Apparatus, system, and method for generating electricity using an irradiator and other gamma-ray sources

Abstract

Disclosed herein are apparatus, systems, and methods for generating electricity using an irradiator (102) and other gamma radiation sources. In various aspects, an irradiator-based power generation device (100) is disclosed. The power generation device includes an emitter layer (104) configured to at least partially surround the irradiator (102) and including an emitter material configured to emit delta rays in response to exposure to gamma radiation, an electrical insulation layer (108) configured to surround the emitter layer (104) and including an electrical insulation material configured to transmit delta rays, and a current collector layer (110) configured to surround the electrical insulation layer (108) and including a current collector material configured to collect delta rays.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Cross-reference of related applications This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 153,628, “ELECTRIC POWER SUPPLY DEVICE CONSTRUCTED USING DEPLETED CO-60 SOURCES AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING AND USING SAME,” filed on 25 February 2021, which is incorporated in its entirety by reference under Section 119(e) of the U.S. Patent Act.

[0002] This disclosure relates, in general terms, to apparatus, systems, and methods for generating electricity using a gamma-ray source, such as a degraded cobalt-60 (Co-60) irradiator. The output generated by the apparatus, systems, and methods described herein may be in the form of electricity, heat, or a combination thereof. [Overview of the Initiative]

[0003] The following summary is intended to facilitate understanding of some of the innovative features specific to the embodiments disclosed herein, and is not intended to be a complete description. A comprehensive understanding of the various embodiments disclosed herein requires a comprehensive review of the entire specification, claims, and abstract.

[0004] Various embodiments of an irradiator-based power generation device are disclosed. In some embodiments, the irradiator-based power generation device comprises a radiator layer comprising a radiator material configured to at least partially surround an irradiator and configured to emit delta rays in response to exposure to gamma rays; an electrical insulating layer comprising an electrical insulating material configured to surround the radiator layer and configured to transmit delta rays; a current collector layer comprising a current collector material configured to surround the electrical insulating layer and configured to collect delta rays; a positive terminal connection electrically coupled to the irradiator, the radiator layer, or a combination thereof; and a negative terminal connection electrically coupled to the current collector layer.

[0005] Various embodiments of irradiator-based power generation systems are disclosed. In some embodiments, the irradiator-based power generation system includes a plurality of irradiator-based power generation devices. Each of the plurality of power generation devices comprises a device radiator layer comprising a device radiator material configured to at least partially surround an irradiator and configured to emit delta rays in response to exposure to gamma rays; a device electrical insulation layer comprising a device electrical insulation material configured to surround the device radiator layer and configured to transmit delta rays; a device current collector layer comprising a device current collector material configured to surround the device electrical insulation layer and configured to collect delta rays; a device positive terminal connection electrically coupled to the irradiator, the device radiator layer, or a combination thereof; and a device negative terminal connection electrically coupled to the device current collector layer. The irradiator-based power generation system may further include a system positive terminal connection electrically coupled to each of the device positive terminal connections of the plurality of power generation devices; and a system negative terminal connection electrically coupled to each of the device negative terminal connections of the plurality of power generation devices.

[0006] Various embodiments of irradiator-based power generation systems are disclosed. In some embodiments, the irradiator-based power generation system comprises a system radiator layer comprising a system radiator material configured to at least partially surround a plurality of irradiators and configured to emit delta rays in response to exposure to gamma rays; a system electrical insulation layer comprising a system electrical insulation material configured to surround the system radiator layer and configured to transmit delta rays; a system current collector layer comprising a system current collector material configured to surround the system electrical insulation layer and configured to collect delta rays; a system positive terminal connection electrically coupled to the system radiator layer; and a system negative terminal connection electrically coupled to the system current collector layer.

[0007] The above and other purposes, features and properties, methods of operation and function of the related structural elements, combinations of parts, and economics of manufacture of this disclosure will become clearer upon reading the following description and the attached claims with reference to the attached drawings, which all constitute part of this specification. The same reference numerals used in the various drawings refer to the corresponding components. However, it should be clearly understood that the attached drawings are for illustrative and explanatory purposes only and do not limit the scope of the embodiments disclosed herein. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] The various embodiments, purposes, and advantages described herein will be best understood by referring to the following description in conjunction with the attached drawings.

[0009] [Figure 1] This is an axial cross-sectional view of a power supply element, based on at least one non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure.

[0010] [Figure 2] This is a radial cross-sectional view of the power supply element of Figure 1, based on at least one non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure.

[0011] [Figure 3] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of an irradiator-based power generation device including an irradiator, based on at least one non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure.

[0012] [Figure 4] This is an exemplary partial cross-sectional view of an irradiator, based on at least one non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure.

[0013] [Figure 5] This is a schematic plan view of an irradiation-based power generation system including a plurality of irradiation-based power generation devices, based on at least one non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure.

[0014] [Figure 6]A schematic cross-sectional view of an illuminator-based power generation system of FIG. 5, based on at least one non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure.

[0015] [Figure 7] A schematic plan view of an illuminator-based power generation system including a plurality of illuminator light sources, based on at least one non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure.

[0016] [Figure 8] A schematic cross-sectional view of an illuminator-based power generation system of FIG. 7, based on at least one non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure.

[0017] The same reference numerals refer to corresponding parts throughout several views. It should be understood that the examples described in the present application show one form of various aspects of the present invention, and such examples do not limit the scope of any aspect of the present disclosure.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] A number of specific details are described to enable a deep understanding of the overall structure, function, manufacture, and use of the aspects as described in the present application and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Well-known operations, components, and elements are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the aspects described in the present application. It should be understood by the reader that the aspects described and illustrated in the present application are non-limiting examples, and thus the specific structural and functional details disclosed in the present application may be representative and exemplary. These embodiments may be modified and changed without departing from the scope of the claims of the present application.

[0019] In the following description, the same reference symbols refer to the same or corresponding parts throughout several views. Also, in the following description, terms such as front, rear, left, right, up, down, upward, downward, etc. are used for convenience and should not be construed in a limiting sense.

[0020] Radiation emitted from the fuel elements of a nuclear reactor can be used to produce radioactive materials. For example, by exposing cobalt-59 (also referred to as "Co-59" in this application), a non-radioactive isotope of cobalt, to radiation in the reactor core, cobalt-60 (also referred to as "Co-60" in this application) can be produced from cobalt-59. Cobalt-60 is used in a variety of applications in the nuclear industry and other industries.

[0021] In the context of the nuclear industry, cobalt-60 produced from cobalt-59 can be used to generate electricity for various operations of a nuclear reactor. For example, Figures 1 and 2 show axial and radial cross-sectional views of a power supply element 100 that generates electricity using cobalt-60, based on at least one non-limiting aspect of this disclosure. The main source of the current generated in the power supply element is scattered electrons due to the Compton and photoelectric effects, which are generated within the platinum coating 104 on the hollow cobalt-59 wire 102 by gamma rays generated from fission and fission products in the operating reactor core. After the power supply element 100 has been placed in the operating reactor core for a relatively short period during a typical reactor operating cycle, gamma rays and beta rays generated by the decay of cobalt-60, which occurs when cobalt-59 absorbs neutrons, begin to contribute additionally to the output current transmitted through the central conductor 106. Ultimately, the amount of cobalt-60 produced from cobalt-59 is sufficient to supply the current necessary to power various in-core instrumentation devices (not shown) even when the reactor is shut down or when the power supply element 100 is removed from the core. An insulating material 108, such as alumina insulating material, can be interposed between the outer sheath 110 and the platinum coating 104, and around the interface between the entire assembly and the outer sheath 110.

[0022] In another embodiment, the operating principle described above in relation to Figures 1 and 2 can be realized with other power element materials. Therefore, the concepts described herein are not limited to the use of cobalt-59 and cobalt-60. Power can also be generated using other materials that are not initially radioactive instead of cobalt-59. Power element 100 can be used in any type of reactor and can increase the operating efficiency of the reactor by generating electricity using radiation emitted from the reactor core. Additional details and applications relating to power element 100 are described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 10,438,708, entitled "IN-CORE INSTRUMENTATION THIMBLE ASSEMBLY," which is incorporated in whole by reference herein.

[0023] Cobalt-60 is sometimes produced at nuclear power plants for various uses outside the nuclear industry. For example, cobalt-60 can be used for sterilization of medical devices, irradiation for food preservation and hygiene, and many other purposes. Other gamma-ray emitting isotopes, such as cesium-137 (also referred to here as "Cs-137"), are similarly produced at nuclear power plants and used as irradiators. Therefore, the term "irradiator" as used here refers to a radioactive isotope that emits gamma rays. body It can mean any object containing a substance that possesses [that substance].

[0024] Cobalt-60 and other irradiated materials have many uses outside the nuclear industry, and therefore such materials may be produced at nuclear power plants for commercial purposes. These irradiated materials may have radioactivity of several thousand curies (Ci) when they are first manufactured. However, the radioactivity of these materials decays over time (for example, to a range of several hundred curies), and eventually, degraded irradiated materials lose their usefulness in some applications. In this application, the term "degraded irradiated material" means an irradiated material whose radioactivity has decreased compared to when it was first manufactured. In some aspects, a degraded irradiated material may have radioactivity between less than 15,000 Ci, less than 4,000 Ci, less than 3,000 Ci, less than 2,000 Ci, less than 1,500 Ci, less than 1,000 Ci, less than 500 Ci, between 500 and 15,000 Ci, between 500 and 3,000 Ci, between 500 and 2,500 Ci, between 500 and 2,000 Ci, between 500 and 1,500 Ci, between 500 and 1,000 Ci, between 50 and 2,000 Ci, between 50 and 1,000 Ci, about 500 Ci, about 1,000 Ci, about 1,500 Ci, about 2,000 Ci, about 2,500 Ci, and / or between 500 and 3,000 Ci.

[0025] Current regulations require the proper disposal or storage of degraded irradiated materials, which can be a significant economic burden for irradiated material manufacturers, such as those at nuclear power plants. These costs may, in some cases, ultimately outweigh the commercial benefits of producing cobalt-60 or other irradiated materials. Therefore, there is a need for apparatus, systems, and methods for subsequently using irradiated materials that have been degraded beyond their original purpose. This disclosure provides apparatus, systems, and methods for generating electricity using gamma-ray sources, including irradiated materials and degraded irradiated materials (e.g., degraded cobalt-60 irradiated materials).

[0026] Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an irradiator-based power generation device 200 including an irradiator 300, based on at least one non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure. In some aspects, the irradiator 300 may be a cobalt-60 irradiator. In other aspects, the irradiator 300 may be a degraded cobalt-60 irradiator. In yet another aspect, the irradiator 300 may be any irradiation source capable of emitting gamma rays, such as cesium-137.

[0027] The power generation device 200 includes a radiator layer 202, an electrical insulation layer 204, and a current collector layer 206. The irradiator 300 is slidably radiated. body It is inserted into layer 202 (207) or emitted in another manner. body It is placed within layer 202. The radiator layer 202 may include a radiator layer material. In one embodiment, the radiator layer material is a high-Z material with an atomic number greater than 30, and the atomic number of such material may be greater than, for example, 40, 50, 60, or 70. In another embodiment, the radiator layer material may be tungsten, other high-Z materials, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the radiator layer 202 is thinner than the current collector layer 206. Gamma rays emitted from the irradiator 300 can interact with the radiator layer 202 to emit delta rays (i.e., high-energy electrons). Delta rays can be generated based on scattering by the Compton and photoelectric effects, similar to the principles employed in the power supply elements described above with respect to Figures 1 and 2.

[0028] Referring further to Figure 3, the electrical insulating layer 204 may be in contact with and / or surround the radiator layer 202. Furthermore, the electrical insulating layer 204 may contain an electrical insulating material such as magnesium oxide. The electrical insulating layer 204 can be configured as a thin layer so that delta rays emitted from the radiator layer 202 can pass through the electrical insulating layer 204.

[0029] The current collector layer 206 may be in contact with and / or surround the electrical insulation layer 204. The current collector layer 206 can be configured as an outer sheath containing a material configured to capture delta rays passing through the electrical insulation layer 204, such material may be, for example, a metallic material configured to capture delta rays. The delta rays captured by the current collector layer 206 create a potential difference between the irradiator 300 and the current collector layer 206.

[0030] The power generation device 200 may include a shielding cover 208 which is attached to the current collector layer 206 by screwing, welding, or other means (209). The shielding cover 208 may contain the same material as the current collector layer 206 and may be in electrical contact with the current collector layer 206. The shielding cover 208 includes a positive terminal connection 210 that penetrates through it. The positive terminal connection 208 is in electrical contact with the irradiator 300 and is insulated from the shielding cover 208 (204). The power generation device may also include a negative terminal connection 212 which is in electrical contact with the current collector layer 206. Thus, the potential difference between the current collector layer 206 and the irradiator 300 can be used to generate a current determined by the load resistor 214. In this way, power generation using the irradiator 300 is made possible by using the power generation device 200.

[0031] The delta rays collected by the current collector layer 206 may generate heat within the current collector layer 206. This heat can be collected using the heat collection connection 216. The collected thermal energy can be used to generate electricity by thermoelectric conversion.

[0032] Referring further to Figure 3, in some embodiments, the power generation device 200 may include an electrical insulation layer 204 and a current collector layer 206 without a radiator layer 202. In this embodiment, the irradiator 300 may be placed in or otherwise fixed within a tube or similar housing made of a thin layer of a high-Z material with an atomic number greater than 30, such as tungsten (not shown in Figure 3), and the atomic number of such material may be greater than, for example, 40, 50, 60, or 70. Such a configuration of the power generation device 200 may simplify the tube configuration required for collecting power. Furthermore, such a configuration of the power generation device 200 allows for easy replacement of the irradiator 300 when its radioactivity falls below a useful level.

[0033] Figure 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of an exemplary irradiation body 300 based on at least one non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure. The irradiation body 300 includes an irradiation material 302. The irradiation material 302 may be any material having a radioactive isotope capable of emitting gamma rays, such as cobalt-60 or cesium-137. In some embodiments, the irradiation body 300 may be a degraded irradiation body, such as an irradiation body previously used for sterilization of medical devices, for irradiating food for preservation and hygiene purposes, or for other purposes. For example, the irradiation body 300 may be similar to an irradiation capsule manufactured by Nordion. Although the irradiation body 300 may be a degraded irradiation body, even at the end of its service life for its original purpose (medical sterilization, food irradiation, etc.), the gamma-ray radioactivity level of the degraded irradiation body is expected to be several hundred curies. Even with this level of radioactivity, when applied to the power generation device 200 described above in relation to Figure 3, it is possible to generate a current of several milliamperes or more per unit length. Furthermore, as detailed below with reference to Figures 6-8, the desired electrical output can be obtained using the power generation systems 400 and / or 500 by grouping multiple power generation devices and / or irradiators. In another embodiment, the irradiator 300 does not have to be a degraded irradiator. For example, an irradiator 300 manufactured at a nuclear power plant can be used directly in the power generation devices and systems described in this application.

[0034] Continuing to refer to Figure 4, the irradiator 300 may include an inner capsule 304 configured to contain the material to be irradiated 302. Furthermore, the irradiator 300 may include a main tube 306 and end caps surrounding the inner capsule 304. In some embodiments, the irradiator 300 may include one or more spacers 310 between the material to be irradiated 302, the inner capsule 304, and / or the end caps 308, as necessary to secure the material to be irradiated 302.

[0035] Figures 5 and 6 are schematic diagrams of an irradiator-based power generation system 400 comprising a plurality of irradiator-based power generation devices 200, based on at least one non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure. Figure 5 is a plan view of the power generation system 400, and Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view AA of the power generation system 400. Referring mainly to Figures 5 and 6, and also to Figure 3, the power generation system 400 obtains a desired power level by grouping a plurality of irradiator-based power generation devices 200. The power generation system 400 includes an array of power generation devices 200, where each of the positive terminal connectors 210 of a power generation device 200 is coupled to a positive terminal connector 402 of the power generation system 400. Although 64 power generation devices 200 are depicted in Figure 5, any number of power generation devices 200 can be used in the power generation system 400. The power generation system 400 may also include a current collector layer 404 and a shielding cover 406, the shielding cover 406 being placed on the current collector layer 404 or otherwise attached to the current collector layer 404 (407). With the attachment of the shielding cover 406 to the current collector layer 404 (407), the positive terminal connection 402 may penetrate the shielding cover 406. The current collector layer 404 and the shielding cover 406 may be made of materials similar to those of the current collector layer 206 described above. The current collector layer 404 may be electrically coupled to the shielding cover. Furthermore, the negative terminal connection 212 of the power generation device 200 may be electrically coupled to the current collector layer 404 and / or the shielding cover 406. The shielding cover 406 may include a negative terminal connection 408. Furthermore, the positive terminal connection 402 may be electrically insulated from the shielding cover 406. In this way, the power generation system 400 can be configured to electrically connect each of the power generation devices 200 in parallel, thereby obtaining a power level higher than the power level of each individual power generation device 200.

[0036] Continuing to refer primarily to Figures 5 and 6, and also to Figure 3, the power generation system 400 may include a radiator layer 410 and an electrical insulation layer 412. The radiator layer 410 and the electrical insulation layer 412 may be the same as those of the radiator layer 202 and the electrical insulation layer 204, respectively. Therefore, when gamma rays are emitted from any of the individual power generation devices 200, this can trigger the emission of delta rays from the radiator layer 410. The delta rays emitted from the radiator layer 410 pass through the electrical insulation layer 412 and are collected by the current collector layer 404. This creates a potential difference between the current collector layer 404 and the radiator layer 410. Therefore, by including a positive terminal connector 402 coupled to the radiator layer, the power generation system 400 can utilize the gamma rays emitted from the individual power generation devices 200 to generate additional power.

[0037] The delta rays collected by the current collector layer 404 may generate heat within the current collector layer 404. This heat can be collected using the heat collection connection section 414 and used to generate electricity by thermoelectric conversion.

[0038] Figures 7 and 8 schematically illustrate an irradiator-based power generation system 500 including a plurality of irradiators 300, based on at least one non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure. Figure 7 is a plan view of the power generation system 500, and Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view BB of the power generation system 500. Referring mainly to Figures 7 and 8, and also to Figure 4, the power generation system 500 generates electricity by grouping a plurality of irradiators 300. Although 64 irradiators are depicted in Figures 7 and 8, any number of irradiators 300 can be used in the power generation system 500. The irradiators 300 in the power generation system 500 are housed in a radiator layer 510, an electrical insulation layer 512, and a current collector layer 504. The radiator layer 510, the electrical insulation layer 512, and the current collector layer 504 may be the same as the radiator layer 202, the electrical insulation layer 204, and the current collector layer 206 described with respect to Figure 3, respectively. The power generation system 500 may include a shielding cover 506 configured to be placed on the current collector layer 504 or otherwise attached to the current collector layer 504 (507). The shielding cover 506 can be made of the same material as the current collector layer 504. Thus, gamma rays emitted by the irradiator 300 may cause the emission of delta rays from the radiator layer 510. The delta rays emitted from the radiator layer 510 pass through the electrical insulation layer 512 and are collected by the current collector layer 504. This creates a potential difference between the current collector layer 504 and the radiator layer 510.

[0039] Continuing to refer to Figures 7 and 8, the power generation system 500 may include a positive terminal connector 502 coupled to the radiator layer 510 and a negative terminal connector 508 coupled to the shielding cover 506. Similar to the positive terminal connector 402 described above with respect to the power generation system 400 in Figures 5 and 6, the positive terminal connector 502 may penetrate the shielding cover 506 (509) and be electrically insulated from the shielding cover 506. In this way, the power generation system 500 can be configured to generate power from gamma rays emitted from individual irradiators.

[0040] The delta rays collected by the current collector layer 504 may generate heat within the current collector layer 504. This heat can be collected using the heat collection connection 514 and used to generate electricity by thermoelectric conversion.

[0041] The power generation capabilities of various power generation devices and systems described in this application are illustrated by the following examples.

[0042] [Example 1] The radioactivity of a degraded cobalt-60 irradiated material is generally 500 to 2,000 curies (Ci). For calculation convenience, the radioactivity of the source was assumed to be approximately 1,000 Ci. According to data provided by Mirion IST, the cobalt-60 gamma-ray sensitivity of a tungsten self-powered detector (SPD) is 9 × 10⁻¹⁶. -18 A / (R / hr) / mm 2 That concludes the explanation. For the sake of convenience in this calculation, the sensitivity of the tungsten layer (SPD) is approximately 9 × 10⁻⁶. -18 A / (R / hr) / mm 2 This was assumed. To calculate the current generated by a device similar to the power generation device 200 described above, the gamma (γ) dose rate (R / hr) associated with the cobalt-60 irradiator source is required. Using the radiation shielding calculation tool RadPro, the gamma (γ) ray dose rate (R) at an assumed distance of 1 mm from cobalt-60 with radioactivity of 1,000 Ci was calculated as R = 1.3 × 10⁻⁶ 11 R / hr was obtained.

[0043] In this calculation, the surface area of ​​the tungsten layer surrounding the cobalt-60 irradiator (exemplary radiator layer 202) is also needed to calculate the total current. It was assumed that the surface area of ​​the tungsten layer surrounding the Co-60 source is the same as the surface area of ​​the irradiator over the length containing the Co-60 pellet. The surface area (A) of the tungsten layer surrounding the Co-60 source is A = π·D·L = π·(9.65)·(406) = 12,308.4 mm² 2 This is how it is calculated.

[0044] Using the sensitivity information of the tungsten SPD, the expected electron flow (I γ ) is I γ=(9×10 -18 )(1.3×10 11 ) can be calculated using the relational expression of 0.0144 A / device [1,000 Ci] = (9×10

[0045] When R is adjusted to operate at 125 V, the corresponding power (P) is calculated as P = V·I = (125)(0.0144) = 1.8 W.

[0046] [Example 2] Therefore, when individual power generation devices are combined to form a power generation system as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, it is calculated that 1 kW of power can be generated using 556 capsule-encapsulated Co-60 radiation sources operating at 125 V. In this example, the power generation system fits within a structure that is approximately a square with sides of about 25 inches and a height of about 12 inches.

[0047] [Example 3] In the power generation systems shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, since the individual cobalt-60 irradiators are not encapsulated within the power generation devices, the contribution from the cobalt-60 radiation sources located outside the outer edges of the source array may be substantially lost. However, the dose rate received by the tungsten layer is essentially the same as the dose rate of tungsten in the encapsulated design, and R = 1.3×10 11 R / hr.

[0048] In the example of using a box with dimensions of 25 inches × 25 inches × 12 inches, the effective area of the box is 1.593×10 6 mm 2 (side + top + bottom).

[0049] The value of the electron current (I γ ) can be calculated by the formula I γ =(9×10 -18 )(1.3×10 11 )(1.593×10 6 ) = 1.86 A.

[0050] If R is adjusted to operate at 125V, the corresponding power (P) is calculated as P = V·I = (125)(1.86) = 232.5W.

[0051] In summary, the enclosed designs in Examples 1 and 2 can produce 1 kW from a 25-inch x 25-inch x 12-inch structure. An additional 232.5 W of power can be obtained using the illustrated box structure designs, including the gamma-ray collection design (similar to the power generation systems in Figures 5 and 6). As described in Example 3, if only the illustrated gamma-ray collection box is used and the cobalt-60 irradiator source is not encapsulated, approximately 232.5 W of power can be obtained from a 25-inch x 25-inch x 12-inch box.

[0052] [Example 4] Another approach involves placing the cobalt-60 irradiator in a tube made of a high-Z metal material such as tungsten, and then placing the tube containing the irradiator into a power generation device similar to the power generation device 200 in Figure 3, but without the radiator layer 202. This approach could potentially simplify the structure of the power generation device and the tube configuration necessary for collecting electricity. In principle, this method allows for easy replacement of the Co-60 source, which is the core of the device, when the radioactivity drops below a useful level.

[0053] Various embodiments of the power generation device and power generation system described in this application are presented in the following sections.

[0054] [Clause 1] An irradiator-based power generation device comprising: a radiator layer configured to at least partially surround an irradiator and comprising a radiator material configured to emit delta rays in response to exposure to gamma rays; an electrical insulating layer configured to surround the radiator layer and comprising an electrical insulating material configured to transmit delta rays; a current collector layer configured to surround the electrical insulating layer and comprising a current collector material configured to collect delta rays; a positive terminal connection electrically coupled to the irradiator, the radiator layer, or a combination thereof; and a negative terminal connection electrically coupled to the current collector layer.

[0055] [Clause 2] The power generation device of Clause 1, further comprising an irradiator.

[0056] [Clause 3] The power generation device according to any one of Clauses 1 to 2, comprising an irradiator that has been degraded.

[0057] [Clause 4] The power generation device according to any one of Clauses 1 to 3, wherein the irradiator includes cobalt-60, cesium-137, or a combination thereof.

[0058] [Clause 5] The power generation device according to any one of Clauses 1 to 4, wherein the radiator material includes tungsten.

[0059] [Clause 6] The power generation device according to any one of Clauses 1 to 5, wherein the electrical insulating material contains magnesium oxide.

[0060] [Clause 7] The power generation device according to any one of Clauses 1 to 6, further comprising a heat capture connection.

[0061] [Clause 8] An irradiator-based power generation system comprising a plurality of irradiator-based power generation devices, each of the plurality of power generation devices comprising: a device radiator layer comprising a device radiator material configured to at least partially surround an irradiator and configured to emit delta rays in response to exposure to gamma rays; a device electrical insulation layer comprising a device electrical insulation material configured to surround the device radiator layer and configured to transmit delta rays; a device current collector layer comprising a device current collector material configured to surround the device electrical insulation layer and configured to collect delta rays; a device positive terminal connection electrically coupled to the irradiator, the device radiator layer, or a combination thereof; and a device negative terminal connection electrically coupled to the device current collector layer, wherein the irradiator-based power generation system further comprises a system positive terminal connection electrically coupled to each of the device positive terminal connections of the plurality of power generation devices; and a system negative terminal connection electrically coupled to each of the device negative terminal connections of the plurality of power generation devices.

[0062] [Clause 9] A power generation system according to Clause 8, comprising: a system radiator layer comprising a system radiator material configured to at least partially surround the plurality of irradiator-based power generation devices and configured to emit delta rays in response to exposure to gamma rays; a system electrical insulating layer comprising a system electrical insulating material configured to surround the system radiator layer and configured to transmit delta rays; and a system current collector layer comprising a system current collector material configured to surround the system electrical insulating layer and configured to collect delta rays, wherein the system current collector layer is electrically coupled to the system negative terminal connection.

[0063] [Clause 10] The power generation system according to any one of Clauses 8 to 9, wherein the system radiator material includes tungsten.

[0064] [Clause 11] The power generation system according to any one of Clauses 8 to 10, wherein the system electrical insulating material comprises magnesium oxide.

[0065] [Clause 12] The power generation system according to any one of Clauses 8 to 11, further comprising a system heat capture connection.

[0066] [Clause 13] The power generation system according to any one of Clauses 8 to 12, wherein each of the plurality of power generation devices comprises the irradiator.

[0067] [Clause 14] The power generation system according to any one of Clauses 8 to 13, comprising an irradiator that has been degraded.

[0068] [Clause 15] The power generation system according to any one of Clauses 8 to 14, wherein the irradiator includes cobalt-60, cesium-137, or a combination thereof.

[0069] [Clause 16] An irradiator-based power generation system comprising: a system radiator layer comprising a system radiator material configured to at least partially surround a plurality of irradiators and configured to emit delta rays in response to exposure to gamma rays; a system electrical insulating layer comprising a system electrical insulating material configured to surround the system radiator layer and configured to transmit delta rays; a system current collector layer comprising a system current collector material configured to surround the system electrical insulating layer and configured to collect delta rays; a system positive terminal connection electrically coupled to the system radiator layer; and a system negative terminal connection electrically coupled to the system current collector layer.

[0070] [Clause 17] The power generation system according to Clause 16, wherein the system radiator material includes tungsten.

[0071] [Clause 18] The power generation system according to any one of Clauses 16 to 17, wherein the system electrical insulating material comprises magnesium oxide.

[0072] [Clause 19] The power generation system according to any one of Clauses 16 to 18, further comprising a system heat capture connection.

[0073] [Clause 20] The power generation system according to any one of Clauses 16 to 19, further comprising a plurality of the irradiators.

[0074] Those skilled in the art will understand that, generally, the terms used in this application, particularly in the attached claims (e.g., the main body of the attached claims), are intended to be "open" terms (for example, the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" as "having at least," and the term "includes" as "including but not limited to"). Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that if a specific number is intended to be stated in an introduced claim, such intention is explicitly stated in that claim, and if such statement is not present, such intention does not exist. For example, to aid understanding, the attached claims may use the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to lead to the matters to be stated in the claims. However, the use of such phrases should not be interpreted as suggesting that any particular claim containing such introduced claims is limited to claims containing only one such item, even if the indefinite article "a" or "an" is included in the same claim along with an introductory phrase such as "one or more" or "at least one" (for example, "a" and / or "an" should generally be interpreted as meaning "at least one" or "one or more"). The same applies when a definite article is used to introduce a claim.

[0075] Furthermore, even if a specific number is explicitly stated in the description of the introduced claim, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that such a description should generally be interpreted as meaning "at least the number described" (for example, when "two recitations" is described without other modifiers, it usually means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). In addition, in cases where a conventional expression similar to "at least one of A, B, and C" is used, such a construction is usually intended in a sense that those skilled in the art would understand (for example, "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" includes, but is not limited to, systems having only A, only B, only C, both A and B, both A and C, both B and C, and / or all of A, B and C). Furthermore, in instances where conventional expressions similar to “at least one of A, B, or C” are used, such constructions are usually intended to be understood in a way that a person skilled in the art would understand the conventional expression (for example, “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” includes, but is not limited to, systems having only A, only B, only C, both A and B, both A and C, both B and C, and / or all of A, B and C). Generally, disjunctive words and / or phrases representing two or more selective terms, wherever they appear in the specification, claims, or drawings, should be understood to construed as constituting the possibility of including one of those terms, either of those terms, or both of those terms, unless the context should dictate otherwise. For example, the phrase “A or B” would generally be understood to include the possibilities of “A,” “B,” or “A and B.”

[0076] It is worth noting that references to “one aspect,” “an aspect,” “an exemplification,” and “one exemplification” mean that the specific features, structures, or properties described in relation to that aspect are included in at least one aspect. Therefore, the phrases “in one aspect,” “in an aspect,” “in an exemplification,” and “in one exemplification,” which appear in various places throughout this application, do not necessarily all refer to the same aspect. Furthermore, specific features, structures, or properties can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more aspects.

[0077] Any patent application, patent, non-patent publication, or other disclosure material referenced in this Application and / or listed in any application data sheet is incorporated by reference to the extent that the incorporated material does not contradict this Application. To that extent, disclosures expressly stated in this Application shall take precedence over any material incorporated by reference that contradicts them. Any existing definitions, views, or other disclosures contained in this Application that contradict them or any part thereof are incorporated by reference, but only to the extent that the incorporated material does not contradict the existing disclosures.

[0078] The words "comprise" and its derivatives (e.g., "comprises," "comprising"), "have" and its derivatives (e.g., "has," "having"), "include" and its derivatives (e.g., "includes," "including"), and "contain" and its derivatives (e.g., "contains," "containing") are non-restrictive linking verbs. That is, a system that "comprises," "has," "includes," or "contains" one or more elements has, but is not limited to having only, those one or more elements. Similarly, an element of a system, device, or apparatus that "comprises," "has," "includes," or "contains" one or more features has, but is not limited to having only, those one or more features.

[0079] As used in this disclosure, the terms “substantially,” “about,” or “approximately” mean, unless otherwise specified, a tolerance for a particular value as determined by those skilled in the art, which depends in part on how the value is measured or determined. In certain embodiments, the terms “substantially,” “about,” or “approximately” mean within a range of 1, 2, 3, or 4 times the standard deviation. In certain embodiments, the terms “substantially,” “about,” or “approximately” mean within a range of 50%, 20%, 15%, 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1%, 0.5%, or 0.05% from a given value.

[0080] In summary, we have described the many advantages that can be obtained by adopting the concepts described herein. The above descriptions relating to one or more forms are presented for illustrative and explanatory purposes and are not intended to exhaustively or restrictively represent the exact forms disclosed. Modifications or alterations are possible in light of the above teachings. The one or more forms are selected and described to illustrate the principle and practical applications, thereby making various forms, along with various modifications, available to those skilled in the art for use in specific applications that may be conceived. The overall scope is intended to be defined by the claims presented herein.

Claims

1. A power generation device based on an irradiator, A radiator layer comprising a radiator material configured to emit delta rays in response to exposure to gamma rays, wherein the radiator layer is configured to slidably receive an irradiator containing a gamma-ray emitting radioactive isotope and to at least partially surround the irradiator, An electrical insulating layer comprising an electrical insulating material configured to surround the radiator layer and to allow delta rays to pass through, A current collector layer comprising a current collector material configured to surround the electrical insulating layer and to collect delta rays, A positive terminal connection portion electrically coupled to the irradiator, the radiator layer, or a combination thereof, A power generation device based on an irradiator, comprising a negative terminal connection portion electrically coupled to the current collector layer.

2. The power generation device according to claim 1, wherein the irradiator is in the form of a capsule comprising the radioactive isotope and received by the radiator layer.

3. The power generation device according to claim 2, comprising an irradiating body that has been degraded.

4. The power generation device according to claim 2, wherein the irradiating element includes cobalt-60, cesium-137, or a combination thereof.

5. The power generation device according to claim 1, wherein the radiator material includes tungsten.

6. The power generation device according to claim 1, wherein the electrical insulating material contains magnesium oxide.

7. The power generation device according to claim 1, further comprising a heat collection connection section that collects heat from the current collector layer and provides it to a generator by thermoelectric conversion.

8. A radiation-based power generation system comprising multiple radiation-based power generation devices, Each of the multiple power generation devices is A device radiator layer comprising a device radiator material configured to at least partially surround an irradiator and configured to emit delta rays in response to exposure to gamma rays, A device electrical insulating layer comprising a device electrical insulating material configured to surround the device radiator layer and to transmit delta rays, A device current collector layer comprising a device current collector material configured to surround the device electrical insulation layer and to collect delta rays, A device positive terminal connection portion electrically coupled to the irradiator, the device radiator layer, or a combination thereof, The device comprises a device negative terminal connection portion electrically coupled to the device current collector layer, The irradiator-based power generation system further, A system positive terminal connection portion is electrically coupled to each of the device positive terminal connection portions of the plurality of power generation devices, An irradiation-based power generation system characterized by comprising a system negative terminal connection portion electrically coupled to each of the device negative terminal connection portions of the plurality of power generation devices.

9. A power generation system according to claim 8, A system radiator layer comprising a system radiator material configured to at least partially surround the plurality of irradiator-based power generation devices and configured to emit delta rays in response to exposure to gamma rays, A system electrical insulating layer comprising a system electrical insulating material configured to surround the system radiator layer and to allow delta rays to pass through, A power generation system comprising a system current collector layer including a system current collector material configured to surround the system electrical insulating layer and to collect delta rays, wherein the system current collector layer is electrically coupled to the system negative terminal connection portion.

10. The power generation system according to claim 9, wherein the system radiator material includes tungsten.

11. The power generation device according to claim 9, wherein the system electrical insulating material contains magnesium oxide.

12. The power generation system according to claim 9, further comprising a system heat collection connection section that collects heat from the system current collector layer and provides it to a generator by thermoelectric conversion.

13. The power generation system according to claim 8, wherein each of the plurality of power generation devices is equipped with the irradiating body.

14. The power generation system of claim 13, comprising an irradiating body that has been degraded.

15. The power generation system of claim 13, wherein the irradiating element includes cobalt-60, cesium-137, or a combination thereof.

16. A power generation system based on an irradiator, A system radiator layer comprising a system radiator material configured to at least partially surround multiple irradiators and configured to emit delta rays in response to exposure to gamma rays, A system electrical insulating layer comprising a system electrical insulating material configured to surround the system radiator layer and to allow delta rays to pass through, A system current collector layer comprising a system current collector material configured to surround the system electrical insulation layer and to collect delta rays, The system positive terminal connection part is electrically coupled to the system radiator layer, A power generation system based on an irradiator, comprising a system negative terminal connection part electrically coupled to the system current collector layer.

17. The power generation system according to claim 16, wherein the system radiator material includes tungsten.

18. The power generation device according to claim 16, wherein the system electrical insulating material contains magnesium oxide.

19. The power generation system according to claim 16, further comprising a system heat collection connection section that collects heat from the system current collector layer and provides it to a generator by thermoelectric conversion.

20. The power generation system according to claim 16, further comprising a plurality of the irradiating bodies.

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