The present disclosure relates to a device for conversion of one type of energy into another type of energy. Specifically, the device converts radiation energy into electrical energy.

The present disclosure relates to a device for conversion of one type of energy into another type of energy. Specifically, the device converts radiation energy into electrical energy.

A thermionic (TI) power cell includes a heat source, such as a layer of radioactive material that generates heat due to radioactive decay, a layer of electron emitting material disposed on the layer of radioactive material, and a layer of electron collecting material. The layer of electron emitting material is physically separated from the layer of electron collecting material to define a chamber between the layer of electron collecting material and the layer of electron emitting material. The chamber is substantially evacuated to permit electrons to traverse the chamber from the layer of electron emitting material to the layer of electron collecting material. Heat generated over time by the layer of radioactive material causes a substantially constant flow of electrons to be emitted by the layer of electron emitting material to induce an electric current to flow through the layer of electron collecting material when connected to an electrical load.

A thermionic (TI) power cell includes a heat source, such as a layer of radioactive material that generates heat due to radioactive decay, a layer of electron emitting material disposed on the layer of radioactive material, and a layer of electron collecting material. The layer of electron emitting material is physically separated from the layer of electron collecting material to define a chamber between the layer of electron collecting material and the layer of electron emitting material. The chamber is substantially evacuated to permit electrons to traverse the chamber from the layer of electron emitting material to the layer of electron collecting material. Heat generated over time by the layer of radioactive material causes a substantially constant flow of electrons to be emitted by the layer of electron emitting material to induce an electric current to flow through the layer of electron collecting material when connected to an electrical load.

A vacuum micro-electronics device that utilizes fissile material capable of using the existing neutron leakage from the fuel assemblies of a nuclear reactor to produce thermal energy to power the heater/cathode element of the vacuum micro-electronics device and a self-powered detector emitter to produce the voltage/current necessary to power the anode/plate terminal of the vacuum micro-electronics device.

Particles emitted by radio-isotopic by-products of nuclear fission are used as a power source at the cathode of a magnetron system. Particles include high energy electrons having a large associated EMF. In the system a radial electrical vector E, between the cathode and anode, interacts with an axial magnetic vector B vector to produce an EB force that rotates the particles about the system axis. These emissions are within a set range of velocities. The angular velocity and geometry of a rotating field, known as a space charge wheel (SCW), may be modulated by an external RF inputs to cavities of an anode block and the use of concentric biasing grids between the cathode and anode block. The SCW induces LC values into cavities of the anode, exciting them and producing electrons resonance which may be used to generate power.

Particles emitted by radio-isotopic by-products of nuclear fission are used as a power source at the cathode of a magnetron system. Particles include high energy electrons having a large associated EMF. In the system a radial electrical vector E, between the cathode and anode, interacts with an axial magnetic vector B vector to produce an EB force that rotates the particles about the system axis. These emissions are within a set range of velocities. The angular velocity and geometry of a rotating field, known as a space charge wheel (SCW), may be modulated by an external RF inputs to cavities of an anode block and the use of concentric biasing grids between the cathode and anode block. The SCW induces LC values into cavities of the anode, exciting them and producing electrons resonance which may be used to generate power.

Systems, methods, and devices for electrical power generation are disclosed. A device includes a radioactive source that emits radiation including at least one of: electrically charged particles; electrically neutral particles; or electromagnetic radiation; an ion media positioned adjacent to the radioactive source, wherein the ion media comprises a material that releases electrons in response to exposure to radiation; a set of two or more electrodes configured to: establish an electric field across the ion media; capture electrons released by the ion media in response to exposure to radiation emitted by the radioactive source; and generate electric current from the captured electrons. The device includes a supplemental power supply electrically connected to the set of two or more electrodes. The device includes an electrical load electrically connected to the set of two or more electrodes.

Systems, methods, and devices for electrical power generation are disclosed. A device includes a radioactive source that emits radiation including at least one of: electrically charged particles; electrically neutral particles; or electromagnetic radiation; an ion media positioned adjacent to the radioactive source, wherein the ion media comprises a material that releases electrons in response to exposure to radiation; a set of two or more electrodes configured to: establish an electric field across the ion media; capture electrons released by the ion media in response to exposure to radiation emitted by the radioactive source; and generate electric current from the captured electrons. The device includes a supplemental power supply electrically connected to the set of two or more electrodes. The device includes an electrical load electrically connected to the set of two or more electrodes.

A solid-state high energy-density micro radioisotope power source device including a dielectric and radiation shielding body having an internal cavity, a first electrode disposed a first end of the cavity, and a second electrode disposed at an opposing second end of the cavity and spaced apart from the first electrode such that a micro chamber is provided therebetween. The device further includes a solid-state composite voltaic semiconductor disposed within the micro chamber fabricated by combining at least one semiconductor material with at least one radioisotope material to provide a pre-voltaic semiconductor composition; depositing the pre-voltaic semiconductor composition into the micro chamber; heating the body to liquefy the pre-voltaic semiconductor composition within the micro chamber such that the semiconductor and radioisotope materials are uniformly mixed; and cooling the body and liquid state composite mixture such that liquid state composite mixture solidifies to provide the solid-state composite voltaic semiconductor.