Microscale Power Generation Based on Radiolytic Processes (Preprint)
Abstract
Oregon State University, Battelle Pacific Northwest Division, and Case Western Reserve University have been investigating nuclear-to-electric power generation utilizing a technique based on closed cycle fuel cell operation. The approach being developed is to first use the decay energy of a radioisotope to generate H2 and O2 from water, then to utilize these species in a fuel cell to generate electricity. This method can regenerate its own reactants and operate continuously as a closed system for as long as the primary source of power, namely the radioisotope, is active. With micro engineering and fabrication techniques available today, a miniaturized integrated package of 1 cm3 in size and producing power in the 10 mW range appears feasible in a mature design. For this project, a unique fuel cell capable of utilizing mixed reactants at room temperature has been developed. Efficiency of this early fuel cell design falls in the range between 15 and 20%. Measured power output from a test cell approached 0.45 mW for several hours with a radiation leakage rate estimated at 490 mrem/yr.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA469985
Entities
People
- Brian K. Paul
- Chih-heng T. Tseng
- Edgar C. Buck
- Gertrude Patello
- Jamelyn D. Holladay
- Qiao Wu
- Richard B. Peterson
- Santosh Tiwari
- Todd Palmer
- William Jost
Organizations
- Oregon State University