core is the radioactive source, and the shell surrounding the core consists of the thermoelectric transducer, the piezoelectric transducer, and the outer shell from the inside out.

[0011] Preferably, the thermoelectric energy conversion component has a closed-loop structure or an open-loop structure.

[0012] Preferably, the piezoelectric transducer has a closed-loop structure or an open-loop structure.

[0013] Among them, when viewed from the cross-section of the isotope battery, the thermoelectric conversion component can be a closed-loop component that completely surrounds the radiation source, or an open-loop component that partially surrounds the radiation source. When the thermoelectric conversion component is an open-loop component, let the included angle formed by the extension lines at both ends of the cross-section of the thermoelectric conversion component be R1, then 0° < R1 < 360°, that is, R1 can be any angle between 0° and 360°. The piezoelectric conversion component can be a closed-loop component that completely surrounds the thermoelectric conversion component, or an open-loop component that partially surrounds the thermoelectric conversion component. When the piezoelectric conversion component is an open-loop component, let the included angle formed by the extension lines at both ends of the cross-section of the piezoelectric conversion component be R2, then 0° < R2 < 360°, that is, R2 can be any angle between 0° and 360°. When both the thermoelectric conversion component and the piezoelectric conversion component are set as closed-loop structures, the conversion efficiency of thermoelectric and piezoelectric is the highest.

[0014] Preferably, the thermoelectric conversion component is of a porous structure.

[0015] By designing the cross-section of the isotope battery into a structure similar to a core-shell structure, the radiation source is located at the nuclear center, the thermoelectric conversion component is wrapped around the periphery, and at the same time, the piezoelectric conversion component is wrapped around the periphery of the thermoelectric conversion component, effectively maximizing the thermal energy conversion efficiency; by setting the thermoelectric conversion component as a porous structure, the circulation of inert gas is effectively ensured.

[0016] Preferably, the thermoelectric 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 sequentially distributed circumferentially around the radiation source. The plurality of thermoelectric modules form a plurality of P-type thermoelectric legs and a plurality of N-type thermoelectric legs. The plurality of P-type thermoelectric legs and the plurality of N-type thermoelectric legs are alternately arranged and electrically connected in sequence.

[0017] Preferably, the thermoelectric module is made of a porous thermoelectric material.

[0018] Preferably, the porous thermoelectric material is selected from at least one of bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3), bismuth selenide (Bi2Se3), iron disulfide (FeS2), perovskite oxides, and spinel oxides.

[0019] Preferably, the porosity of the thermoelectric module ≥ 50%.

[0020] Preferably, the shape of the pores of the thermoelectric module is at least one of circular, square, and polygonal.

[0021] By setting the porosity of the thermoelectric module to be greater than or equal to 50%, the heat generated by the radiation source can be fully converted into electrical energy by the thermoelectric transducer, ensuring the transduction efficiency of the thermoelectric transducer. At the same time, the pressure generated by the inert gas can be fully applied to the piezoelectric transducer, thus ensuring the transduction efficiency of the piezoelectric transducer. This achieves the synergistic effect of the thermoelectric and piezoelectric transducers.

[0022] Preferably, the thermoelectric module is manufactured using a 3D printing coupled self-assembly method.

[0023] Preferably, the porous thermoelectric material is selected from porous iron sulfide (FeS2) thermoelectric materials;

[0024] The method for preparing the thermoelectric module includes the following steps:

[0025] 1) A pre-ceramic polymer is prepared by mixing polyferric sulfate with a copolymer (BCP) composed of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and polybutyl acrylate (PnBA);

[0026] 2) Mix the pre-ceramic polymer with 1-butanol and heat to 50~120℃, stir to dissolve, and form a pre-printing material;

[0027] 3) Add thiol crosslinking agent and photoinitiator to the well-stirred pre-made printing material, heat to 50~120℃, stir for 10~60min to fully dissolve and mix them to form printing material;

[0028] 4) Before printing, add acetone to the printing material to obtain a mixture, and add the mixture to the material tank of the 3D printer. The 3D printer will print the structure according to the design to obtain the initial thermoelectric module.

[0029] 5) In an oxygen-free environment, the initial thermoelectric module is subjected to photopolymerization and thermal decomposition treatment, which transforms the pre-ceramic polymer into a porous FeS2 thermoelectric ceramic configuration with a "nano-coral" morphology, which is the finished thermoelectric module.

[0030] Preferably, the content of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) in the copolymer (BCP) is 25-50 wt%; the mass ratio of the copolymer (BCP) to polyferric sulfate is 1-1.8.

[0031] Preferably, the mass ratio of the pre-ceramic polymer to 1-butanol is 0.5 to 1.5.

[0032] Preferably, the thiol crosslinking agent is selected from pentaerythritol tetra(3-mercaptopropionic acid) ester, and the photoinitiator is selected from phenyl bis(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)phosphine oxide; the mass ratio of phenyl bis(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)phosphine oxide to 1-butanol is 0.01~0.05, and the mass ratio of pentaerythritol tetra(3-mercaptopropionic acid) ester to 1-butanol is 0.03~0.15.

[0033] Preferably, the mass ratio of acetone to printing material is 0.2 to 0.5. After adding acetone to the printing material, mix in an orbital planetary mixer at 1000 to 3000 RPM for 5 to 30 minutes.

[0034] Preferably, the photopolymerization conditions are ultraviolet light with a wavelength below 400nm, irradiation time of 10~60min, thermal decomposition temperature of 120~360℃, and heat preservation time of 15~80min.

[0035] By controlling the wavelength of photopolymerization and the temperature of thermal decomposition, the porosity of the thermoelectric module is effectively guaranteed.

[0036] Preferably, heat dissipation components are further provided at intervals on the outer peripheral wall of the housing. These heat dissipation components are at least one of heat sinks, heat dissipation fins, and annular heat sinks.

[0037] By spaced heat sinks on the outer peripheral wall of the casing, the temperature difference between the gaseous working fluid and the environment can be maximized, thereby further improving the energy conversion efficiency of the thermoelectric energy conversion component.

[0038] Preferably, the housing is further provided with a pressure relief valve. The pressure relief valve is mounted on the top of the housing and is selected from spring-loaded or lever-type pressure relief valves.

[0039] By installing a pressure relief valve on the outer casing, excess gas can be released when the pressure inside the sealed cavity reaches its limit, thus effectively ensuring the safety performance of the battery.

[0040] Preferably, the radioactive source is selected from α radioactive sources and / or β radioactive sources.

[0041] Preferably, the alpha radiation source is selected from... 210 Po、 228 Th、 228 ThO2, 235 U、 238 Pu、 241 Am、 242 Cm, containing 210 Po compounds, containing 228 Th compounds, containing 228 Compounds containing ThO2 235 U compounds, containing 238Pu compounds, containing 241 Am compounds and containing 242 At least one of the compounds of Cm.

[0042] 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 containing H, 14 Compounds containing C 35 Compounds containing S, 63 Ni compounds, containing 90 Sr compounds, containing 90 Sr / 90 Compounds containing Y 106 Ru compounds, containing 137 Cs compounds, containing 147 Pm compounds and containing 151 At least one of the compounds of Sm.

[0043] Preferably, the piezoelectric transducer 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).

[0044] Preferably, the inert gas is selected from at least one of Ar (argon), Ne (neon), and He (helium).

[0045] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0046] This invention discloses a piezoelectric-thermoelectric integrated isotope battery. By simultaneously arranging a radioactive source, a thermoelectric transducer, a piezoelectric transducer, and an inert gas within a sealed cavity of the outer shell, the heat generated by the decay of the radioactive source is converted into electrical energy through the thermoelectric transducer. Simultaneously, the inert gas absorbs the heat generated by the radioactive source decay, expands in volume, and compresses the piezoelectric transducer, converting it into electrical energy. This effectively integrates thermoelectricity and piezoelectricity, achieving multi-stage energy conversion, improving the energy conversion efficiency and operational stability of the isotope battery, and solving the problems of single energy conversion and poor reliability in traditional isotope batteries. The integrated design of thermoelectricity and piezoelectricity eliminates the need for external power, significantly reducing energy loss. Furthermore, the synergistic effect of the thermoelectric transducer, piezoelectric transducer, and inert gas offers advantages such as high efficiency, cost-effectiveness, high current output stability, simple structure, and low production cost. It has significant application value in the field of isotope battery technology. Attached Figure Description

[0047] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the present invention;

[0049] Among them, 1-shell, 2-radiation source, 3-thermoelectric transducer, 31-first thermoelectric output electrode, 32-second thermoelectric output electrode, 4-piezoelectric transducer, 5-heat dissipation component, 6-pressure relief valve, 7-first output electrode, 8-second output electrode. Detailed Implementation

[0050] 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 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, and 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 illustrating the present invention and not for limiting the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0051] It should be noted that the illustrations provided in the following embodiments are only schematic representations of the basic concept of the present invention. Therefore, the drawings only show the components related to the present invention and are not drawn according to the actual number, shape and size of the components in the actual implementation. In the actual implementation, the form, quantity and proportion of each component can be arbitrarily changed, and the layout of the components may also be more complex.

[0052] Numerous details are explored in the following description to provide a more thorough explanation of embodiments of this application; however, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that embodiments of this application may be implemented without these specific details.

[0053] Example 1

[0054] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a piezoelectric thermoelectric integrated isotope battery includes a shell 1 with a closed cavity. The closed cavity is simultaneously equipped with a radiation source 2, a thermoelectric energy transducer 3, and a piezoelectric energy transducer 4. The closed cavity is filled with an inert gas, so that the heat generated by the radiation source 2 is converted into energy through the thermoelectric energy transducer 3, while the inert gas absorbs heat and expands in volume, thus compressing the piezoelectric energy transducer 4 to achieve energy conversion.

[0055] By simultaneously placing a radioactive source, a thermoelectric transducer, a piezoelectric transducer, and filling an inert gas within a sealed cavity, the heat generated by the decay of the radioactive source is converted into electrical energy through the thermoelectric transducer. At the same time, the inert gas absorbs the heat generated by the decay of the radioactive source, expands in volume, and compresses the piezoelectric transducer, converting it into electrical energy. This effectively integrates thermoelectricity and piezoelectricity, achieving the purpose of multi-stage energy conversion, improving the energy conversion efficiency and operational stability of the isotope battery. Furthermore, the integrated design of thermoelectricity and piezoelectricity eliminates the need for external power, greatly reducing energy loss.

[0056] Multiple experiments on the arrangement of thermoelectric and piezoelectric transducers within the sealed cavity revealed that placing thermoelectric transducer 3 close to and surrounding the radiation source 2, while simultaneously surrounding the piezoelectric transducer with a porous structure, allows for further energy conversion through the thermal expansion and compression of the piezoelectric transducer by the inert gas, effectively maximizing heat energy conversion. In the experimental design, some designs placed thermoelectric transducer 3 and piezoelectric transducer 4 side-by-side around the radiation source 2; however, this arrangement resulted in ineffective utilization of the heat energy in piezoelectric transducer 4. Other designs placed piezoelectric transducer 4 around the radiation source 2 and thermoelectric transducer 3 around it; however, this arrangement also failed to achieve full utilization of the heat energy. Therefore, in order to maximize the thermal energy conversion efficiency, the overall shape of the isotope battery is designed as a cylinder. The radioactive source 2 is arranged along the axial direction in the closed cavity of the outer shell 1. The thermoelectric energy transducer 3 is arranged along the axial direction on the outer periphery of the radioactive source 2. The piezoelectric energy transducer 4 is arranged along the axial direction on the outer periphery of the thermoelectric energy transducer 3. This makes the cross-section of the isotope battery in the radial direction similar to a shell-core structure, and includes a core and a multi-layer shell surrounding the core. The core is the radioactive source 2. The shell surrounding the core consists of the thermoelectric energy transducer 3, the piezoelectric energy transducer 4 and the outer shell 1 from the inside out. The thermoelectric energy transducer 3 is designed as a porous structure.

[0057] In the cross-section along the radial direction of the isotope cell, the thermoelectric transducer 3 can be a closed-loop component that completely surrounds the radioactive source 2, or an open-loop component that partially surrounds the radioactive source 2. When the thermoelectric transducer 3 is an open-loop component, the angle formed by the extensions of the two ends of the cross-section of the thermoelectric transducer 3 is set as R1, and R1 can be any angle between 0° and 360°. The piezoelectric transducer 4 can be a closed-loop component that completely surrounds the thermoelectric transducer 3, or an open-loop component that partially surrounds the thermoelectric transducer 3. When the piezoelectric transducer 4 is an open-loop component, the angle formed by the extensions of the two ends of the cross-section of the piezoelectric transducer 4 is set as R2, and R2 can be any angle between 0° and 360°. When both the thermoelectric transducer 3 and the piezoelectric transducer 4 are designed as closed-loop structures, the transduction efficiency of thermoelectric and piezoelectric transducers is the highest.

[0058] The thermoelectric transducer 3 includes multiple thermoelectric modules. Each thermoelectric module consists of a P-type thermoelectric leg and an N-type thermoelectric leg. The multiple thermoelectric modules are distributed around the radiation source 2 in sequence. The multiple thermoelectric modules are composed of multiple P-type thermoelectric legs and multiple N-type thermoelectric legs. The multiple P-type thermoelectric legs and multiple N-type thermoelectric legs are alternately arranged and electrically connected in sequence.

[0059] The thermoelectric module is made of porous thermoelectric material, which is selected from at least one of bismuth telluride, bismuth selenide, iron sulfide, perovskite oxide and spinel oxide.

[0060] In order to ensure the energy conversion efficiency of both the thermoelectric transducer 3 and the piezoelectric transducer 4, the porosity of the thermoelectric module is set to ≥50%, and the shape of the holes in the thermoelectric module is at least one of circular, square and polygonal shapes.

[0061] In order to maximize the use of the temperature difference between the battery interior and the environment to improve the energy conversion efficiency of the thermoelectric energy conversion component 3, multiple heat dissipation components 5 are arranged at intervals on the outer peripheral wall of the housing 1.

[0062] To improve the safety performance of the battery, a pressure relief valve 6 is installed on the outer casing 1. One end of the pressure relief valve 6 is connected to the closed cavity of the outer casing 1, and the other end is connected to the atmosphere. When the pressure in the closed cavity reaches the set limit value, the excess gas can be discharged by opening the pressure relief valve 6, so that the gas pressure in the closed cavity is maintained within a certain balance range.

[0063] Radioactive source 2 is selected from α radioactive source and / or β radioactive source.

[0064] Alpha radiation source selected from 210 Po、 228 Th、 228 ThO2, 235 U、 238 Pu、 241 Am、 242 Cm, containing210 Po compounds, containing 228 Th compounds, containing 228 Compounds containing ThO2 235 U compounds, containing 238 Pu compounds, containing 241 Am compounds and containing 242 At least one of the compounds of Cm; the β-radioactive 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 containing H, 14 Compounds containing C 35 Compounds containing S, 63 Ni compounds, containing 90 Sr compounds, containing 90 Sr / 90 Compounds containing Y 106 Ru compounds, containing 137 Cs compounds, containing 147 Pm compounds and containing 151 At least one of the compounds of Sm.

[0065] The piezoelectric transducer 4 is provided with a first piezoelectric output electrode 7 and a second piezoelectric output electrode 8. The materials of the first piezoelectric output electrode 7 and the second piezoelectric output electrode 8 are respectively selected from at least one of Au (gold), Pd (palladium), Pt (platinum), Al (aluminum), Cu (copper), Ni (nickel) and Ti (titanium).

[0066] The inert gas is selected from at least one of Ar (argon), Ne (neon), and He (helium).

[0067] The working principle of the piezoelectric thermoelectric integrated isotope battery in this embodiment is as follows: the heat emitted by the radiation source 2 is absorbed by the thermoelectric transducer 3, thereby generating electrical energy. The excess heat energy will heat the inert gas filled in the battery cavity, causing the inert gas to absorb heat and expand, thereby squeezing the inner surface of the piezoelectric transducer 4 to generate electrical energy, realizing multi-stage power generation and improving battery efficiency.

[0068] Example 2

[0069] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a piezoelectric thermoelectric integrated isotope battery includes a shell 1 with a closed cavity. The closed cavity is simultaneously equipped with a radiation source 2, a thermoelectric energy transducer 3, and a piezoelectric energy transducer 4. The closed cavity is filled with an inert gas, so that the heat generated by the radiation source 2 is converted into energy through the thermoelectric energy transducer 3, while the inert gas absorbs heat and expands in volume, thus compressing the piezoelectric energy transducer 4 to achieve energy conversion.

[0070] By simultaneously placing a radioactive source, a thermoelectric transducer, a piezoelectric transducer, and filling an inert gas within a sealed cavity, the heat generated by the decay of the radioactive source is converted into electrical energy through the thermoelectric transducer. At the same time, the inert gas absorbs the heat generated by the decay of the radioactive source, expands in volume, and compresses the piezoelectric transducer, converting it into electrical energy. This effectively integrates thermoelectricity and piezoelectricity, achieving the purpose of multi-stage energy conversion, improving the energy conversion efficiency and operational stability of the isotope battery. Furthermore, the integrated design of thermoelectricity and piezoelectricity eliminates the need for external power, greatly reducing energy loss.

[0071] Multiple experiments on the arrangement of thermoelectric and piezoelectric transducers within the sealed cavity revealed that placing thermoelectric transducer 3 close to and surrounding the radiation source 2, while simultaneously surrounding the piezoelectric transducer with a porous structure, allows for further energy conversion through the thermal expansion and compression of the piezoelectric transducer by the inert gas, effectively maximizing heat energy conversion. In the experimental design, some designs placed thermoelectric transducer 3 and piezoelectric transducer 4 side-by-side around the radiation source 2; however, this arrangement resulted in ineffective utilization of the heat energy in piezoelectric transducer 4. Other designs placed piezoelectric transducer 4 around the radiation source 2 and thermoelectric transducer 3 around it; however, this arrangement also failed to achieve full utilization of the heat energy. Therefore, in order to maximize the thermal energy conversion efficiency, the overall shape of the isotope battery is designed as a cylinder. The radioactive source 2 is arranged along the axial direction in the closed cavity of the outer shell 1. The thermoelectric energy transducer 3 is arranged along the axial direction on the outer periphery of the radioactive source 2. The piezoelectric energy transducer 4 is arranged along the axial direction on the outer periphery of the thermoelectric energy transducer 3. This makes the cross-section of the isotope battery in the radial direction similar to a shell-core structure, and includes a core and a multi-layer shell surrounding the core. The core is the radioactive source 2. The shell surrounding the core consists of the thermoelectric energy transducer 3, the piezoelectric energy transducer 4 and the outer shell 1 from the inside out. The thermoelectric energy transducer 3 is designed as a porous structure.

[0072] In the cross-section along the radial direction of the isotope cell, the thermoelectric transducer 3 can be a closed-loop component that completely surrounds the radioactive source 2, or an open-loop component that partially surrounds the radioactive source 2. When the thermoelectric transducer 3 is an open-loop component, the angle formed by the extensions of the two ends of the cross-section of the thermoelectric transducer 3 is set as R1, and R1 can be any angle between 0° and 360°. The piezoelectric transducer 4 can be a closed-loop component that completely surrounds the thermoelectric transducer 3, or an open-loop component that partially surrounds the thermoelectric transducer 3. When the piezoelectric transducer 4 is an open-loop component, the angle formed by the extensions of the two ends of the cross-section of the piezoelectric transducer 4 is set as R2, and R2 can be any angle between 0° and 360°. When both the thermoelectric transducer 3 and the piezoelectric transducer 4 are designed as closed-loop structures, the transduction efficiency of thermoelectric and piezoelectric transducers is the highest.

[0073] The thermoelectric transducer 3 includes multiple thermoelectric modules. Each thermoelectric module consists of a P-type thermoelectric leg and an N-type thermoelectric leg. The multiple thermoelectric modules are distributed around the radiation source 2 in sequence. The multiple thermoelectric modules are composed of multiple P-type thermoelectric legs and multiple N-type thermoelectric legs. The multiple P-type thermoelectric legs and multiple N-type thermoelectric legs are alternately arranged and electrically connected in sequence.

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

[0075] In order to ensure the energy conversion efficiency of both the thermoelectric transducer 3 and the piezoelectric transducer 4, the porosity of the thermoelectric module is set to ≥50%, and the shape of the holes in the thermoelectric module is at least one of circular, square and polygonal shapes.

[0076] To maximize the utilization of the temperature difference between the battery interior and the environment to improve the energy conversion efficiency of the thermoelectric energy conversion component 3, multiple heat dissipation components 5 are spaced apart on the outer peripheral wall of the housing 1. In this embodiment, the heat dissipation components 5 are heat dissipation fins.

[0077] To improve the safety performance of the battery, a pressure relief valve 6 is installed on the outer casing 1. One end of the pressure relief valve 6 is connected to the closed cavity of the outer casing 1, and the other end is connected to the atmosphere. When the pressure in the closed cavity reaches the set limit value, the excess gas can be discharged by opening the pressure relief valve 6, so that the gas pressure in the closed cavity is maintained within a certain balance range.

[0078] Radioactive source 2 is selected from α radioactive source and / or β radioactive source.

[0079] In this embodiment, the radiation source 2 is selected from... 210 Po.

[0080] β-radiation source selected from 3 H, 14 C 35S, 63 Ni、 90 Sr、 90 Sr / 90 Y、 106 Ru、 137 Cs、 147 Pm, 151 Sm, containing 3 Compounds containing H, 14 Compounds containing C 35 Compounds containing S, 63 Ni compounds, containing 90 Sr compounds, containing 90 Sr / 90 Compounds containing Y 106 Ru compounds, containing 137 Cs compounds, containing 147 Pm compounds and containing 151 At least one of the compounds of Sm.

[0081] The piezoelectric transducer 4 is provided with a first piezoelectric output electrode 7 and a second piezoelectric output electrode 8.

[0082] In this embodiment, the materials of the first piezoelectric output electrode 7 and the second piezoelectric output electrode 8 are selected from Cu (copper).

[0083] In this embodiment, the thermoelectric energy transducer 3 is provided with a first thermoelectric output electrode 31 and a second thermoelectric output electrode 32.

[0084] In this embodiment, the inert gas is selected from He (helium).

[0085] The working principle of the piezoelectric thermoelectric integrated isotope battery in this embodiment is as follows: the heat emitted by the radiation source 2 is absorbed by the thermoelectric transducer 3, thereby generating electrical energy. The excess heat energy will heat the inert gas filled in the battery cavity, causing the inert gas to absorb heat and expand, thereby squeezing the inner surface of the piezoelectric transducer 4 to generate electrical energy, realizing multi-stage power generation and improving battery efficiency.

[0086] Example 3

[0087] The method for preparing the thermoelectric module of the piezoelectric-thermoelectric integrated isotope battery thermoelectric transducer in Example 1 or Example 2 includes the following steps:

[0088] 1) A pre-ceramic polymer is prepared by mixing polyferric sulfate with a copolymer (BCP) composed of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and polybutyl acrylate (PnBA); wherein the content of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) in the copolymer (BCP) is 25~50wt%; and the mass ratio of copolymer (BCP) to polyferric sulfate is 1~1.8.

[0089] 2) Mix the pre-ceramic polymer with 1-butanol and heat to 50~120℃, stir and dissolve to form a pre-printing material; wherein the mass ratio of the pre-ceramic polymer to 1-butanol is 0.5~1.5;

[0090] 3) Add the thiol crosslinking agent and photoinitiator to the well-stirred pre-made printing material, heat to 50~120℃, and stir for 10~60 min to fully dissolve and mix them to form the printing material; wherein, the thiol crosslinking agent is selected from pentaerythritol tetra(3-mercaptopropionic acid) ester, and the photoinitiator is selected from phenylbis(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)phosphine oxide; the mass ratio of phenylbis(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)phosphine oxide to 1-butanol is 0.01~0.05, and the mass ratio of pentaerythritol tetra(3-mercaptopropionic acid) to 1-butanol is 0.03~0.15;

[0091] 4) Before printing, add acetone to the printing material to obtain a mixture, and add the mixture to the material tank of the 3D printer. The 3D printer will print the structure according to the design to obtain the initial thermoelectric module. The mass ratio of acetone to printing material is 0.2~0.5.

[0092] 5) In an oxygen-free environment, the initial thermoelectric module is subjected to photopolymerization and thermal decomposition treatment, which transforms the pre-ceramic polymer into a porous FeS2 thermoelectric ceramic configuration with a "nano-coral" morphology, which is the finished thermoelectric module.

[0093] The conditions for photopolymerization are: ultraviolet light with a wavelength below 400nm, irradiation time of 10~60min, thermal decomposition temperature of 120~360℃, and heat preservation time of 15~80min.

[0094] In summary, the piezoelectric-thermoelectric integrated isotope battery of the present invention, by simultaneously arranging a radioactive source, a thermoelectric transducer, a piezoelectric transducer, and filling an inert gas within a sealed cavity of the outer shell, allows the heat generated by the decay of the radioactive source to be converted into electrical energy through the thermoelectric transducer. Simultaneously, the inert gas absorbs the heat generated by the radioactive source decay, expands in volume, and compresses the piezoelectric transducer, converting it into electrical energy. This effectively integrates thermoelectricity and piezoelectricity, achieving multi-stage energy conversion, improving the energy conversion efficiency and operational stability of the isotope battery, and overcoming the limitations of traditional isotope batteries with single-stage energy conversion. Overcoming technical bottlenecks such as poor energy efficiency, low reliability, and significant energy loss, this technology boasts advantages such as high energy conversion efficiency, good operational stability, and adjustable output power. It also exhibits strong environmental applicability and a long service life. Furthermore, by integrating thermoelectric and piezoelectric technologies into a single design without the need for external power, energy loss is significantly reduced. The synergistic effect of the thermoelectric transducer, piezoelectric transducer, and inert gas results in high efficiency integration, economic applicability, high current output stability, simple structure, and low production costs, effectively improving the power generation efficiency of isotope batteries. Therefore, it has significant application value in the field of isotope battery technology.

[0095] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and effects of the present invention and are not intended to limit this application. Any person skilled in the art can modify or alter the above embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Therefore, all equivalent modifications or alterations made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and technical concept disclosed in this application should still be covered by the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A piezoelectric-thermoelectric integrated isotope battery, characterized in that, The device includes an outer shell (1) with a closed cavity, inside which are disposed a radioactive source (2), a thermoelectric transducer (3) and a piezoelectric transducer (4). The closed cavity is filled with an inert gas, so that the heat generated by the radioactive source (2) is converted into energy through the thermoelectric transducer (3), while the inert gas absorbs heat and expands in volume to compress the piezoelectric transducer (4) to achieve energy conversion. The cross-section of the isotope battery is a core-shell structure, and includes a core and multiple shells surrounding the core. The core is the radioactive source (2), and the shells surrounding the core are, from the inside out, the thermoelectric transducer (3), the piezoelectric transducer (4) and the outer shell (1). The thermoelectric transducer (3) and / or the piezoelectric transducer (4) are closed-loop or open-loop structures.

2. The piezoelectric-thermoelectric integrated isotope battery according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thermoelectric transducer (3) has a porous structure; and / or the thermoelectric transducer (3) includes multiple thermoelectric modules, each thermoelectric module consisting of a P-type thermoelectric leg and an N-type thermoelectric leg, the multiple thermoelectric modules being distributed circumferentially around the radiation source (2), the multiple thermoelectric modules being composed of multiple P-type thermoelectric legs and multiple N-type thermoelectric legs, the multiple P-type thermoelectric legs and the multiple N-type thermoelectric legs being alternately arranged and electrically connected in sequence.

3. The piezoelectric-thermoelectric integrated isotope battery according to claim 2, characterized in that, The thermoelectric module is made of a porous thermoelectric material, which is selected from at least one of bismuth telluride, bismuth selenide, iron sulfide, perovskite oxide, and spinel oxide.

4. The piezoelectric-thermoelectric integrated isotope battery according to claim 3, characterized in that, The porosity of the thermoelectric module is ≥50%; and / or the shape of the holes in the thermoelectric module is at least one of circular, square, and polygonal.

5. The piezoelectric-thermoelectric integrated isotope battery according to claim 4, characterized in that, The porous thermoelectric material is selected from porous iron sulfide thermoelectric materials; the preparation method of the thermoelectric module includes the following steps: 1) mixing polyferric sulfate with a copolymer composed of polymethyl methacrylate and polybutyl acrylate to prepare a pre-ceramic polymer; 2) mixing the pre-ceramic polymer with 1-butanol, heating and stirring to dissolve, forming a pre-printing raw material; 3) adding a mercapto crosslinking agent and a photoinitiator to the pre-printing raw material, heating and stirring to dissolve, forming a printing raw material; 4) adding acetone to the printing raw material to obtain a mixture, and printing to obtain a preliminary thermoelectric module; 5) subjecting the preliminary thermoelectric module to photopolymerization and thermal decomposition treatment in an oxygen-free environment to obtain a finished thermoelectric module.

6. The piezoelectric-thermoelectric integrated isotope battery according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The outer peripheral wall of the outer casing (1) is also provided with heat dissipation components (5) at intervals; and / or the outer casing (1) is also provided with pressure relief valves (6).

7. The piezoelectric-thermoelectric integrated isotope battery according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The radioactive source (2) is selected from α radioactive sources and / or β radioactive sources.

8. The piezoelectric-thermoelectric integrated isotope battery according to claim 7, characterized in that, The alpha radiation source is selected from 210 Po、 228 Th、 235 U、 238 Pu、 241 Am、 242 Cm, containing 210 Po compounds, containing 228 Th compounds, containing 235 U compounds, containing 238 Pu compounds, containing 241 Am compounds and containing 242 At least one of the compounds of Cm; and / or the β-radioactive 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 containing H, 14 Compounds containing C 35 Compounds containing S, 63 Ni compounds, containing 90 Sr compounds, containing 90 Sr / 90 Compounds containing Y 106 Ru compounds, containing 137 Cs compounds, containing 147 Pm compounds and containing 151 At least one of the compounds of Sm.

9. The piezoelectric-thermoelectric integrated isotope battery according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The piezoelectric transducer (4) is provided with a first piezoelectric output electrode (7) and a second piezoelectric output electrode (8). The materials of the first piezoelectric output electrode (7) and the second piezoelectric output electrode (8) are selected from at least one of Au (gold), Pd (palladium), Pt (platinum), Al (aluminum), Cu (copper), Ni (nickel) and Ti (titanium); and / or the inert gas is selected from at least one of Ar (argon), Ne (neon) and He (helium).

Images