Idea was introduced in 1950 and

patented to Tracer Lab.

Radioisotope electric power system
developed by Paul Brown.
He organized an approach to harness
energy from the magnetic field of
alpha and beta particles using
Radium-226.
Low efficiency due to loss of electrons.

 Need for compact reliable light weight

and self-contained power supplies.

Chemical batteries require frequent
replacements and are bulky.
Nuclear reactors offer economical and
technical problems.
Fuel and Solar cells are expensive and
requires sunlight respectively.

 Nuclear batteries have lifespan up to

decades and nearly 200 times more

efficient.
Do not rely on nuclear reaction , so no
radioactive wastes.
Uses emissions from radioactive isotope
to generate electricity.
Can be used in inaccessible and extreme
conditions.

Radioisotopes

Radioisotopes are artificially

produced, unstable atoms of a
chemical element, which have a
different number of neutrons in the
nucleus, but the same number of
protons and the same chemical
properties. Radiations
Alpha - These are fast moving
helium atoms. They have high
energy, typically in the MeV range.
They also are magnetic in nature
Beta - These are fast moving
electrons. They typically have
energies in the range of a few
hundred keV to several MeV.
Gamma - These are photons, just
like light, except of much higher

CLASSIFICATION NUCLEAR
BATTERY

 Alternative energy technology.

Provides extended battery life and power

density.
Uses energy from beta particles.
Beta particles from radioactive gas captured
in Si wafer coated with diode material.
Absorbed radiation creates electron-hole
pair.
Results in the generation of electric current.

 Before the radioactive source is introduced ,

no current flows as the electrical forces are

in equilibrium.
As a beta emitter is introduced , electrons
are knocked out by its energy.
Generates electron-hole pairs in the junction.
When beta particle imparts more than
ionization potential the electron rises to a
higher level.

Representation of basic
beta
voltaic
conversion

 Fermi voltage established between the

electrodes.
Potential difference drives electrons from
electrode A through the load where they give up
the energy.
Electron is then driven into electrode B to
recombine with a junction ion.
Betavoltaics does not have solar-cell efficiency.
Electrons shoot out in all directions; hence lost.
Porous Si diodes with pits provide a 3-D surface
thereby increasing the efficiency.

 Energy from radioactive decay

products.
Circuit impedance has coil wound on a
core composed of radioactive elements.
Decay by alpha emission; hence
greater flux of radioactive decay.

Schematic Diagram of an LC
resonant circuit

3 capacitor
5 inductor
9 transformer T primary winding
11 resistance
7 core with radioactive elements

 Here energy is imparted to the alpha

particles during the decay of elements in

the core.
This energy is introduced to circuit when
alpha particles are absorbed by the inductor.
Some of energy dissipated in ohmic
resistance.
This excess energy is delivered to the load
connected across transformer T secondary
winding.

1 Capacitor
2 Inductor
3 Core with radioactive
elements
4 Transformer T primary
winding
6 _ Secondary winding
7 _ Load
Load

EXTERIOR STRUCTURES
In the center of cylinder have

radioisotope source.
The outside is a thermionic converter
Reflectors
Metal tube casing

The major criterions considered in the selection of

fuels are:
Avoidance of gamma in the decay chain
Half life( Should be more)
Cost should be less.

Any radioisotope in the form of a solid that gives off

alpha or beta particles can be utilized in the nuclear
battery.
The most powerful source of energy known is
radium-226.
However Strontium-90 may also be used in this
Battery.

 Space applications:
Unaffected by long period of

darkness and radiation belts like VanAllen belt.

Compact and lighter in weight.
Can avoid heating equipments
required for storage batteries.

High power for long time

independent of atmospheric
conditions.
.NASA is trying to harness this
technology in space applications.

 Medical applications:

.In Cardiac pacemakers

Batteries should have reliability and
longevity to avoid frequent
replacements.

Mobile devices:
Nuclear powered laptop battery Xcell-N

has 7000-8000 times more life.

No need for charging, battery replacing.

 Automobiles:
In initial stages.
No running short of fuel.
Possibility of replacing ionic fuels with
its advantages.

Under-water sea probes and sea

sensors:
In sensors working for long time.
At inaccessible and extreme
conditions.
Use in coal mines and polar sensor
applications too.
For powering MEMS devices : in optical
switches and smart dust sensors.

Life span- minimum of 10 years.

Reliable electricity.
Amount of energy highest.
Lighter with high energy density.
Efficient, less waste generation.
Reduces green house and associated
effects.
Fuel used is the nuclear waste from nuclear
fission.

 High initial cost of production as its

in the experimental stage.

Energy conversion methodologies
are not much advanced.
Regional and country-specific laws
regarding use and disposal of
radioactive fuels.
To gain social acceptance.

 Nuclear batteries will replace most of all

the chemical batteries.

Long life span make it suitable space
applications.
Need for compact, reliable, light weight
and long life power supplies.
Can be used in easily inaccessible and
extreme conditions and reduce the rate
of replacements.

 Small compact devices of future require small

batteries.
Nuclear batteries increase functionality,
reliability and longevity.
Until final disposal all Radiation Protection
Standards must be met.
Batteries of the near future.