Nuclear power generation source, nuclear battery assembly and manufacturing method thereof

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a nuclear power source, a nuclear battery assembly, and a method for manufacturing the same. The nuclear power source includes a radiation source layer, a first electrical insulator layer disposed on the radiation source layer, a first casing layer disposed on the first electrical insulator layer, a first electrode in contact with the radiation source layer, and a second electrode in contact with the first casing layer. The radiation source layer has a composition that can be configured to emit beta rays. When the radiation source layer emits beta rays, an electric potential is generated between the first electrode and the second electrode. The first electrical insulator layer has a thickness that reduces the average energy of the beta rays from the radiation source layer in contact with the first casing layer, such that the amount of thermal bremsstrahlung emitted when the beta rays reach the first casing layer is reduced.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of and priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 63 / 374,121, filed Aug. 31, 2022, entitled "NUCLEAR POWER SOURCE, NUCLEAR BATTERY ASSEMBLY, AND A METHOD OF MANUFACTURE THEREOF," the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. [Background technology]

[0002] Radioisotope thermogenerators (RTGs) generate heat and convert it into electricity using a thermocouple. Pu-238 has been commonly used in RTGs because it has a desirable half-life of 87.7 years and generates heat by emitting alpha radiation, which rapidly slows down in the material surrounding the Pu. Furthermore, Pu-238 produces virtually no gamma radiation, and the slowing of alpha radiation also produces virtually no gamma radiation, minimizing the radiation shielding required for Pu-238-powered RTGs when used near people or radiation-sensitive electronics. However, challenges exist for using Pu-238 in RTGs. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present disclosure provides a nuclear power generation source including a radiation source layer, a first electrical insulator layer disposed on the radiation source layer, a first casing layer disposed on the first electrical insulator layer, a first electrode in contact with the radiation source layer, and a second electrode in contact with the first casing layer. The radiation source layer has a composition that can be configured to emit beta rays. The first casing layer includes a metal with an atomic number of 13 or less or a metal alloy having a main metal with an atomic number of 13 or less. When the radiation source layer emits beta rays, an electric potential is generated between the first electrode and the second electrode. The first electrical insulator layer has a thickness that reduces the average energy of beta rays from the radiation source layer in contact with the first casing layer, such that bremsstrahlung radiation emitted when the beta rays reach the first casing layer is reduced.

[0004] It should be understood that the invention described herein is not limited to the examples summarized in this Summary. Various other embodiments are described and illustrated herein. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0005] The features and advantages of the embodiments, as well as the manner in which they are achieved, will become apparent from the following description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which will provide a better understanding of the embodiments.

[0006] [Figure 1] 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of an example nuclear power source according to the present disclosure.

[0007] [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a detailed view of area A in FIG. 1.

[0008] [Figure 3] 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of an example nuclear battery assembly according to the present disclosure.

[0009] [Figure 4] 1 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for manufacturing a nuclear power source according to the present disclosure.

[0010] The exemplifications set forth herein illustrate particular examples in one aspect, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the examples in any way. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Certain exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described to provide a general understanding of the principles of composition, function, manufacture, and use of the compositions and methods disclosed herein. One or more exemplary embodiments of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that the compositions, articles, and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments, and that the scope of various embodiments of the present invention is defined only by the claims. Features shown or described in connection with one exemplary embodiment can be combined with features of other embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be within the scope of the present invention.

[0012] Throughout this specification, references to "various embodiments," "some embodiments," "one embodiment," "an embodiment," or "an embodiment" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in the embodiment. Thus, the use of phrases such as "in various embodiments," "in some embodiments," "in one embodiment," or "in one embodiment" in various places throughout this specification does not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in examples or embodiments. Thus, a particular feature, structure, or characteristic illustrated or described in connection with one embodiment can be combined, in whole or in part, with features, structures, or characteristics of another embodiment or other embodiments, without limitation. Such modifications and variations are intended to be encompassed within the scope of the present invention.

[0013] Typically, RTGs generate electrical energy solely from thermal energy produced by the moderation of alpha rays from plutonium-238. However, plutonium-238 can be an undesirable fuel. Furthermore, beta-emitting compositions have not been used because they can generate potentially undesirable beta rays, which can result in the emission of thermal bremsstrahlung (e.g., gamma rays), which requires undesirable, large radiation shielding layers. Furthermore, increasing the power density of RTGs has been difficult. Therefore, the present inventors provide a nuclear battery that can generate electrical energy directly from beta ray emissions without requiring a prior step to generate thermal energy from beta rays, thereby increasing the power density of RTGs and / or reducing electrical shielding requirements. In various embodiments, the nuclear battery can generate electrical energy directly from beta rays, bremsstrahlung, and thermal energy. Nuclear power sources and / or nuclear battery assemblies can reduce the size of radiation shielding layers and / or the size of casing layers by controlling the moderation of beta rays emitted from the radiation source layer.

[0014] Referring to FIG. 1 , an example of a nuclear power source 100 according to the present disclosure is provided. The nuclear power source 100 includes a radiation source layer 102, a first electrical insulator layer 104, a first casing layer 106, a first electrode 108, and a second electrode 110. The nuclear power source 100 can be configured as a battery plate, a rod, or other shape. In various embodiments, the nuclear power source 100 can be configured from a single battery plate, as shown in FIG. 1 . Alternatively, a nuclear battery assembly 300 can be configured from multiple battery plates 100a-100i, as shown in FIG. 3 . When the nuclear power source 100 is configured in a rod-like configuration (not shown), each of the layers 102, 104, and 106 can have a vertical cross-section as shown in FIG. 1 . The size of the nuclear power source 100 can be controlled to generate a desired amount of power.

[0015] The radiation source layer 102 comprises a composition that can be configured to emit beta radiation. For example, the radiation source layer 102 can be composed of thulium, a thulium isotope, strontium, a strontium isotope, or a combination thereof. In a particular example, the radiation source layer 102 comprises a strontium isotope that emits beta radiation, such as strontium fluoride.

[0016] The radiation source layer 102 can be plate-shaped or rod-shaped. The radiation source layer 102 can be manufactured with a thickness based on the desired amount of beta radiation emission. For example, with reference to FIG. 2, the radiation source layer 102 can be configured with a thickness t3 ranging from 0.5 mm to 5 mm, such as from 0.5 mm to 2 mm, or from 0.75 mm to 1.5 mm. The dimensions of the radiation source layer 102 can be sized to generate the desired amount of beta radiation and thereby generate power for the nuclear power source 100.

[0017] Referring again to FIG. 1 , the first electrical insulator layer 104 is disposed on the radiation source layer 102. For example, the first electrical insulator layer 104 can be in direct contact with and surround the radiation source layer 102. The first electrical insulator layer 104 can have a composition and thickness t2 suitable for creating a desired electrical resistance between the radiation source layer 102 and the first casing layer 106. For example, the thickness t2 can be suitable for reducing the amount of beta rays emitted from the radiation source layer 102 in contact with the first casing layer 106, such that the thermal bremsstrahlung radiation emitted when the beta rays reach the first casing layer 106 is reduced, thereby reducing the thickness t3 of the first casing layer 106. Referring to FIG. 2 , the thickness t2 can be in the range of 0.1 mm to 5 mm, for example, 0.1 mm to 2 mm, 0.2 mm to 1 mm, or 0.3 mm to 0.8 mm.

[0018] 1, the first electrical insulator layer 104 can be composed of a metal oxide. In various examples, the first electrical insulator layer 104 can include magnesium oxide, aluminum oxide, diamond, or a combination thereof. For example, the first electrical insulator layer 104 can include magnesium oxide.

[0019] The first casing layer 106 is disposed over the first electrical insulator layer 104. For example, the first casing layer 106 may be in direct contact with and surround the first electrical insulator layer 104. The first casing layer 106 may include a first portion 106a and an end portion 106b that seal (e.g., hermetically seal) the first electrical insulator layer 104 and the radiation source layer 102 within the first casing layer 106.

[0020] The first casing layer 106 has a composition and thickness configured to inhibit the passage of beta rays (e.g., slow down the beta rays) incident on the first casing layer 106. For example, the first casing layer 106 can be composed of a metal or metal alloy, such as a metal with an atomic number of 13 or less, or a metal alloy having a primary metal (e.g., the metal having the greatest mass % based on the total weight of the metal alloy) with an atomic number of 13 or less. In various examples, the first casing layer 106 can include aluminum, an aluminum alloy, magnesium, or a magnesium alloy. For example, the first casing layer 106 can include aluminum or an aluminum alloy. In examples where the first electrical insulator layer 104 has a thickness t2, the passage of beta rays incident on the first electrical insulator layer 104 is gradually slowed, thereby reducing the thermal bremsstrahlung radiation generated by the first casing layer 106. Therefore, the thickness t3 of the first casing layer 106 can be reduced. For example, referring to FIG. 2, the thickness t3 of the first casing layer 106 may range from 0.1 mm to 5 mm, such as, for example, from 0.5 mm to 3 mm, from 1 mm to 2 mm, or from 1.1 mm to 1.8 mm.

[0021] 1 , the first electrode 108 is in contact with the radiation source layer 102. The first electrode 108 may be electrically isolated from the first casing layer 106 and other conductive layers in the nuclear power source 100 other than the radiation source layer 102. In various embodiments, the first electrode 108 is configured as a positive electrode.

[0022] The second electrode 110 is in contact with the first casing layer 106. The second electrode 110 is electrically isolated from the radiation source layer 102 and may be electrically isolated from the radiation shielding layer in a nuclear battery assembly. In various embodiments, the second electrode 110 is configured as a negative electrode. By forming a circuit between the electrodes 108 and 110, electricity flows between the electrodes 108 and 110 when the radiation source layer 102 emits beta rays.

[0023] The beta rays emitted by the radiation source layer 102 can be used directly to generate electrical energy without first having to generate thermal energy. For example, the beta rays emitted by the radiation source layer 102 can pass through the first electrical insulator layer 104 to the first casing layer 106. The passage of the beta rays can create an electrical potential between the radiation source layer 102 and the first casing layer 106. For example, the beta rays are composed of electrons, which can travel to the first casing layer 106 and thereby generate an electrical output through the second electrode 110.

[0024] Thickness t2 creates the desired electrical resistance between the radiation source layer 102 and the first casing layer 106, while allowing the passage of beta rays through the first electrical insulator layer 104 so that a voltage potential can be established. Thus, due to the contact between the first electrode 108 and the radiation source layer 102 and the contact between the second electrode 110 and the first casing layer 106, an electrical potential is established between the first electrode 108 and the second electrode 110 when the radiation source layer 102 emits beta rays. Alpha ray emitters used in typical RTGs cannot achieve the desired electrical potential because alpha rays travel only a very short distance in solid materials.

[0025] Referring to Figure 3, an example of a nuclear power battery assembly 300 according to the present disclosure is provided. The nuclear power battery assembly 300 may be comprised of a source assembly 320, a container 322, and a lid 334. The source assembly 320 may be formed with a single nuclear power source 100a, at least two nuclear power sources 100a-100b, at least three nuclear power sources 100a-100c, at least four nuclear power sources 100a-100d, or at least nine nuclear power sources 100a-100i, as illustrated in Figure 3. Each nuclear power source 100a-100i may be the same or different and may be configured according to the nuclear power source 100.

[0026] The nuclear power sources 100a-100i in the source assembly 320 may be connected in a parallel electrical circuit such that the total current output by the nuclear cell assembly 300 is the sum of the nuclear power sources 100a-100i. The nuclear power sources 100a-100i may be adjacent to one another, and the first casing layers 106 of each nuclear power source 100a-100i may contact one another, thereby forming an electrical connection between the second electrodes 110 of each nuclear power source 100a-100i.

[0027] The container 322 may be comprised of a second electrical insulator layer 312 , a radiation shielding layer 314 , a third electrical insulator layer 316 , a second casing layer 318 , a third electrode 324 , and a fourth electrode 326 .

[0028] The second electrical insulator layer 312 is disposed over the source assembly 320. For example, the second electrical insulator layer 312 can be in direct contact with and surround the source assembly 320. The second electrical insulator layer 312 can have a composition and thickness suitable for providing a desired electrical resistance between the source assembly 320 and the radiation shielding layer 314 so as to prevent the radiation shielding layer 314 from interfering with the electrical potential generated within the source assembly 320. For example, the second electrical insulator layer 312 can be configured substantially according to the first electrical insulator layer 104. The second electrical insulator layer 312 can be thermally conductive. Thus, heat generated within the source assembly 320 due to the blocking of beta rays is conducted to the radiation shielding layer 314 or another layer.

[0029] The radiation shielding layer 314 is disposed on the second electrical insulator layer 312. For example, the radiation shielding layer 314 can be in direct contact with and surround the second electrical insulator layer 312. The radiation shielding layer 314 can have a composition and thickness suitable for inhibiting thermobremsstrahlung radiation (e.g., gamma rays) from penetrating the radiation shielding layer 314. For example, the radiation shielding layer 314 can comprise a metal or a metal alloy. In various examples, the radiation shielding layer 314 can be comprised of tungsten, a tungsten alloy, iron, an iron alloy (e.g., stainless steel), uranium, a uranium alloy, or a uranium compound. For example, the radiation shielding layer 314 can be comprised of tungsten or a tungsten alloy. The radiation shielding layer 314 can be in thermal communication with the source assembly 320. The radiation shielding layer 314 can generate thermal energy by inhibiting additional beta radiation and / or bremsstrahlung radiation from the source assembly 320 from passing through the radiation shielding layer 314 .

[0030] Utilizing a source assembly 320 that does not include individual radiation shielding layers around each of the nuclear power sources 100a-100i allows for a reduction in the size and weight of the nuclear power cell assembly 300. The radiation shielding layer 314 can capture bremsstrahlung radiation emitted from the source assembly 320. Beta radiation from one of the nuclear power sources 100a-100i can enter a different nuclear power source 100a-100i and interact with the first casing layer 106 of the different nuclear power source 100a-100i, thereby generating electricity and, optionally, thermal bremsstrahlung radiation. The thermal bremsstrahlung radiation can then be used by the vessel 322 to generate electricity.

[0031] The third electrical insulator layer 316 is disposed on the radiation shielding layer 314. For example, the third electrical insulator layer 316 may be in direct contact with and surround the radiation shielding layer 314. The third electrical insulator layer 316 may be configured with a composition and thickness suitable for creating a desired electrical resistance between the radiation shielding layer 314 and the second casing layer 318. For example, the third electrical insulator layer 316 may be configured substantially according to the first electrical insulator layer 104. The third electrical insulator layer 316 may be thermally conductive. Therefore, heat generated in the radiation shielding layer 314 can be conducted from the radiation shielding layer 314 to the second casing layer 318.

[0032] The second casing layer 318 is disposed on the third electrical insulator layer 316. For example, the second casing layer 318 can be in direct contact with and surround the third electrical insulator layer 316. The second casing layer 318 can be configured substantially according to the first casing layer 106. For example, the second casing layer 318 can be configured from a metal or metal alloy, such as a metal with an atomic number of 13 or less, or a metal alloy having a main metal with an atomic number of 13 or less.

[0033] 3, the third electrode 324 is in contact with the radiation shielding layer 314. The third electrode 324 may be electrically isolated from the second casing layer 318 and other conductive layers in the nuclear power cell assembly 300 other than the radiation shielding layer 314 and the radiation source layer 102. The third electrode 324 is in electrical communication with the first electrode 108 of each of the nuclear power sources 100a-100i. In various embodiments, the third electrode 324 is configured as a positive electrode.

[0034] The fourth electrode 326 is in contact with the second casing layer 318. The fourth electrode 326 is electrically insulated from the radiation shielding layer 314 and the radiation source layer 102. In various embodiments, the fourth electrode 326 is configured as a negative electrode. By forming a circuit between the electrodes 324 and 326, electricity flows between the electrodes 324 and 326 when the radiation source layer 102 emits beta rays. The fourth electrode 326 is in electrical communication with the second electrode 110 of each of the nuclear power sources 100a-100i. For example, the third electrode 324 and the fourth electrode 326 can be connected in a parallel electrical circuit with the source assembly 320 such that the total current output by the nuclear power cell assembly 300 can be the sum of the source assembly 320 and the container 322.

[0035] In various embodiments, the container 322 further includes a fourth electrical insulator layer 328 disposed on the second casing layer 318 and a casing layer 330 disposed on the fourth electrical insulator layer 328. For example, the fourth electrical insulator layer 328 can be in direct contact with and surround the second casing layer 318, and the casing layer 330 can be in direct contact with and surround the fourth electrical insulator layer 328. The fourth electrical insulator layer can be configured substantially according to the first electrical insulator layer 104, and the third casing layer 330 can be configured substantially according to the first casing layer 106. For example, the third casing layer 330 can be configured from a metal or a metal alloy, such as a metal with an atomic number of 13 or less, or a metal alloy having a primary metal with an atomic number of 13 or less.

[0036] The lid 334 can be configured to seal the source assembly 320 within the vessel 322. The lid 334 can have a composition corresponding to the casing layer 106 and can include an opening 336 for inserting the first electrode 106 of each nuclear power source 100a-100i therethrough or otherwise implementing an electrical connection for the first electrode 108 separate from the second electrode 110.

[0037] The nuclear power plant assembly 300 can include a thermal energy recovery device 332 configured to convert thermal energy into electrical energy. The thermal energy recovery device 332 can be in physical contact with a portion of the vessel 322, such as the radiation shielding layer 314. The thermal energy recovery device 332 can be configured to receive thermal energy from the radiation shielding layer 314 and convert the thermal energy into electrical energy. For example, the thermal energy recovery device 332 can include a thermocouple. In various embodiments, the thermal energy from the radiation shielding layer 314 can be recovered in a manner used by a typical RTG.

[0038] In various embodiments, the container 322 can include an insulating layer that can include fiberglass, silica, carbon, other thermal insulating materials, and combinations thereof.

[0039] As described herein, the nuclear battery assembly 300 can generate electrical energy directly from the emission of beta rays from the radiation source layer 102 to the casing layer 106 and the emission of thermal bremsstrahlung from the casing layer 106 to the radiation shielding layer 314 without recovering thermal energy. Additionally, the nuclear battery assembly 300 can generate electrical energy by converting thermal energy into electrical energy using a thermal energy recovery device 332. The nuclear battery assembly 300 can be configured to output at least 0.1 watts per cubic centimeter of volume of the nuclear battery assembly 300 from the electrodes 108, 110, 324, and 326, and the output amount can be, for example, at least 0.5 watts / cm, at least 1 watt / cm, at least 2 watts / cm, at least 10 watts / cm, at least 20 watts / cm, or at least 50 watts / cm.

[0040] Nuclear battery assembly 300 can be used in a variety of applications where a substantially constant power source is desired. Nuclear battery assembly 300 can be used to power computer and / or communication equipment in military equipment, unmanned vehicles such as airplanes, submarines, drones, and / or spacecraft, or civilian applications such as electric vehicles to provide longer driving range by powering auxiliary functions such as interior heating or cooling.

[0041] Powering unmanned vehicles also allows these vehicles to operate under conditions that would normally be unattainable: Because nuclear battery assembly 300 does not require air (e.g., oxygen) as opposed to being powered by currently used combustion engines, the vehicles can travel at higher altitudes and / or cooler temperatures.

[0042] The present disclosure also provides a method for manufacturing a nuclear power source. Referring to FIG. 4 , the method includes depositing a radiation source layer 102 in a mold in step 402, depositing a first electrical insulator layer 104 in the mold in step 404, and depositing a first portion 106a of a first casing layer 106 in the mold in step 406. These layers can be deposited in various orders, so long as the radiation source layer 102 is electrically insulated from the first portion 106a of the first casing layer 106 by the first electrical insulator layer 104 in the mold. In various embodiments, the first portion 106a of the first casing layer 106 can be deposited as a sheet material (e.g., aluminum or aluminum alloy sheet material), the first electrical insulator layer 104 can be deposited as a powder or sheet material (e.g., metal oxide powder or metal oxide sheet material), and the radiation source layer 102 can be deposited as a slurry, solution, or powder (e.g., a slurry of a strontium radioisotope).

[0043] The mold is compressed in step 408 to form the nuclear power source 100 having the radiation source layer 102, the first electrical insulator layer 104, and the first portion 106a of the first casing layer 106. In step 410, an edge portion 106b of the first casing layer 106 is formed on the nuclear power source 100 to seal (e.g., hermetically seal) the first electrical insulator layer 104 and the radiation source layer 102 within the nuclear power source 100. For example, forming the edge portion 106b can include welding the edge portion 106b onto the first portion 106a, crimping the first portion 106a to form the edge portion 106b, or a combination thereof.

[0044] The method includes, at step 412, placing a first electrode 108 in contact with the radiation source layer 102 and a second electrode 110 in contact with the first casing layer 106.

[0045] To manufacture nuclear battery assembly 300, one or more nuclear power sources 100a-100i can be stacked adjacent to one another to form source assembly 320. Container 322 can be manufactured separately from source assembly 320, and source assembly 320 can be placed within container 322 and sealed within container 322 by lid 334.

[0046] Various aspects of the invention according to this disclosure include, but are not limited to, those listed in the following numbered paragraphs:

[0047] Clause 1 A nuclear power source, a radiation source layer having a composition configured to emit beta radiation; a first electrical insulator layer disposed on the radiation source layer; a first casing layer disposed on the first electrical insulator layer, the first casing layer comprising a metal having an atomic number of 13 or less or a metal alloy having a primary metal having an atomic number of 13 or less; a first electrode in contact with the radiation source layer; a second electrode in contact with the first casing layer, wherein an electric potential is generated between the first electrode and the second electrode when the radiation source layer emits beta rays; It is equipped with the first electrical insulator layer has a thickness that reduces average energy of beta rays emitted from the radiation source layer in contact with the first casing layer so that thermal bremsstrahlung radiation emitted when the beta rays reach the first casing layer is reduced. Nuclear power generation sources.

[0048] Clause 2 10. The nuclear power source of claim 1, wherein the radiation source layer comprises thulium, a thulium isotope, strontium, a strontium isotope, or a combination thereof.

[0049] Clause 3 3. The nuclear power source of any one of clauses 1 to 2, wherein the first electrical insulator layer comprises a metal oxide, diamond, or a combination thereof.

[0050] Clause 4 4. The nuclear power source of any one of clauses 1 to 3, wherein the first casing layer comprises aluminum, an aluminum alloy, magnesium, or a magnesium alloy.

[0051] Clause 5 5. The nuclear power source of any one of clauses 1 to 4, wherein the radiation source layer comprises strontium fluoride, the first casing layer comprises aluminum or an aluminum alloy, and the first electrical insulator layer comprises magnesium oxide.

[0052] Clause 6 6. The nuclear power source of any one of clauses 1 to 5, wherein the first electrical insulator layer has a first thickness in the range of 0.1 mm to 5 mm, the first casing layer has a second thickness in the range of 0.1 mm to 5 mm, and the radiation source layer has a third thickness in the range of 0.5 mm to 5 mm.

[0053] Clause 7 1. A nuclear battery assembly comprising: a nuclear power source as defined in any one of clauses 1 to 6; A container and and the container comprises: a second electrical insulator layer disposed on the first casing layer of the nuclear power source; a radiation shielding layer disposed on the second electrical insulator layer; a third electrical insulator layer disposed on the radiation shielding layer; a second casing layer disposed on the third electrical insulator layer; a third electrode in contact with the radiation shielding layer and in electrical communication with the first electrode; a fourth electrode in contact with the second casing layer and in electrical communication with the second electrode; A nuclear battery assembly comprising:

[0054] Article 8 1. A nuclear battery assembly comprising: at least two nuclear power generating sources according to any one of clauses 1 to 6, the at least two nuclear power generating sources forming a source assembly and connected in a parallel electrical circuit; A container and and the container comprises: a second electrically insulating layer disposed over the source assembly; a radiation shielding layer disposed on the second electrical insulator layer; a third electrical insulator layer disposed on the radiation shielding layer; a second casing layer disposed on the third electrical insulator layer; a third electrode in contact with the radiation shielding layer, the third electrode being electrically connected to a first electrode of each of the at least two nuclear power sources; a fourth electrode in contact with the second casing layer and in electrical communication with a second electrode of each of the at least two nuclear power sources; A nuclear battery assembly comprising:

[0055] Article 9 The container further comprises: a fourth insulator layer disposed on the second casing layer; a third casing layer disposed on the fourth insulator layer; 9. A nuclear battery assembly according to any one of clauses 7 to 8, comprising:

[0056] Article 10 10. The nuclear battery assembly of any one of clauses 7 to 9, wherein the radiation shielding layer comprises tungsten, a tungsten alloy, iron, an iron alloy, uranium, or a uranium alloy.

[0057] Article 11 11. The nuclear battery assembly of any one of clauses 7 to 10, wherein the at least two nuclear power generating sources are adjacent to each other and the first casing layers of adjacent power generating sources are in contact with each other.

[0058] Article 12 12. The nuclear battery assembly of any one of clauses 7 to 11, wherein the radiation source layer is plate-shaped or rod-shaped.

[0059] Article 13 13. The nuclear battery assembly of any one of clauses 7 to 12, further comprising a thermal energy recovery device configured to convert thermal energy into electrical energy.

[0060] Article 14 14. The nuclear battery assembly of any one of clauses 7 to 13, wherein the first electrode is electrically insulated from the first casing layer and the second electrode is electrically insulated from the radiation source layer.

[0061] Article 15 15. The nuclear battery assembly of any one of clauses 7 to 14, wherein the nuclear battery assembly is configured to output at least 0.1 watts per cubic centimeter of volume of the nuclear battery assembly.

[0062] Article 16 1. A method of manufacturing a nuclear power source, comprising: depositing a radiation source layer in the mold, the radiation source layer having a composition configured to emit beta radiation; depositing a first electrical insulator layer within the mold; depositing a first portion of a first casing layer within the mold, the first portion of the first casing layer comprising a metal having an atomic number of 13 or less or a metal alloy having a base metal having an atomic number of 13 or less, the radiation source layer being electrically insulated from the first portion of the first casing layer by the first electrical insulator layer within the mold; compressing the mold to form a nuclear power source including the radiation source layer, the first electrical insulator layer, and the first portion of the first casing layer; forming an edge portion of the first casing layer over the nuclear power source and sealing the first electrical insulator layer and the radiation source layer within the nuclear power source; A method for providing the above.

[0063] Article 17 17. The method of claim 16, wherein forming the edge portion comprises welding the edge portion to the first part, crimping the first part to form the edge portion, or a combination thereof.

[0064] Article 18 18. The method of any one of clauses 16 to 17, wherein the first electrical insulator layer and the radiation source layer are sealed within the nuclear power source.

[0065] Article 19 disposing a first electrode in contact with the radiation source layer; placing a second electrode in contact with the first casing layer; 19. The method of any one of clauses 16 to 18, further comprising:

[0066] Article 20 20. The method of any one of clauses 16 to 19, wherein the first portion of the first casing layer is deposited as an aluminum or aluminum alloy sheet material, the first electrical insulator layer is deposited as a metal oxide powder or metal oxide sheet material, and the radiation source layer is deposited as a slurry, solution, or powder.

[0067] Various features and characteristics are described herein to provide an understanding of the composition, structure, manufacture, function, and / or operation of the invention, including the disclosed methods and systems. It is understood that the various features and characteristics of the invention described herein may be combined in any suitable manner, whether or not such features and characteristics are explicitly described in combination herein. The inventors and applicants expressly intend that multiple combinations of such features and characteristics are within the scope of the inventions described herein. Accordingly, the claims may be amended to recite any combination of any features and characteristics explicitly or inherently described herein or explicitly or inherently incorporated by this specification. Furthermore, applicants reserve the right to amend the claims to affirmatively disclaim features and characteristics that may exist in the prior art, even if those features and characteristics are not explicitly described herein. Accordingly, such amendments do not add new matter to the specification or claims and are subject to the requirements of description, sufficiency of description, and additional matter.

[0068] With respect to the appended claims, those skilled in the art will understand that the operations described therein may generally be performed in any order. Also, while various operational flows are shown in a sequence, it should be understood that various operations may be performed in an order other than that shown, or may be performed simultaneously. Examples of such alternative sequences include overlapping, interleaved, interrupted, reordered, incremental, preparatory, supplemental, concurrent, reversed, or other variations, unless the context dictates otherwise. Furthermore, the use of "responsive to," "in connection with," or other past tense adjective-type terms generally is not intended to exclude such variations, unless the context dictates otherwise.

[0069] The inventions described herein consist of, or consist essentially of, the various features and characteristics described herein. The terms "comprise" (and any of its tense and participle variations), "have" (and any of its tense and participle variations), "include" (and any of its tense and participle variations), and "contain" (and any of its tense and participle variations) are open-ended linking verbs. Thus, a method or system that "comprises," "has," "includes," or "contains" one or more features and / or characteristics has those features and / or characteristics, but is not limited to having only those features and / or characteristics. Similarly, a component, coating, or process that "comprises," "has," "includes," or "contains" one or more features and / or characteristics has those features and / or characteristics, but is not limited to having only those features and / or characteristics.

[0070] As used herein, including the claims, the grammatical articles "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include "at least one" or "one or more," unless otherwise indicated. Accordingly, articles are used herein to refer to one or more (i.e., "at least one") of the grammatical object of the article. By way of example, "a component" means one or more ingredients, and thus, perhaps one or more ingredients are contemplated and may be employed or used in the practice of the described compositions, coatings, and processes. Notwithstanding this, it is understood that the use of the terms "at least one" or "one or more" is used in some instances but not in others, and that the absence of such terms is not to be construed as limiting the object of the grammatical articles "a," "an," and "the" to one. Furthermore, the use of a singular noun includes the plural, and vice versa.

[0071] As used herein, unless otherwise indicated, all numerical parameters are understood to be prefaced and modified in all instances by the term "about," taking into account the inherent variability inherent in the underlying measurement techniques used to determine the numerical value of such parameters. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter set forth herein should at least be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques.

[0072] Numerical ranges recited herein include all subranges subsumed within the recited range. For example, a range of "1 to 10" includes all subranges between (and including) the implied minimum of "1" and the implied maximum of "10," i.e., all subranges having a minimum value of 1 or greater and a maximum value of 10 or less. Also, all ranges recited herein include the endpoints of the recited range. For example, a range of "1 to 10" includes the endpoints 1 and 10. Every maximum numerical limitation recited herein is intended to include every subnumerical limitation subsumed therein, and every minimum numerical limitation recited herein is intended to include every upper numerical limitation subsumed therein. Accordingly, applicants reserve the right to amend this specification, including the claims, to explicitly recite any subranges subsumed within any explicitly recited range. All such ranges are inherently described herein.

[0073] As used herein, particularly in reference to layers, the terms "on," "up," "onto," and variations thereof (e.g., "applied on," "formed on," "laminated on," "provided on," "located on," etc.) mean applied to, formed on, laminated on, provided on, or otherwise located on the surface of a substrate, but not necessarily in contact with the surface of the substrate. For example, a layer "applied on" a substrate does not exclude the presence of another layer or other layer of the same or different composition located between the applied layer and the substrate. Similarly, a second layer "applied on" a first layer does not exclude the presence of another layer or other layer of the same or different composition located between the applied second layer and the applied first layer.

[0074] Although particular embodiments of the present invention have been described above for purposes of illustration, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many changes in the details of the invention may be made without departing from the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A nuclear power source, a radiation source layer having a composition configured to emit beta radiation; a first electrical insulator layer disposed on the radiation source layer; a first casing layer disposed on the first electrical insulator layer, the first casing layer comprising a metal having an atomic number of 13 or less or a metal alloy having a base metal having an atomic number of 13 or less; a first electrode in contact with the radiation source layer; a second electrode in contact with the first casing layer, wherein an electric potential is generated between the first electrode and the second electrode when the radiation source layer emits beta rays; and It is equipped with the first electrical insulator layer has a thickness that reduces average energy of beta rays emitted from the radiation source layer in contact with the first casing layer so that thermal bremsstrahlung radiation emitted when the beta rays reach the first casing layer is reduced. Nuclear power generation sources.

2. 10. The nuclear power source of claim 1, wherein the radiation source layer comprises thulium, a thulium isotope, strontium, a strontium isotope, or a combination thereof.

3. 10. The nuclear power source of claim 1, wherein the first electrical insulator layer comprises a metal oxide, diamond, or a combination thereof.

4. 10. The nuclear power source of claim 1, wherein the first casing layer comprises aluminum, an aluminum alloy, magnesium, or a magnesium alloy.

5. 10. The nuclear power source of claim 1, wherein the radiation source layer comprises strontium fluoride, the first casing layer comprises aluminum or an aluminum alloy, and the first electrical insulator layer comprises magnesium oxide.

6. 2. The nuclear power source of claim 1, wherein the first electrical insulator layer has a first thickness in a range of 0.1 mm to 5 mm, the first casing layer has a second thickness in a range of 0.1 mm to 5 mm, and the radiation source layer has a third thickness in a range of 0.5 mm to 5 mm.

7. 1. A nuclear battery assembly comprising: The nuclear power generation source according to claim 1; A container and and the container comprises: a second electrical insulator layer disposed on the first casing layer of the nuclear power source; a radiation shielding layer disposed on the second electrical insulator layer; a third electrical insulator layer disposed on the radiation shielding layer; a second casing layer disposed on the third electrical insulator layer; a third electrode in contact with the radiation shielding layer and in electrical communication with the first electrode; a fourth electrode in contact with the second casing layer and in electrical communication with the second electrode; A nuclear battery assembly comprising:

8. 1. A nuclear battery assembly comprising:

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least two nuclear power sources form a source assembly and are connected in a parallel electrical circuit; A container and and the container comprises: a second electrically insulating layer disposed over the source assembly; a radiation shielding layer disposed on the second electrical insulator layer; a third electrical insulator layer disposed on the radiation shielding layer; a second casing layer disposed on the third electrical insulator layer; a third electrode in contact with the radiation shielding layer and electrically connected to a first electrode of each of the at least two nuclear power sources; a fourth electrode in contact with the second casing layer and in electrical communication with a second electrode of each of the at least two nuclear power sources; A nuclear battery assembly comprising:

9. The container further comprises: a fourth insulator layer disposed on the second casing layer; a third casing layer disposed on the fourth insulator layer; 9. The nuclear battery assembly of claim 8, comprising:

10. 9. The nuclear battery assembly of claim 8, wherein the radiation shielding layer comprises tungsten, a tungsten alloy, iron, an iron alloy, uranium, or a uranium alloy.

11. 9. The nuclear power cell assembly of claim 8, wherein the at least two nuclear power generating sources are adjacent to one another and the first casing layers of adjacent power generating sources contact one another.

12. 9. The nuclear battery assembly according to claim 8, wherein the radiation source layer is in the shape of a plate or a rod.

13. 10. The nuclear power battery assembly of claim 8, further comprising a thermal energy recovery device configured to convert thermal energy into electrical energy.

14. 9. The nuclear battery assembly of claim 8, wherein said first electrode is electrically insulated from said first casing layer and said second electrode is electrically insulated from said radiation source layer.

15. 9. The nuclear power cell assembly of claim 8, wherein said nuclear power cell assembly is configured to output at least 0.1 watts per cubic centimeter of volume of said nuclear power cell assembly.

16. 1. A method of manufacturing a nuclear power source, comprising: depositing a radiation source layer in the mold, the radiation source layer having a composition configured to emit beta radiation; depositing a first layer of electrical insulator within the mold; depositing a first portion of a first casing layer within the mold, the first portion of the first casing layer comprising a metal with an atomic number of 13 or less or a metal alloy having a base metal with an atomic number of 13 or less, the radiation source layer being electrically insulated from the first portion of the first casing layer by the first electrical insulator layer within the mold; compressing the mold to form a nuclear power source including the radiation source layer, the first electrical insulator layer, and the first portion of the first casing layer; forming an edge portion of the first casing layer over the nuclear power source and sealing the first electrical insulator layer and the radiation source layer within the nuclear power source; A method for providing the above.

17. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein forming the edge portion comprises welding the edge portion to the first part, crimping the first part to form the edge portion, or a combination thereof.

18. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the first electrical insulator layer and the radiation source layer are sealed within the nuclear power source.

19. disposing a first electrode in contact with the radiation source layer; placing a second electrode in contact with the first casing layer; 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising:

20. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the first portion of the first casing layer is deposited as an aluminum or aluminum alloy sheet material, the first electrical insulator layer is deposited as a metal oxide powder or metal oxide sheet material, and the radiation source layer is deposited as a slurry, solution, or powder.

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