A self-powered integral in-core instrument thimble assembly for monitoring the temperature and radiation levels surrounding a nuclear fuel assembly, that transmits output signals wirelessly to a remote location. The in-core instrument thimble assembly is activated by a short exposure within a reactor core and remains active after the fuel assembly is removed from the reactor core to continuously provide a remote monitoring capability for the fuel assembly as it is transported or stored at a remote location, without an external power source.

Embodiments of the present invention pertain to a power system utilizing a uranium-based reactor for space missions. For example, the power system may include a reactor configured to generate thermal energy using a uranium core. A plurality of heat pipes may be configured to transfer thermal energy from the reactor core to a plurality of Stirling engines to generate electricity for a spacecraft.

Embodiments of the present invention pertain to a power system utilizing a uranium-based reactor for space missions. For example, the power system may include a reactor configured to generate thermal energy using a uranium core. A plurality of heat pipes may be configured to transfer thermal energy from the reactor core to a plurality of Stirling engines to generate electricity for a spacecraft.

A maximal modifiable modular capacitor-generator (CAPGEN) architecture, dielectrics and electrodes may be modified and retain substantially all of the starting activated carbon powder surface area by encapsulating the activated carbon powder in a modifiable gaseous medium and pressure. The capacitor electrical conductivity may be further increased and resistance reduced by electrically reticulating the electrodes and/or modifying the carbon electrode with rarefied or pressurized gases, conventional electrolytes, radioisotopes, stratified radiation emitting materials such as gases, liquids, solids, or modified photovoltaic carbon powder, thereby the capacitor becomes self charging and the surface area, mass, voltage, capacitance, energy density, power density and working temperature are maximized so that the same capacitor base architecture may be maximally modified from a capacitor to a CAPGEN, to a photovoltaic-thermionic CAPGEN and helium generator.

A maximal modifiable modular capacitor-generator (CAPGEN) architecture, dielectrics and electrodes may be modified and retain substantially all of the starting activated carbon powder surface area by encapsulating the activated carbon powder in a modifiable gaseous medium and pressure. The capacitor electrical conductivity may be further increased and resistance reduced by electrically reticulating the electrodes and/or modifying the carbon electrode with rarefied or pressurized gases, conventional electrolytes, radioisotopes, stratified radiation emitting materials such as gases, liquids, solids, or modified photovoltaic carbon powder, thereby the capacitor becomes self charging and the surface area, mass, voltage, capacitance, energy density, power density and working temperature are maximized so that the same capacitor base architecture may be maximally modified from a capacitor to a CAPGEN, to a photovoltaic-thermionic CAPGEN and helium generator.

A system includes a nuclear reactor having a plurality of fuel rods of radioactive decay material distributed within and embedded within a heat exchange matrix. A plurality of coolant tubes is distributed within and embedded within the heat exchange matrix, interspersed with the plurality of fuel rods. The heat exchange matrix is configured to conduct heat from the fuel rods to the coolant tubes.

A system for an electro magnetic oscillator tube with enhanced isotopes is disclosed herein having at least one magnetron layer. Each layer has a first magnet, a conduction block, and a second magnet of opposite polarity. The conduction block is disposed in a plane about an emitter of isotopic particles, where an opposite electrical polarity relative to the emitter forms between the emitter and the conduction block. The conduction block has an RF port, an interaction space in its inner periphery, and a polar array of resonant cavities forming along its outer periphery, and a diamond or similar material coating the conduction block surfaces. The system also has a connection between selected groups of resonant cavities at locations of like electrical polarity, wherein the connections have conductive strapping elements within the conduction block.

A system and a method for a commercial nuclear repository that turns heat and gamma radiation from spent nuclear fuel into a valuable revenue stream. Gamma radiation from the spent nuclear fuel of the repository may be used to irradiate and sterilize food and other substances. Gamma radiation may also be used to improve the properties of target substances. Additionally, heat decay from the spent nuclear fuel of the repository may be harnessed to heat materials or fluids. The heated fluids may be used, for instance, to produce steam that may make electricity. The heating of working fluids for use in processes, such as heated fluid streams for fermentation or industrial heating, may be transported out of the repository and co-mingled with other heat input, or other fluids.

A system and a method for a commercial nuclear repository that turns heat and gamma radiation from spent nuclear fuel into a valuable revenue stream. Gamma radiation from the spent nuclear fuel of the repository may be used to irradiate and sterilize food and other substances. Gamma radiation may also be used to improve the properties of target substances. Additionally, heat decay from the spent nuclear fuel of the repository may be harnessed to heat materials or fluids. The heated fluids may be used, for instance, to produce steam that may make electricity. The heating of working fluids for use in processes, such as heated fluid streams for fermentation or industrial heating, may be transported out of the repository and co-mingled with other heat input, or other fluids.

Provided herein are charge generating devices and methods of making and use thereof. The charge generating devices comprise a substrate having a top surface; a plurality of spaced-apart three-dimensional elements disposed on the top surface of the substrate; and a plurality of cavities formed by the plurality of spaced-apart three-dimensional elements, the plurality of cavities being the area between the plurality of spaced-apart three-dimensional elements. The charge generating devices can further comprise a radioactive layer disposed on at least a portion of the plurality of spaced-apart three-dimensional elements and the top surface such that the plurality of cavities and the top surface are substantially coated by the radioactive layer. In some examples, the charge generating devices can comprise a radiation material and/or a scintillating material disposed within at least a portion of the plurality of cavities.