Nuclear batteries harness energy from radioactive isotopes, offering a compact and efficient alternative to traditional power sources. They generate electricity through beta particles, providing long lifespan and high energy density while producing minimal waste. Applications range from space missions to medical devices, though high initial costs and regulatory challenges remain obstacles for widespread adoption.

2.  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.

4.  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.

5.  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.

6. 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 energy.
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.

7. CLASSIFICATION NUCLEAR BATTERY

9.  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.

10.  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.

11. Representation of basic beta
voltaic conversion

12.  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.

15.  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.

16. Schematic Diagram of an LC
resonant circuit
3 – capacitor
5 – inductor
9 – transformer T primary winding
11 – resistance
7 – core with radioactive elements

17.  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 transformerT secondary
winding.

19. 1 – Capacitor
2 – Inductor
3 – Core with radioactive
elements
4 – Transformer T primary
winding
6 _ Secondary winding
7 _ Load
Load

20. EXTERIOR STRUCTURES
 In the center of cylinder have radioisotope
source.
 The outside is a thermionic converter
 Reflectors
 Metal tube casing

21. 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.

23.  Space applications:
 Unaffected by long period of darkness and
radiation belts likeVan-Allen belt.
 Compact and lighter in weight.
 Can avoid heating equipments required for
storage batteries.

24. •High power for long time
independent of atmospheric
conditions.
.NASA is trying to harness this
technology in space applications.

25.  Medical applications:
.In Cardiac pacemakers
Batteries should have reliability and longevity to
avoid frequent replacements.

26. •Nuclear powered laptop battery Xcell-N has 7000-
8000 times more life.
No need for charging, battery replacing.
Mobile devices:

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

28. • 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.

29.  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.

30.  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.

31.  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.

32.  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.