A novel voltaic for direct gamma-electric power generation
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Bristol
Department Name: Interface Analysis Centre
Abstract
The topic of this application is diamond gammavoltaic cells (DGVs). DGVs convert gamma photons directly into electricity. They are similar, but embryonic in comparison, to solar photovoltaic technology. This power can then be used to monitor the gamma fields themselves, or to contribute to other safety measurements such as of ambient temperature, humidity and gas concentration.
Under extremes of temperature and radiation, such as those associated with the nuclear sector, chemical batteries are unworkable; but here DGVs will find their niche enabling mission-critical sensing in currently-impossible locations. The proof-of-concept devices will focus on the specific application of high-level nuclear waste stores. Such technology will be invaluable for monitoring highly-active heat-generating wastes at sites like Sellafield. It is also envisioned that future devices may be incorporated into Generation IV fission concepts and future fusion reactors for powering diagnostic sensors, including JET, ITER and DEMO, and UKAEA's recently-announced Small Tokomak for commercial Energy Production (STEP) programme. Supported by diamond wafer manufacturers Element-6 and Appsilon, this project will explore DGV upscaling over an 18-month period.
Under extremes of temperature and radiation, such as those associated with the nuclear sector, chemical batteries are unworkable; but here DGVs will find their niche enabling mission-critical sensing in currently-impossible locations. The proof-of-concept devices will focus on the specific application of high-level nuclear waste stores. Such technology will be invaluable for monitoring highly-active heat-generating wastes at sites like Sellafield. It is also envisioned that future devices may be incorporated into Generation IV fission concepts and future fusion reactors for powering diagnostic sensors, including JET, ITER and DEMO, and UKAEA's recently-announced Small Tokomak for commercial Energy Production (STEP) programme. Supported by diamond wafer manufacturers Element-6 and Appsilon, this project will explore DGV upscaling over an 18-month period.
| Description | NNL collaboration on gamma voltaics |
| Organisation | National Nuclear Laboratory |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | We have made a 3 cell gamma voltaic stack, with associated monitoring electronics, all sealed in a protective enclosure to be deployed at Sellafield by the NNL for 9 months. |
| Collaborator Contribution | NNL arranged for deployment of our gammavoltaic device in a spent fuel cave at Sellafield for 9 months. This was unique and invaluable for demonstrating the longer term stability of the device under extreme radiation conditions. |
| Impact | A Research report, including device performance. A Refined device model. |
| Start Year | 2024 |