K. L. E.

Societys
K. L. E. INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, HUBBALLI
Dept of Electrical and Electronics Engg.

Seminar Title : Nuclear Battery

ABSTRACT
This paper reviews recent efforts in the literature to miniaturize nuclear battery systems. The potential of a
nuclear battery for longer shelf-life and higher energy density when compared with other modes of energy
storage make them an attractive alternative to investigate. The performance of nuclear batteries is a function of
the radioisotope(s), radiation transport properties and energy conversion transducers.

The energy conversion mechanisms vary significantly between different nuclear battery types, where the
radioisotope thermoelectric generator, or RTG, is typically considered a performance standard for all nuclear
battery types. The energy conversion efficiency of non-thermal-type nuclear batteries requires that the two
governing scale lengths of the system, the range of ionizing radiation and the size of the transducer, be well-
matched. Natural mismatches between these two properties have been the limiting factor in the energy
conversion efficiency of small-scale nuclear batteries. Power density is also a critical performance factor and is
determined by the interface of the radioisotope to the transducer. Solid radioisotopes are typically coated on the
transducer, forcing the cell power density to scale with the surface area (limiting power density). Methods which
embed isotopes within the transducer allow the power density to scale with cell volume (maximizing power
density). Other issues that are examined include the limitations of shelf-life due to radiation damage in the
transducers and the supply of radioisotopes to sustain a commercial enterprise. This review of recent theoretical
and experimental literature indicates that the physics of nuclear batteries do not currently support the objectives
of miniaturization, high efficiency and high power density. Instead, the physics imply that nuclear batteries will be
of moderate size and limited power density. The supply of radioisotopes is limited and cannot support large scale
commercialization. Niche applications for nuclear batteries exist, and advances in materials science may enable
the development of high-efficiency solid-state nuclear batteries in the near term.

REFERENCES

[1] http://www.ehicalhavoc.net/thread_NUCLEAR-BATTERYES

Students Name: 1) Karthik.K 2KE12EE017

Guide Name: Prof .Kumarswamy

Date : 13-02-2017