Power generation devices, associated components, and methods
AssigneeBattelle Energy Alliance, LLC
InventorsAndrew J. Zillmer, Michael A. Reichenberger
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A power generation device may include a radiation source, an emitter, and a collector. The emitter may be formed adjacent to the radiation source. The emitter may include a high-density material. The collector may be adjacent to the radiation source and include a low-density material. The emitter is between the radiation source and the collector. An insulator may be positioned between the emitter and the collector. An emitter of a nuclear battery and a method of forming an emitter of a nuclear battery are also disclosed.
Claims19
A power generation device comprising:
- a radiation source;
- an emitter adjacent to the radiation source, the emitter including a high-density material;
- a collector adjacent to the emitter, the collector including a low-density material, the emitter positioned between the radiation source and the collector;
- and
- a spacer extending between the emitter and the collector, at least a portion of the spacer comprising an insulating structure configured to electrically isolate the emitter from the collector.
An emitter of a nuclear battery comprising:
- a high-density material having an inner surface and an outer surface,
- at least one of the inner surface and the outer surface comprising a roughened surface including multiple peaks configured to create high-energy areas.
A method of forming an emitter of a nuclear battery, the method comprising:
- forming a ring from a high-density material through an additive manufacturing process;
- and
- forming multiple peaks extending from a surface of the ring.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.