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Parameter optimization and experiment verification for a beta radioluminescence nuclear battery

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Abstract

In a beta radioluminescence nuclear battery, the beta energy is converted to light with the phosphor material, and then to electricity via photovoltaic cells. A method to optimize the thickness of phosphor layer is established in this study; the match between the luminescence spectrum and the photovoltaic cell is analyzed. The optimal parameters and output performance of the nuclear battery based on a sandwich-structure 147Pm/ZnS:Cu/photovoltaic cell are determined with the MCNP, transport theory of light, and detailed balance limit of efficiency. The battery prototypes are fabricated and tested, and the experimental optimal thickness matches that of the theoretical result well.

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Acknowledgments

Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 11205088), the Aeronautical Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 2012ZB52021), the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities, and the Foundation of Graduate Innovation Center in NUAA (Grant No. kfjj130125).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Nuclear Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing, 210016, China

    Liang Hong, Xiao-Bin Tang, Zhi-Heng Xu, Yun-Peng Liu & Da Chen

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  1. Liang Hong
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  2. Xiao-Bin Tang
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  4. Yun-Peng Liu
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Correspondence to Xiao-Bin Tang.

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Hong, L., Tang, XB., Xu, ZH. et al. Parameter optimization and experiment verification for a beta radioluminescence nuclear battery. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 302, 701–707 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-014-3271-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-014-3271-2

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