Neutron-activated direct current source

Details Neutron-activated direct current source Neutron-activated direct current source

1995-07-21

1997-03-04

Carone, Michael J.

Induced nuclear reactions: processes, systems, and elements

Combined

With direct conversion means

376321, 376158, 376461, 376317, 376305, G21C 1928

Patent

active

056087675

ABSTRACT:
A device for generating direct current by neutron activation of a plurality of series-connected beta-emitter (nuclear decay electron) cells, located in the out-of-core region of a light water nuclear reactor. The device can be used as either a current source, or preferably configured as a DC voltage source, capable of powering low-power, radiation-hardened, high-temperature integrated circuitry contained in the reactor vessel. As such, the device acts like a DC battery that is activated by (n, .gamma.) reactions, both thermal and epithermal (by resonance capture). The device is not operable until exposed to a substantial neutron flux, so it has unlimited shelf-life and is not radioactive during manufacture In the preferred embodiment, an isotope of the metallic rare-earth element dysprosium is configured in a "sandwich" geometry to generate sufficient current that a useful steady voltage can be generated by means of a simple voltage regulation circuit.

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