Evaluation of a betavoltaic energy converter supporting scalable modular structure

Abstract

Distinct from conventional energy‐harvesting (EH) technologies, such as the use of photovoltaic, piezoelectric, and thermoelectric effects, betavoltaic energy conversion can consistently generate uniform electric power, independent of environmental variations, and provide a constant output of high DC voltage, even under conditions of ultra‐low‐power EH. It can also dramatically reduce the energy loss incurred in the processes of voltage boosting and regulation. This study realized betavoltaic cells comprised of p‐i‐n junctions based on silicon carbide, fabricated through a customized semiconductor recipe, and a Ni foil plated with a Ni‐63 radioisotope. The betavoltaic energy converter (BEC) includes an array of 16 parallel‐connected betavoltaic cells. Experimental results demonstrate that the series and parallel connections of two BECs result in an open‐circuit voltage Voc of 3.06 V with a short‐circuit current Isc of 48.5 nA, and a Voc of 1.50 V with an Isc of 92.6 nA, respectively. The capacitor charging efficiency in terms of the current generated from the two series‐connected BECs was measured to be approximately 90.7%.

Betavoltaic Nuclear Battery: A Review of Recent Progress and Challenges as an Alternative Energy Source

“…By stacking and linking multiple batteries, emitted β-particles can be effectively converted into electrical power. Kang et al developed a structure of 16 × 2 parallel-connected/stacked betavoltaic batteries . Each battery consisted of a SiC p-i-n junction and Ni foil plated with 63 Ni source (Figure ).…”

“…(a) Structural diagram of the single betavoltaic battery and (b) 16 × 2 parallel-connected/stacked betavoltaic batteries with modular interfaces. Reproduced with permission from ref . Copyright 2018, John Wiley and Sons.…”

A lightweight true random number generator using beta radiation for IoT applications

“…Since its half-life is almost 100 years, the count rate can be stably maintained for several decades. The long half-life of 63 Ni is a very useful feature in betavoltaic batteries that produce electricity with beta radiation [15]. A betavoltaic cell uses the forward current-voltage (I-V) characteristics of diodes, while radiation detectors use the dark current under reverse voltages.…”

Self-Powered Autonomous Wireless Sensor Node by Using Silicon-Based 3D Thermoelectric Energy Generator for Environmental Monitoring Application

“…Therefore, many researchers have been studied the scavenging energy from the environment. There are several power-generating methods using ambient environmental energy including thermal gradients, solar energy, triboelectric energy and vibration energy [5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13]. Among them, driving a thermoelectric generator from wasted heat is advantageous in that it can use a variety of heat sources such as automobiles, power plants, ships, and humans without time constraints unlike sunlight.…”