Session: MNS-04-01: Micro/Nano IoT, Sensors, Digital Computing and Power

Paper Number: 91306

91306 - Alpha-Photovoltaics for Milliwatt Applications 

Isotope power supplies offer solutions for long-lived (100 yr), low- power (1mW) applications that are placed in remote areas where charging/change of batteries is highly inconvenient or impossible. The energy density of nuclear batteries uniquely serves applications for sensors or communications nodes that are required to last the lifetime of infrastructure. Efficiencies less than 10% are typical for either direct (or indirect)-energy-conversion of radiation to electric current. We have designed a flat-panel beta-photovoltaic (BPV) power source that produces a power of 3mWe using 63Ni (99 year
half-life) on InGaP semiconductor. The output power in mW range can provide power to most electronics and sensing application where traditional chemical batteries are not suited due to short life time, temperature or size (higher energy density reduces foot print).  

The unique features of isotope power supplies are that they offer the high energy density and long lifetime in comparison to chemical power sources such as gasoline powered engines and chemical batteries. While isotope power sources are more expensive than chemical power sources, the long-lived characteristics of isotopes enables operation of sensors that are difficult to power directly or recharge/maintain through regular battery replacement. The unique capabilities of energy density
(increased stored energy) and isotope half-life (increased operational lifetime) enables sensors and communications nodes
to operate as infrastructure embedded sensors for civilian applications, in remote locations as buried sensors on earth for
military applications, or planetary space missions where resupply of power is highly constrained or unavailable.

 

 

Presenting Author: Marc Litz U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command

Presenting Author Biography: Marc Litz received his Ph.D. in Physics from Catholic University in 1993. He has been with Army Research Laboratory for more than 30 years. He investigates the effects of isotope decay products and their impact on energy conversion materials, damage and degradation of materials exposed to radiation and the impact on electrical power. Previously he has utilized accelerators for use in radiation effects in materials and devices, investigation of high current electron beams for productions. He has designed and fabricated high power wide-band power sources, antennas for transmission and reception of impulse waveforms. The design and development of long-lived isotope power sources for unattended sensor applications are now the focus of his interests.

Authors:

Muhammad Khan NSWC, IHEODTD
Marc Litz U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command
Johnny Russo U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command
Randy Tompkins U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command