Devices, systems, and methods for power generation using irradiators and other gamma ray sources are disclosed herein. In various aspects, an irradiator-based power generation device is disclosed. The power generation device can include a radiator layer configured to at least partially surround an irradiator, wherein the radiator layer comprises a radiator material configured to emit delta radiation in response to exposure to gamma radiation; an electrical insulation layer configured to surround the radiator layer, wherein the electrical insulation layer comprises an electrical insulation material configured to allow delta radiation to penetrate therethrough; and a collector layer configured to surround the electrical insulation layer, wherein the collector layer comprises a collector material configured to collect delta radiation.

Systems, methods, and devices of the various embodiments described herein enable an energy conversion system comprising a radioactive element for generating conduction-band electrons in an avalanche cell and generating heat, wherein the conduction-band electrons are provided to an anode to generate avalanche cell power, and the heat is provided to a thermoelectric generator to generate thermoelectric power. In an embodiment, the avalanche cell is irradiated with gamma rays, which excite electrons within the avalanche cell, generating a current. In an additional embodiment, the thermoelectric power and avalanche cell power can comprise a dual power system.

A cooling system for spent nuclear fuel may include a device configured to generate electricity using energy emitted from the spent nuclear fuel. The cooling system may be configured to use the electricity when cooling the spent nuclear fuel. A cask for storage, transport, or storage and transport of spent nuclear fuel may include the cooling system and a container configured to hold the spent nuclear fuel. A method for cooling spent nuclear fuel may include generating electricity using energy emitted from the spent nuclear fuel, and using the electricity in a cooling system for the spent nuclear fuel when cooling the spent nuclear fuel.

A technique that uses a thermoelectric generator for generating electrical power employs a safe, initially dormant, stable, non-radioactive fuel sample which is activated on-demand by a neutron source to initiate and control activation of the fuel sample. The technique allows thermoelectric generators to be fully assembled and stored for extended periods of time before they are deployed for use, and then activated on demand only when the need arises for them to generate power.

A nuclear battery is provided. The nuclear battery comprises a radiation source layer, a first electrical insulator layer, a casing layer, a first electrode, and a second electrode. The radiation source layer comprises a composition configurable to emit beta radiation. The first electrical insulator layer is disposed over the radiation source layer. The casing layer is disposed over the first electrical insulator layer. The casing layer comprises a composition configured to inhibit traversal of beta radiation. The first electrode is in electrical communication with the radiation source layer. The second electrode is in electrical communication with the casing layer. A voltage potential is present between the first electrode and the second electrode when the radiation source layer emits beta radiation.

Provided herein is a method for fabricating a heat source for a radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG). The method may include reducing a particle size in a strontium compound by powdering and sieving the strontium compound and/or dissolving the strontium compound into an aqueous solution; mixing the strontium compound with graphite to obtain a strontium-graphite mixture; performing a press to the strontium-graphite mixture; and encapsulating the pressed strontium-graphite mixture into an x-ray shielding to obtain the heat source.

Scalable radioisotope power tiles that can provide heat, electrical power, or both, are disclosed. Unlike conventional radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG) designs, the scalable radioisotope power tiles do not necessarily seek to minimize the RTG surface area. Rather, a planar design may be used to maximize the radiative surface to increase the temperature difference (T) and increase system heat to electricity conversion efficiency where electrical power generation is desired. In addition, such a planar design can be one-sided or two-sided, allowing for flexibility in design. For instance, such power tiles may be deployed in a material like a solar sail, on the surface of a vehicle, in terrestrial systems, etc.

Voltage power source device having a connected structure in which each one of ends of a first metal and a second metal that generate the Seebeck effect are connected by a one-end side bonding part in which uranium and thorium are supported on a carrier made of boron, and the other ends are connected by an other bonding part in which uranium and thorium are supported on a carrier made of carbon. The one-end side bonding part is raised to a first temperature through -decay of uranium (U) and thorium (Th), and the other bonding part is raised to a second temperature that is different from the first temperature through -decay of uranium (U) and thorium (Th), whereby a current is generated by the Seebeck effect based on the relative temperature difference between the two bonding parts. Voltage power source device and power generation method enable next-generation type energy supply.

Voltage power source device having a connected structure in which each one of ends of a first metal and a second metal that generate the Seebeck effect are connected by a one-end side bonding part in which uranium and thorium are supported on a carrier made of boron, and the other ends are connected by an other bonding part in which uranium and thorium are supported on a carrier made of carbon. The one-end side bonding part is raised to a first temperature through -decay of uranium (U) and thorium (Th), and the other bonding part is raised to a second temperature that is different from the first temperature through -decay of uranium (U) and thorium (Th), whereby a current is generated by the Seebeck effect based on the relative temperature difference between the two bonding parts. Voltage power source device and power generation method enable next-generation type energy supply.

A device for producing electricity. The device comprises a source of tritium radioisotopes, an element Th maintained at a temperature Th, and an element Tc maintained at a temperature Tc; Tc lower than Th. The source generates heat and is disposed in thermal communication with the element Th to maintain the temperature Th. First and second doped elements, each doped with a different dopant type, are oriented in parallel relative to the heat flow path between the element Th and the element Tc and electrically connected in series According to the Seebeck effect, a voltage is generated between the first and second doped elements due to a temperature differential between the Tc and Th, causing current to flow through the serially-connected doped elements. Helium generated during generation of the radioisotopes is vented from the device.