Multi-level radioisotope batteries based on 60Co γ source and Radio-voltaic/Radio-photovoltaic dual effects

Abstract

A dual effect multi-level isotope battery based on γ radioisotope source was proposed. Two types of energy conversion mechanisms, namely, radio-voltaic (RV) and radio-photovoltaic (RPV) effects, was combined to convert the radiation energy of γ ray to electricity. The theoretical performance limit for the dual effect multi-level isotope battery irradiated by 60Co radioisotope source was calculated, and the characteristics of each conversion mechanism were analyzed by using MCNP5. The results revealed that the RPV effect produced more electrical output than the RV effect, but the contribution of each effect on the battery was significant. The output performance of the multi-level isotope battery was characterized under 60Co source at dose rates of 0.103 kGy/h and 0.68 kGy/h. The theoretical and experimental study investigated the feasibility of combining two kinds of energy conversion mechanisms to enhance the performance of nuclear batteries. The use of 60Co radioisotope sources with a large activity and conversion modules with additional levels could obtain a considerable output performance. Moreover, the thickness influence of the LYSO scintillator on the performance limit in the first-level conversion module was studied to optimize the structural parameters of the multi-level dual effect isotope battery. The thickness of scintillator strongly affects the energy deposition distribution of gamma rays in the multi-level conversion module, resulting in changes of the output generated by RV and RPV effects, which in turn affects the total output of the battery.