Radiation fluorescence photovoltaic-based nuclear energy capture and electric energy conversion device and method

Abstract

The invention discloses a nuclear energy capture and electric energy conversion device and method based on radiation fluorescence photovoltaics. The device comprises a radiation incidence window, a radiation convergence device, a scintillator material plated with a polyimide silver layer, a convergent lens, an optical waveguide, an antireflection layer, a light absorption layer, a conductive layer, a contact electrode, a charging circuit, an electric energy storage unit, an external power supply circuit, a heat absorption layer and heat dissipation holes. The scintillator material is used for capturing radiation in the environment, additional nuclear reaction fuel does not need to be loaded, and cost and radiation threat brought by the nuclear reaction fuel are reduced. And then the fluorescence is converged by using convergence devices such as a lens and the like and is transmitted to a photovoltaic cell by using an optical fiber light guide, and the collected fluorescence is converted into electric energy. The whole device is simple in structure, small and exquisite in appearance, light and convenient, the limitation that an existing nuclear power station nuclear energy power generation device is large in equipment and complex in structure is solved, and the device is portable and can be migrated and applied in different application occasions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a nuclear energy capture and conversion device and method, and particularly to a nuclear energy capture and electric energy conversion device and method based on radiation fluorescence photovoltaic. Background Art

[0002] Radiation fluorescence photovoltaic is a technology that uses a specific working substance to first convert the radiation energy released by the decay of radioactive isotopes into light energy and then convert the light energy into electric energy. Compared with the existing nuclear power supply technologies, it has the advantages of environmental friendliness, high energy density, device miniaturization, and independent self-power supply. This technology breaks through the limitations of traditional nuclear power supply methods, such as excessive equipment volume, poor mobility, complex structure, low energy density, and environmental pollution, and has broad application prospects in the fields of environmental monitoring, medical equipment, aerospace, and power supply in remote areas. Its principle is that the fluorescent material can receive α particles, β particles, γ rays, etc. released during the decay of radioactive isotopes in the environment, and generate fluorescence under the excitation of these radiations, which is absorbed by a photovoltaic cell (such as a silicon-based solar cell) and converted into electric energy through the photovoltaic effect. This method can efficiently convert radioactive decay energy into electric energy while reducing nuclear radiation in the environment. However, even today when nuclear power supply methods and equipment such as nuclear power plants are widely used, nuclear power supply methods and equipment based on radiation fluorescence photovoltaic are still rare in the market, and the nuclear power supply technology based on radiation fluorescence photovoltaic is still blank in the market, with great development prospects and application challenges.

[0003] Currently, the main nuclear power supply method widely used in the market is to use the large amount of heat energy released during the nuclear fission process of a nuclear reactor to heat water to generate steam, and the steam drives a turbine to rotate, thereby driving a generator to generate electricity. Its specific steps include: ① Neutron moderation: Fast neutrons are slowed down by a moderator (such as water, graphite, heavy water, etc.) in the reactor to become slow neutrons. ② Nuclear fission: Slow neutrons bombard heavy atomic nuclei, causing them to split into two lighter atomic nuclei and releasing energy, neutrons, and γ rays. ③ Chain reaction: The released neutrons continue to bombard other atomic nuclei, triggering more fission reactions and forming a chain reaction. ④ Thermal energy conversion: The heat generated by fission is used to heat the coolant, and the coolant transfers the heat to water to generate steam. ⑤ Mechanical energy conversion: The steam drives the turbine to rotate, and the turbine drives the generator to generate electricity. This is also the main power generation method of large and small nuclear power plants in the world.

[0004] In the existing nuclear power generation technology process, a large amount of radioactive substances such as highly enriched uranium-235 are required as fission fuels. On the one hand, the production of these fuels is scarce. Taking uranium-235 as an example, the global uranium reserves are about 7.6 million tons, which is only enough for about 90 years. This resource limitation may affect the long-term sustainable development of nuclear power. And the raw materials need to go through a series of complex technological processes such as enrichment and purification before they can be used for fission power generation, so the raw material cost is very high. On the other hand, these materials themselves are highly radioactive and will produce products that are also radioactive, so there is a potential threat to the environment and ecological damage. To eliminate the hidden dangers caused by nuclear pollution, these radioactive substances need to be properly treated, which will also result in high treatment costs. And the existing nuclear power generation process is mainly carried out in nuclear power plants, relying on various large-scale equipment and complex equipment systems, and there is no portable miniaturized device that can realize nuclear energy conversion and power supply, so there are huge limitations in terms of flexibility and application scope.

[0005] A scintillator material is a crystalline energy converter that can convert incident high-energy rays (X / γ rays) or particles into ultraviolet or visible light. When high-energy particles (such as α particles, β particles, etc.) or rays such as X-rays and γ rays are incident on the scintillator material, the incident particles or radiation will interact with the atoms in the scintillator, causing the energy therein to be absorbed by the material atoms, resulting in the electrons of the atoms being excited to higher energy levels, that is, transitioning from the ground state to the excited state. And the excited atoms with higher energy are unstable, so the excited atoms will spontaneously transition to lower energy levels and release energy, and this energy is often released in the form of photons, which macroscopically manifests as the fluorescence phenomenon of the scintillator material.

[0006] However, the fluorescence generated by this spontaneous emission is very weak, and the direction of photon emission is random, and the light is divergent, so it cannot be well utilized. To make this fluorescence be utilized, it is necessary to collect it by means of the converging effect of a lens and make its direction concentrated. Subsequently, these converging light beams can be conducted to a photovoltaic cell through an optical fiber for it to be converted into electrical energy.

[0007] The core part of a photovoltaic cell consists of a light absorption layer, a conductive layer, and a contact electrode. After light enters the light absorption layer, the light absorption layer will absorb photons and generate electron-hole pairs. Subsequently, these electron-hole pairs are absorbed by the conductive layer and generate an electric current, and then this electric current flows to the contact electrode, thereby supplying power to the external circuit.

[0008] In order to solve the problems in current nuclear power generation technologies, such as high raw material costs, nuclear radiation hazards, large-scale and complex equipment, and narrow application ranges, the present invention proposes a nuclear energy capture and power conversion device based on radiation fluorescence photovoltaics. The device uses a scintillator material to capture radiation in the environment, eliminating the need to load additional nuclear reaction fuels, thereby reducing the costs and radiation threats associated with nuclear reaction fuels. Subsequently, a converging device such as a lens is used to converge the fluorescence, which is then transmitted to a photovoltaic cell through an optical fiber for conversion into electrical energy. The entire device has a simple structure, is small, light, and portable, overcoming the limitations of the large and complex nuclear energy generation devices in existing nuclear power plants, and can be relocated and applied in different scenarios. Summary of the Invention

[0009] To address the issues of low current nuclear energy utilization efficiency and poor safety, the present invention relates to a nuclear energy capture and conversion device and method, specifically a nuclear energy capture and power conversion device and method based on radiation fluorescence photovoltaics.

[0010] The objectives of the present invention are achieved through the following technical solutions: A nuclear energy capture and electrical energy conversion device based on radiative fluorescence photovoltaics, as shown in Figure 1, the device includes a radiation incident window (1), a radiation converging device (2), a scintillator material coated with a polyimide silver layer (3), a converging lens (4), an optical waveguide (5), an antireflection layer (6), a light absorption layer (7), a conductive layer (8), a contact electrode (9), a charging circuit (10), an electrical energy storage unit (11), an external power supply circuit (12), a heat absorption layer (13), and a heat dissipation hole (14). The radiation incident window (1) is responsible for collecting environmental radiation. Subsequently, the collected environmental radiation enters the radiation converging device (2) and is converged into a radiation with a concentrated direction, and then enters the scintillator material (3) coated with a polyimide silver layer. The scintillator material (3) coated with a polyimide silver layer absorbs the incident radiation energy and jumps to the excited state, and then emits fluorescence through the transition. The emitted fluorescence then passes through the converging lens (4) and is converged into a light beam with a concentrated direction, and enters the optical waveguide (5) for transmission. The optical waveguide (5) structurally passes through the antireflection layer (6) and transmits the collected light to the light absorption layer (7) closely attached to the antireflection layer (6). Subsequently, the light absorption layer (7) absorbs the input light, generates electron-hole pairs, and transmits the electron-hole pairs to the conductive layer (8) closely attached to the light absorption layer (7). The electron-hole pairs move directionally in the conductive layer (8) to form a current, and then the current enters the contact electrode (9) connected to the conductive layer (8), and then enters the charging circuit (10) to form a stable current voltage. The stable current voltage then enters the electrical energy storage unit (11) and is stored. When the device is connected to an external power supply, the electrical energy in the electrical energy storage unit (11) can be released in the form of a stable voltage to provide a stable voltage for the external power supply circuit (12), thereby powering the connected electrical appliances. The scintillator material (3) coated with a polyimide silver layer, the light absorption layer (7), the conductive layer (8), the contact electrode (9), the charging circuit (10), and the electrical energy storage unit (11) are all wrapped by the heat absorption layer (13). The heat generated by these parts during operation can be absorbed by the heat absorption layer (13) and then discharged through the heat dissipation hole (14) to keep the temperature of the device relatively stable.

[0011] Step 1: Adjust the position of the radiation incident window (1) so that it can better collect the radiation in the environment. Adjust the position, angle of the lens in the radiation converging device (2), or the magnetic field direction and magnetic field strength of the magnetic focusing device, etc., so that the collected radiation can be converged and enter the scintillator material (3) coated with a polyimide silver layer in an appropriate manner.

[0012] Step 2: Adjust the position and direction of the converging lens (4), and adjust the optical path of the outgoing light so that it enters the optical waveguide (5).

[0013] Step 3: After the light beam emitted from the optical waveguide (5) is incident on the light absorption layer (7), electron-hole pairs are generated. The generated electron-hole pairs enter the conductive layer (8) and generate a directional movement to form an electric current, which is collected by the contact electrode (9) outside the conductive layer (8).

[0014] Step 4: The electric current collected by the contact electrode (9) is input into the charging circuit (10) through the corresponding interface. With the help of the voltage stabilizing chip SP1N28STER on the charging circuit (10), a stable voltage is output and input into the electric energy storage unit (11) through the corresponding interface and stored in the form of electric energy.

[0015] Step 5: The electric energy storage unit (11) is connected to the external power supply circuit (12) through the corresponding interface. The external power supply circuit (12) is connected to the electrical appliance through the corresponding interface connection line, so as to provide a stable voltage for the electrical appliance.

[0016] Step 6: The heat absorption layer (13) tightly wraps the scintillator material (3) coated with a polyimide silver layer, the light absorption layer (7), the conductive layer (8), the contact electrode (9), the charging circuit (10), and the electric energy storage unit (11), absorbs the heat generated when these parts work, and discharges it through the heat dissipation holes (14) to keep the temperature of the device relatively stable.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages: The present invention uses a scintillator material to capture radiation in the environment, without loading additional nuclear reaction fuels, reducing the costs and radiation threats brought by nuclear reaction fuels. Subsequently, a converging device such as a lens is used to converge the fluorescence, and the optical fiber is used for optical conduction to transmit it to a photovoltaic cell, converting the collected fluorescence into electric energy. The entire device has a simple structure, is small, light in appearance, solves the limitations of the large size and complex structure of the existing nuclear power generation devices in nuclear power plants, and has portability, and can be migrated and applied in different application scenarios. Description of the Drawings

[0018] Figure 1 It is a schematic structural diagram of a nuclear energy capture and electric energy conversion device based on radiation fluorescence photovoltaic Detailed Embodiment

[0019] The technical solutions of the present invention will be further described below in conjunction with the drawings, but are not limited thereto. Any modification or equivalent replacement of the technical solutions of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the present invention shall be covered by the protection scope of the present invention.

[0020] A nuclear energy capture and power conversion device based on radiation fluorescence photovoltaic, the device includes a radiation incident window (1), a radiation converging device (2), a scintillator material coated with a polyimide silver layer (3), a converging lens (4), an optical waveguide (5), an antireflection layer (6), a light absorption layer (7), a conductive layer (8), a contact electrode (9), a charging circuit (10), an electric energy storage unit (11), an external power supply circuit (12), a heat absorption layer (13), and a heat dissipation hole (14). The radiation incident window (1) is responsible for collecting environmental radiation. Subsequently, the collected environmental radiation enters the radiation converging device (2) and is converged into a radiation with a concentrated direction, and then enters the scintillator material (3) coated with a polyimide silver layer. The scintillator material (3) coated with a polyimide silver layer absorbs the incident radiation energy and jumps to the excited state, and then emits fluorescence through the transition. The emitted fluorescence then passes through the converging lens (4) and is converged into a light with a concentrated direction, and enters the optical waveguide (5) for transmission. The optical waveguide (5) structurally passes through the antireflection layer (6) and transmits the collected light to the light absorption layer (7) closely attached to the antireflection layer (6). Subsequently, the light absorption layer (7) absorbs the input light, generates electron-hole pairs, and transmits the electron-hole pairs to the conductive layer (8) closely attached to the light absorption layer (7). The electron-hole pairs move directionally in the conductive layer (8) to form a current. Subsequently, the current enters the contact electrode (9) connected to the conductive layer (8), and then enters the charging circuit (10) to form a stable current voltage. The stable current voltage then enters the electric energy storage unit (11) and is stored. When the device is connected to an external power supply, the electric energy in the electric energy storage unit (11) can be released in the form of a stable voltage to provide a stable voltage for the external power supply circuit (12), so as to supply power to the connected electrical appliances. The scintillator material (3) coated with a polyimide silver layer, the light absorption layer (7), the conductive layer (8), the contact electrode (9), the charging circuit (10), and the electric energy storage unit (11) are all wrapped by the heat absorption layer (13). The heat generated by these parts during operation can be absorbed by the heat absorption layer (13) and then discharged through the heat dissipation hole (14) to keep the temperature of the device relatively stable.

[0021] Step 1: Adjust the position of the radiation incident window (1) so that it can better collect the radiation in the environment. Adjust the position, angle of the lens in the radiation converging device (2) or the magnetic field direction and magnetic field strength of the magnetic focusing device, etc., so that the collected radiation can be converged and enter the scintillator material (3) coated with a polyimide silver layer in an appropriate manner.

[0022] Step 2: Adjust the position and direction of the converging lens (4) and adjust the optical path of the outgoing light so that it enters the optical waveguide (5).

[0023] Step 3: After the light beam emitted from the optical waveguide (5) is incident on the light absorption layer (7), electron-hole pairs are generated. The generated electron-hole pairs enter the conductive layer (8) and generate a directional movement to form a current, which is collected by the contact electrode (9) outside the conductive layer (8).

[0024] Step 4: The current collected by the contact electrode (9) is input into the charging circuit (10) through the corresponding interface. With the help of the voltage stabilizing chip SP1N28STER on the charging circuit (10), a stable voltage is output, and is input into the electrical energy storage unit (11) through the corresponding interface and stored in the form of electrical energy.

[0025] Step 5: The electrical energy storage unit (11) is connected to the external power supply circuit (12) through the corresponding interface, and the external power supply circuit (12) is connected to the electrical appliance through the corresponding interface connection line, so as to provide a stable voltage for the electrical appliance.

[0026] Step 6: The heat absorption layer (13) tightly wraps the scintillator material (3) coated with a polyimide silver layer, the light absorption layer (7), the conductive layer (8), the contact electrode (9), the charging circuit (10), and the electrical energy storage unit (11), absorbs the heat generated during the operation of these parts, and discharges it through the heat dissipation holes (14) to keep the temperature of the device relatively stable.

[0027] 1. In the present invention, the form of the radiation converging device (2) can be determined by the form of the incident radiation. If it is desired to collect electromagnetic wave radiation in the environment, a converging lens can be used, and its focal length should not be greater than 20 mm; if it is desired to collect a high-speed charged particle stream in the environment, a magnetic focusing device capable of generating a magnetic field can be used, and its magnetic field strength should not be less than 3 T. By restricting the lens focal length or the magnetic field strength, the converging effect of the incident radiation can be ensured.

[0028] 2. In the present invention, the polyimide silver layer of the scintillator material (3) coated with a polyimide silver layer should be plated on the material surface perpendicular to the incident window and completely cover the periphery of the material. The thickness of the polyimide silver layer should not be less than 200 nm to ensure that the reflectivity of the coating reaches more than 95% and reduce the loss caused by incomplete reflection of the fluorescence emitted by the scintillator material.

[0029] 3. In the present invention, the focal length of the converging lens (4) should not be greater than 20 mm to ensure the converging effect of the fluorescence emitted from the scintillator material (3) coated with a polyimide silver layer.

[0030] 4. In the present invention, the loss of the optical waveguide (5) should not be greater than 0.2 dB / km to reduce the loss of light and ensure the intensity of the light.

[0031] 5. In the present invention, the reflectivity of the antireflection layer (6) should not be less than 98%.

Claims

1. A nuclear energy capture and electric energy conversion device based on radioluminescent photovoltaics, characterized in that The device includes a radiation incident window, a radiation converging device, a scintillator material coated with a polyimide silver layer, a converging lens, an optical waveguide, an antireflection layer, a light absorption layer, a conductive layer, a contact electrode, a charging circuit, an electric energy storage unit, an external power supply circuit, a heat absorption layer, and heat dissipation holes. The radiation incident window is responsible for collecting environmental radiation. Subsequently, the collected environmental radiation enters the radiation converging device and is converged into a radiation with a concentrated direction, and then enters the scintillator material coated with a polyimide silver layer. The scintillator material coated with a polyimide silver layer absorbs the incident radiation energy and jumps to the excited state, and then emits fluorescence through the transition. The emitted fluorescence then passes through the converging lens and is converged into a light beam with a concentrated direction, and enters the optical waveguide for transmission. The optical waveguide structurally passes through the antireflection layer and transmits the collected light to the light absorption layer closely attached to the antireflection layer. Subsequently, the light absorption layer absorbs the input light, generates electron-hole pairs, and transmits the electron-hole pairs to the conductive layer closely attached to the light absorption layer. The electron-hole pairs move directionally in the conductive layer to form a current. Subsequently, the current enters the contact electrode connected to the conductive layer, and then enters the charging circuit to form a stable current voltage. The stable current voltage then enters the electric energy storage unit and is stored. When the device is connected to an external power supply, the electric energy in the electric energy storage unit can be released in the form of a stable voltage to provide a stable voltage for the external power supply circuit, thereby supplying power to the connected electrical appliance.

2. The optothermal elastic spectroscopic trace gas detection device based on a whispering gallery mode microcavity according to claim 1, characterized in that The form of the radiation converging device is determined by the form of the incident radiation. If it is desired to collect electromagnetic wave radiation in the environment, a converging lens is used, and its focal length should not be greater than 20 mm; if it is desired to collect a high-speed charged particle stream in the environment, a magnetic focusing device capable of generating a magnetic field is used, and its magnetic field strength is not less than 3 T. By restricting the lens focal length or magnetic field strength, the converging effect of the incident radiation is ensured.

3. The optothermal elastic spectroscopy trace gas detection device based on a whispering gallery mode microcavity according to claim 1, characterized in that The polyimide silver layer of the scintillator material coated with a polyimide silver layer should be plated on the material surface perpendicular to the incident window and completely cover the periphery of the material; the thickness of the polyimide silver layer should not be less than 200 nm to ensure that the reflectivity of the coating reaches more than 95%, reducing the loss of the fluorescence emitted by the scintillator material due to incomplete reflection.

4. The optothermal elastic spectroscopy trace gas detection device based on a whispering gallery mode microcavity according to claim 1, wherein The focal length of the converging lens should not be greater than 20 mm to ensure the converging effect of the fluorescence emitted from the scintillator material coated with a polyimide silver layer.

5. The optothermal elastospectroscopic trace gas detection device based on a whispering gallery mode microcavity according to claim 1, wherein The loss of the optical waveguide should not be greater than 0.2 dB / km to reduce the loss of light and ensure the intensity of the light.

6. The optothermal elastospectroscopic trace gas detection device based on a whispering gallery mode microcavity according to claim 1, characterized in that The reflectivity of the antireflection layer should not be less than 98%.

7. A method for nuclear energy capture and electric energy conversion based on radiative fluorescence photovoltaics, characterized in that The method includes the following steps: Step 1: Adjust the position of the radiation incident window so that it can better collect the radiation in the environment. Adjust the position, angle of the lens in the radiation converging device or the magnetic field direction and magnetic field strength of the magnetic focusing device so that the collected radiation can be converged and enter the scintillator material coated with a polyimide silver layer in an appropriate manner. Step 2: Adjust the position and direction of the converging lens and adjust the optical path of the emitted light so that it enters the optical waveguide. Step 3: After the light beam emitted from the light wave is incident on the light absorption layer, electron-hole pairs are generated. The generated electron-hole pairs enter the conductive layer 8 and generate a directional movement to form a current, which is collected by the contact electrodes outside the conductive layer; Step 4: The current collected by the contact electrodes is input into the charging circuit through the corresponding interface. With the help of the voltage stabilizing chip SP1N28STER on the charging circuit, a stable voltage is output and input into the electrical energy storage unit through the corresponding interface and stored in the form of electrical energy; Step 5: The electrical energy storage unit is connected to the external power supply circuit through the corresponding interface, and the external power supply circuit is connected to the electrical appliance through the corresponding interface wiring, so as to provide a stable voltage for the electrical appliance; Step 6: The heat absorption layer tightly wraps the scintillator material coated with a polyimide silver layer, the light absorption layer, the conductive layer, the contact electrodes, the charging circuit, and the electrical energy storage unit, absorbs the heat generated by these parts during operation, and discharges it through the heat dissipation holes to keep the temperature of the device relatively stable.

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