Transparent Scintillator Nuclear Battery for Radiation-Hard Power Density

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional nuclear batteries face limitations in power density and durability due to the degradation of semiconductor materials when exposed to high energy beta or alpha particles, restricting their application to low power electrical uses and requiring scarce isotopes like promethium-147, which is not naturally occurring and requires complex separation processes.

Innovation Solution

A nuclear battery design incorporating a transparent scintillator material and a beta emitter with an end-point energy greater than 225 keV, where the scintillator material is positioned between the beta emitter and a photovoltaic portion to convert light into electricity, with sufficient thickness to protect the photovoltaic portion from radiation damage, and optionally using transparent shielding layers for enhanced protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If high energy beta or alpha particles are used to increase power density, then power density is improved, but semiconductor materials degrade rapidly due to radiation exposure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower densityVSAvoiddurability

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A scintillator layer is introduced as an intermediary between the beta emitter and photovoltaic portion. The scintillator converts high energy beta particles into photons, which then excite the photovoltaic material to generate electricity. This indirect conversion protects the photovoltaic portion from direct radiation damage while maintaining high power density capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces direct particle-to-electricity conversion (mechanical/physical interaction) with an optical intermediary process. Beta particles first convert to photons via scintillation, then photons convert to electricity via photovoltaic effect, substituting a more radiation-hardened optical pathway for direct semiconductor exposure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If thin semiconductor layers are used for direct conversion, then device complexity is reduced, but power density is limited to less than 20 μW/cm³

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidpower density

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a composite structure combining scintillator material and photovoltaic material in layered configuration. This composite approach enables indirect conversion of beta radiation through optical intermediaries, achieving power densities exceeding 20 μW/cm³ while maintaining relatively simple device architecture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the conversion mechanism parameter from direct beta-to-electricity conversion to indirect beta-to-photon-to-electricity conversion. This parameter change enables higher power density by utilizing scintillator materials with high radiation conversion efficiency coupled to photovoltaic materials

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Power

If scarce isotopes like promethium-147 are used, then power density is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases due to complex separation processes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower densityVSAvoidisotope availability

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the beta emitter parameter from requiring scarce isotopes like Pm-147 to using readily available high-energy beta emitters such as Sr-90/Y-90 or Ni-63. Combined with the indirect conversion mechanism, this enables high power density without complex chemical separation processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes expensive, scarce long-lived isotopes with more abundant, shorter-lived or easily separable beta emitters. The indirect conversion system maintains efficiency with these alternative isotopes, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 configuration enables a long-lived, high power density battery capable of sustained operation, resistant to radiation-induced degradation, and suitable for remote or long-term applications, leveraging radiation-hard scintillator materials like GYGAG(Ce) that maintain efficiency under high irradiation doses.

Implementation Method 1

a scintillator 122 converts kinetic energy from ionizing radiation 124 to photons 126 through excitation and emission

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectScintillation: Scintillation

Implementation Method 2

a photovoltaic portion configured to convert light emitted by the scintillator material to electricity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentUS12050291B2Indirect conversion nuclear battery using transparent scintillator material

Publication Date: 2024.07.30 LAWRENCE LIVERMORE NAT SECURITY LLC

AI summary

A product includes a transparent scintillator material, a beta emitter material having an end-point energy of greater than 225 kiloelectron volts (keV), and a photovoltaic portion configured to convert light emitted by the scintillator material to electricity. A thickness the scintillator material is sufficient to protect the photovoltaic portion from significant radiation damage.