Nuclear Technology· 2012Q2
Theoretical Maximum Efficiencies of Optimized Slab and Spherical Betavoltaic Systems Utilizing Sulfur-35, Strontium-90, and Yttrium-90
- 39citations
- Q2SCImago
- 2012year
Short summary
Monte Carlo simulations show theoretical maximum betavoltaic efficiencies of up to 2.02% for Sulfur-35, 0.31% for Strontium-90, and 0.023% for Yttrium-90 in optimized SiC cells, depending on geometry and energy spectrum modeling.
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Key points
- Monte Carlo simulations were performed using GEANT4, PENELOPE, and MCNPX to model beta particle transport in SiC betavoltaic cells.
- Theoretical maximum efficiencies were calculated for 35S, 90Sr, and 90Y in both slab and spherical geometries.
- Maximum efficiencies varied significantly, with 35S achieving up to 2.02% (spherical, monoenergetic) and 90Y reaching as low as 0.013% (spherical, energy spectrum).
- Modeling with an energy spectrum generally yielded lower efficiencies compared to using monoenergetic average energy.
AI-generated from the title and abstract; the full text is not read.
Abstract
Monte Carlo simulations have been used for calculating the energy deposition of beta particles in the depletion region of a silicon carbide (SiC) betavoltaic cell along with the corresponding theoretical efficiencies. Three Monte Carlo codes were used in the study: GEANT4, PENELOPE, and MCNPX. These codes were used to examine the transportation of beta particles from 90Y, 90Sr, and 35S. Both the average beta energy from each source and the entire spectrum were modeled for calculating maximum theoretical energy deposition in both a spherical and slab geometry. A simulated depletion region was added in postprocessing containing the maximum energy deposited per micrometer. The calculated maximum efficiencies with the slab configuration model are approximately 1.95%, 0.30%, and 0.025% using monoenergetic average energy and 1.54%, 0.25%, and 0.019% using an energy spectrum for 35S, 90Sr, and 90Y, respectively. These efficiencies when using the spherical configuration model are 2.02%, 0.31%, and 0.023% using the monoenergetic average energy and 1.10%, 0.17%, and 0.013% using an energy spectrum for 35S, 90Sr, and 90Y, respectively.
The authors' abstract, as published at the source. Nuclear Technology, 2012 · DOI ↗
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Field: Nuclear Energy and Engineering
Nuclear Energy and EngineeringEnergy