Make a Tritium Nuclear Battery or Radioisotope Photovoltaic Generator

Summary

In this video, a DIY nuclear battery is built using tritium vials and amorphous solar cells. The design outperforms commercial devices in terms of power output, achieving 1.23 microwatts compared to 0.84 microwatts from a professional product, all for a fraction of the cost. The creator discusses the challenges, including power decay over time and the importance of a proper case for long-term durability. Despite its limitations in higher-power applications, this homemade device presents a cost-effective alternative for low-power, long-lasting energy solutions, ideal for specialized uses like pacemakers and spacecraft.

Takeaways

• 😀 Amorphous solar cells are ideal for low-light conditions, outperforming monocrystalline cells in such environments.
• 😀 Tritium vials are used in the creation of a homemade nuclear battery, with the green vials being the most affordable option available.
• 😀 A double-sided nuclear battery design resulted in a 20% increase in power output compared to a single-panel version.
• 😀 The homemade nuclear battery produces 1.23 microwatts of power, which is better than a professional device producing 0.84 microwatts.
• 😀 The cost of building the homemade nuclear battery is approximately $300 CAD, significantly cheaper than the $3000 CAD professional device.
• 😀 Commercial devices like City Labs' model are more expensive due to nuclear regulatory approval and smaller production volumes.
• 😀 The homemade device's performance is hindered by the lack of light reflection, which was present in the single-panel setup due to the aluminum foil.
• 😀 Tritium has a half-life of 12.3 years, meaning the battery's power output will halve every 12.3 years, although the phosphor decay accelerates the loss.
• 😀 The homemade device is suitable for powering ultra-low-power devices, but it is not practical for higher power applications like cell phones.
• 😀 The homemade nuclear battery demonstrates the potential for cheaper, more accessible nuclear energy solutions without the need for nuclear regulatory approval.

Q & A

What is the primary advantage of using amorphous solar cells in this nuclear battery project?

Amorphous solar cells are preferred because they have high shunt resistance and weak current generation, which allows them to perform better in low-light conditions. This makes them a good match for the weak power output from tritium beta radiation in this nuclear battery setup.

Why does the creator choose to use green-colored tritium vials, and what does this imply for their testing?

The creator uses green-colored tritium vials because they were discounted and more readily available. Other researchers have also tested green and blue vials, but there hasn't been significant rigorous testing to determine which color works best, leaving this an area for further exploration.

How does the addition of a second solar panel impact the power output of the nuclear battery?

Adding a second solar panel increases the power output by about 23%, not the expected 100%. This is due to the absence of reflection in the double-panel setup, which had previously boosted the power of the single panel device by reflecting light back onto it.

What is the significance of using aluminum foil in the testing process?

The aluminum foil is used to block external light during testing, ensuring that the measurements accurately reflect the power generated solely by the beta radiation from the tritium vials, without interference from ambient light.

How does the homemade nuclear battery compare to the professional City Labs device in terms of power output?

The homemade device generates 1.23 microwatts, outperforming the City Labs device, which produces 0.84 microwatts. Despite this, the commercial device is smaller and lighter, which might be more important in specific applications like spacecraft or medical devices.

Why is the City Labs device significantly more expensive than the homemade version?

The City Labs device is more expensive because it needs to meet nuclear regulatory approval and safety standards, which are costly to obtain. Additionally, the small production volume of these devices requires them to charge higher prices to remain profitable.

How does the use of tritium in the homemade battery affect its longevity?

Tritium has a half-life of 12.3 years, meaning the battery's power output will halve every 12.3 years. However, the phosphor in the tritium vials will also degrade faster than the tritium itself, causing the power output to decline at a faster rate than the half-life suggests.

What kind of applications is the nuclear battery intended for?

The nuclear battery is designed for low-power, long-duration applications where reliability and longevity are critical. While it cannot power high-demand devices like cell phones, it could be useful for specialized applications requiring small amounts of continuous power over extended periods.

Why does the creator suggest using a custom metal box instead of plastic tape for the battery's casing?

The creator recommends using a custom metal box to protect the battery in the long term, as plastic tape may not provide adequate protection from environmental factors, potentially leading to degradation of the device over time.

What challenges are associated with scaling up the homemade nuclear battery for larger applications?

To scale up the battery for larger applications, a substantial number of devices would be required to achieve the necessary power output, which would result in high costs. For instance, to power a low-end cell phone, around 400,000 units of the homemade battery would be needed, costing around 120 million Canadian dollars.