Radioactive Perovskite Power Generation for Sunlight-Free Operation

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a robust, long-term, low-maintenance power supply alternative to photovoltaic or thermoelectric systems, particularly in harsh environments such as outer space, deep sea, and polar regions where sunlight is scarce or unavailable.

Innovation Solution

The development of charge or electricity generating devices utilizing perovskites with intrinsic radioactive isotopes, which incorporate a perovskite layer with a crystal lattice containing radioactive isotopes with a half-life of 100 days or more, allowing for direct electron-hole harvesting and generation of electricity through radioactive decay.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If photovoltaic power supply is used, then electricity can be generated in sunlight conditions, but it cannot function in harsh environments with little or no sunlight (outer space, deep sea, polar regions)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply reliability in harsh environmentsVSAvoidadaptability to different environmental conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the energy source parameter from solar-dependent (photovoltaic) to radioactive decay-based (perovskite with intrinsic radioactive isotopes). This parameter change enables the device to generate electricity through radioactive decay rather than sunlight, making it reliable in harsh environments where sunlight is unavailable while maintaining the core function of electricity generation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the radioactive decay property of intrinsic radioactive isotopes (which can be considered a harmful or dangerous property) to generate electricity. By converting this potentially harmful radioactive decay into a useful energy source, the device achieves reliable power supply in environments where conventional photovoltaic systems fail.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Duration of action of moving object

If thermoelectric power supply is used, then electricity can be generated from temperature differences, but it requires maintenance and has limited duration in long-term applications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational durationVSAvoidmaintenance requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The perovskite device with intrinsic radioactive isotopes is designed to be maintenance-free and self-sustaining. The radioactive decay process occurs automatically within the crystal lattice without requiring external intervention, maintenance, or replacement, enabling long-term continuous operation in harsh environments where access is difficult or impossible.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent achieves continuous electricity generation over extended periods through the sustained radioactive decay of isotopes with half-lives of 100 days or more. This continuous energy source eliminates the need for periodic maintenance or replacement, ensuring uninterrupted power supply for long-duration applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Duration of action of moving object

If solar farm is designed to work 24-hours a day, then continuous power supply is achieved, but it requires large scale infrastructure and cannot be small in size

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous operation capabilityVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of radioactive isotope containment, electron-hole pair generation, and electricity generation into a single integrated perovskite crystal lattice structure. This consolidation eliminates the need for large-scale separate components (such as multiple solar panels, batteries, and control systems required for 24-hour solar farms), achieving continuous power supply in a compact, miniaturized device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

These devices can generate charge or electricity reliably over long periods without the need for maintenance or sunlight, making them suitable for applications in harsh environments where traditional power sources are inadequate.

Implementation Method 1

at least a portion of the plurality of atoms within the crystal lattice of the perovskite comprise a radioactive isotope having a half-life of 100 days or more, wherein each radioactive isotope replaces one atom that is a non-radioactive counterpart of the radioactive isotope

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadioactive decay: Radioactive Decay