Betavoltaic Power Source with Phosphor Mediator for Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current power sources utilizing radioactive materials, such as betavoltaic power sources, face limitations in storage density and efficiency due to self-absorption and mean free path constraints, which affect the conversion of beta particles into electrical energy.
Innovation Solution
A power source design that includes a substrate with a diffusion barrier and a carrier material within a hermetically sealed enclosure, where the radioactive material, such as tritium, diffuses and reacts with an oxide material to form tritium oxide, allowing for enhanced conversion of radiation particles into electrical energy through direct or indirect conversion methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If radioactive material is directly converted to electrical energy using semiconductor substrates, then conversion efficiency is improved, but storage density and service life are limited due to self-absorption and mean free path constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a phosphor layer as an intermediary between the radioactive material and the semiconductor substrate. The phosphor absorbs beta particles and converts them to visible or invisible light, which is then absorbed and converted into electricity by the photovoltaic device. This indirect conversion pathway resolves the contradiction by allowing the radioactive material to be contained at a distance from the semiconductor, eliminating self-absorption limitations while maintaining conversion efficiency through the phosphor mediator.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If radioactive material is contained within a substrate, then containment and safety are improved, but storage density decreases due to the substrate occupying volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds the radioactive material within the substrate structure, nesting it in a contained environment. The substrate acts as a container that holds the radioactive material while allowing beta particles to escape through controlled pathways. This nesting approach maintains safety containment while maximizing the amount of radioactive material that can be stored in a given volume, thereby improving storage density without compromising containment.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If phosphor layer is used for indirect conversion, then service life and long-term efficiency are improved, but initial conversion efficiency is lower compared to direct conversion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the phosphor layer parameters, including material composition, thickness, and optical properties, to maximize light emission efficiency. By carefully selecting phosphor materials with high beta particle absorption efficiency and appropriate emission wavelengths that match the photovoltaic device's spectral response, the system achieves high initial conversion efficiency while maintaining the long service life benefits of indirect conversion. The photovoltaic device parameters are also optimized to maximize light-to-electricity conversion.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design improves the volumetric conversion efficiency and longevity of power sources, offering high conversion efficiencies and cost-effectiveness, suitable for use in various devices including implantable medical devices and electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
radioactive material disposed within the substrate and adapted to emit radiation particles
Implementation Method 2
a diffusion barrier disposed over an outer surface of the substrate
Implementation Method 3
at least a portion of the radioactive material diffuses from the substrate and reacts with the carrier material to provide the radioactive particles
Implementation Method 4
Power sources such as radiation particle power converters can convert energy from a radioactive source that emits high-energy electrons, e.g., beta particles, into electrical energy
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of a power source and a method of forming such power source are disclosed. The power source can include an enclosure, a substrate disposed within the enclosure, and radioactive material disposed within the substrate and adapted to emit radioactive particles. The power source can further include a diffusion barrier disposed over an outer surface of the substrate, and a carrier material disposed within the enclosure, where the carrier material includes an oxide material.