DEVICE FOR CONVERTING RADIATION ENERGY TO ELECTRICAL ENERGY

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[1] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.

61/987,655, filed May 02, 2014, entitled "Device For Converting Radiation Energy To Electrical Energy" to Ian Hamilton, and U.S. Provisional Application No.62/103,420, filed on January 14, 2015, entitled "Device For Converting Radiation Energy To Electrical Energy" to Ian Hamilton, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/132,007, filed on March 12, 2015, entitled "Device For Converting Radiation Energy To Electrical Energy" to Ian Hamilton the disclosures of which are expressly incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE

[2] The present disclosure relates to converting radiation energy to electrical energy.

[3] Exciting a gas results in the ionization of that gas. Ionization causes the separation of positive and negative particles. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, this separation of positive and negative particles may be used to create electrical energy.

[4] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a device for converting radiation energy to electrical energy includes an electrical potential source having a first terminal and a second terminal. The device additionally includes a first conductive material coupled to the first terminal, and a second conductive material electrically coupled to the second terminal. The device further includes a third conductive material capacitively coupled to the first conductive material and a fourth conductive material capacitively coupled to the second conductive material. Additionally, the device includes a radiation receiving area. The third conductive material and fourth conductive material are electrically coupled together to create an electrical current from an electrical potential resulting from radiation received in the radiation receiving area.

[5] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a device for converting potential energy to electrical energy includes an electrical potential source having a first terminal and a second terminal. The device additionally includes a first conductive material that is electrically coupled to the first terminal, and a second conductive material that is electrically coupled to the second terminal. The device further includes a third conductive material positioned inwardly of the first conductive material, and a fourth conductive material positioned inwardly of the second conductive material. Additionally, the third conductive material and the fourth conductive material are spaced apart to define a space adapted to receive a gas. The third and fourth conductive materials are also electrically coupled together to create an electrical flow generated by an electrical potential resulting from a self-ionization of the gas.

[6] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of generating electrical current comprises providing a radiation receiving area for receiving radiation, providing a negatively biased conducive material, and providing a positively biased conductive material. The method further includes causing, by receiving radiation from a radiation source, a plurality of atoms to lose an electron, receiving, by the positively biased conductive material, the plurality of electrons, and receiving, by the negatively biased material, a plurality of positively charged particle. The negatively biased conductive material is electrically coupled to the positively biased conductive material to create an electrical current generated by the receiving radiation.

[7] Additional features of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of the illustrative embodiment exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the invention as presently perceived.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[8] The detailed description of the drawings particularly refers to the accompanying figures in which:

[9] Figure 1 illustrates schematically a device for converting radiation energy to electrical energy;

[10] Figure 2 schematically illustrates an additional embodiment of a device for converting radiation energy to electrical energy;

[11] Figure 3a is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the device depicting saw-tooth configured conductors as shown in Figure 2;

[12] Figure 3b is an enlarged view of the saw-tooth conductors depicted in Figure 3a;

[13] Figure 4 illustrates schematically a device for converting radiation energy to electrical energy using cylindrically shaped materials;

[14] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional schematic view taken along line 5-5 of Figure 4;

[15] Figure 6 illustrates schematically a device for converting radiation energy to electrical energy using spherically-shaped material; [16] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional schematic view taken along line 7-7 of Figure 6;

[17] Figure 8 illustrates schematically a the radiation receiving area of the device for converting potential energy to electrical energy;

[18] Figure 9 illustrates graphically charges collected as a function of voltage applied;

[1 ] Figure 10 illustrates schematically an alternate embodiment of a device for converting radiation energy to electrical energy including a radiation receiving area

[20] Figure 11a illustrates a plurality of radiation receiving areas for receiving radiation;

[21] Figure lib illustrates a plurality of radiation receiving areas in a honeycomb orientation;

[22] Figure 1 lc illustrates a column of adjacent radiation receiving areas;

[23] Figure 1 Id illustrates a plurality of radiation receiving areas in columns;

[24] Figure 12 illustrates a device for converting radiation energy to electrical energy utilizing alternating current;

[25] Figure 13a illustrates a device for converting radiation energy to electrical energy designed for use in a nuclear reactor; and

[26] Figure 13b illustrates a switch of the device of Figure 13 in an open state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[27] The embodiments of the invention described herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to precise forms disclosed. Rather, the embodiments selected for description have been chosen to enable one skilled in the art to practice the invention.

[28] As depicted in Figure 1, a device 100 for converting radiation energy to electrical energy includes an electrical potential source 1 1 having a first terminal 102 and a second terminal 103. In one embodiment, the first terminal 102 may comprise a cathode and the second terminal 103 may comprise an anode, hi one aspect, the first terminal 102 and the second terminal 103 may comprise leads made from aluminum, silver, copper, gold, magnesium, tungsten, nickel, mercury, platinum, iron, graphite or other conductive materials. Device 100, depicted in Figure 1, additionally comprises a first conductive material 104 that is electrically coupled to the first terminal 102, and a second conductive material 105 that is electrically coupled to the second terminal 103. In one aspect, the first conductive material 102 and the second conductive material 103 may comprise a connector plug, which increases the likelihood of insulation of the entire device 100. Furthermore, a third conductive material 106 abuts the first conductive material 104, and a fourth conductive material 107 abuts the second conductive material 105. Together, the first conductive material 104 and the third conductive material 106 constitute a first charged pair 108. Together, the second conductive material 105 and the fourth conductive material 107 constitute a second charged pair 109.

[29] In another aspect, there may be an electrically isolating material positioned between the first conductive material 104 and the third conductive material 106 in order to decrease the likelihood of the depletion of the charge of the first conductive material 104.

Similarly, there may be an electrically isolating material positioned between the second conductive material 105 and the fourth conductive material 107 in order to decrease the likelihood of the depletion of the charge of second conductive material 105. In one embodiment, the first, second, third, and fourth conductive materials 104, 105, 106, 107 may comprise aluminum, silver, copper, gold, magnesium, tungsten, nickel, mercury, platinum, iron, and/or graphite.

[30] As further depicted in Figure 1, a radiation source 110 may emit gamma rays. In another aspect, the radiation source 110 may be positively charged. Additionally, the third and fourth conductive materials 106, 107 are electrically coupled together though a third terminal 111 and a fourth terminal 112 to create an electrical flow through a load 113, generated by an electrical potential resulting from the radiation source 110. The radiation source 110 causes the excitation of a gas 210 (shown in Figure 2). Exciting the gas 210 results in its ionization, which causes the separation of positive and negative particles. For example, an atom may lose an electron during ionization. This results in an abundance of electrons on the third conductive material 106 and a collection of protons on the fourth conductive material 107. The net result is the a flow of electric current through load 113 from the third conductive material 106 to the fourth conductive material 107. The flow of electric current through load 113 may be measured by an oscilloscope.

[31] Referring to Figure 2, an alternative embodiment of device 100 is shown as device 200 and includes first, second, third, and fourth conductive materials 104, 105, 106, 107, and electrical potential source 101. Together, the first conductive material 104 and the third conductive material 106 constitute a first charged pair 108. Together, the second conductive material 105 and the fourth conductive material 107 constitute a second charged pair 109. In addition, a first oxide material 201 surrounds the first conductive material 104, and a second oxide material 202 surrounds the second conductive material 105. In one aspect, the first oxide material 201 and the second oxide material 202 may comprise aluminum oxide. In an alternative embodiment, a first electrically isolating material 208 may be positioned between the first conductive material 104 and the third conductive material 106. A second electrically isolating material 209 may also be positioned between the second conductive material 105 and the fourth conductive material 107. In one embodiment, the first and second electrically isolating materials may comprise electrical insulation paper, acetate, acrylic, beryllium oxide, ceramic, Delrin ^® , epoxy/fiberglass, glass, Kapton ^® , Teflon ^® , Kynar ^® , Lexan ^® and Merlon ^® , melamine, mica, neoprene, Neomex ^® , polyethylene terephthalate, phenolics, polyester, polyolefins, polystyrene, polyvinylchloride, silicone, thermoplastics, polyurethane, vinyl, laminates, or other electrically isolating materials.

[32] As also depicted in Figure 2, device 200 may optionally include a first transition metal material 203 abutting the third conductive material 106 and a second transition metal material 204 abutting the fourth conductive material 107. In one aspect, the first transition metal material 203 and the second transition metal material 204 may comprise gold or silver.

[33] Furthermore, device 200 as depicted in Figure 2 may comprise a radiation receivin area 211 separating the third conductive material 106 and the fourth conductive material 107. The radiation receiving area 211 is adapted to receive radiation from the radiation source 110. In one embodiment, the radiation receiving area 211 comprises a noble gas 210 that is positioned within the radiation receiving area 211 that is adapted to receive radiation. In addition, the electrical potential source 101 may be a capacitor or super-capacitor. The capacitor is preferably charged to approximately 800 volts. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the electrical potential source 101 may be a battery, or another device capable of holding a charge.

[34] Referring to Figure 3a, in one embodiment, the first charged pair 108 contains a first multitude of teeth 108a and the second charged pair 109 contains a second multitude of teeth 109a. The first multitude of teeth 108a interlock with the second multitude of teeth 109a. As depicted in Figure 3b, which is an enlarged view of the first charged pair 108 and the second charged pair 109, the first multitude of teeth 108a are positively charged throughout. In addition, the second multitude of teeth 109a are negatively charged throughout

[35] Referring to Figure 4, an alternative embodiment of a device 100 is shown as device 400 and includes first, second, third, and fourth conductive materials 104, 105, 106, 107, which are cylindrically shaped.

[36] Referring to Figure 5, which is a cross-sectional schematic view taken along line

5-5 of Figure 4, in one embodiment, the first conductive material 104, which is cylindrically- shaped, abuts the third conductive material 106, which is also cylindrically-shaped. There may be an electrically isolating material 505 positioned between the first conductive material 104 and the third conductive material 106 in order to decrease the likelihood of the depletion of the charge of the first conductive material 104. Furthermore, the second conductive material 105, which is cylindrically-shaped, is formed as an inner rod, and the fourth conductive material 107, which is also cylindrically-shaped, is formed as an outer rod. There may be an electrically isolating material 506 positioned between the second cylindrically-shaped conductive material 105 and the fourth conductive material 107 in order to decrease the likelihood of the depletion of the charge of the second conductive material 105. The second conductive material 105 and the fourth conductive material 107 are enclosed within the first and third conductive materials 104, 106. The radiation source 110 causes the excitation of the gas 210 (shown in Figure 2). Exciting the gas 210 results in its ionization, which causes the separation of positive and negative particles. This results in an abundance of electrons, or negative particles, on the third conductive material 106 and build up of positive particles, or protons, on the fourth conductive material 107. The net result is the electrical current flowing through load 113 from the third conductive material 106 to the fourth conductive material 107. This electric current may be measured, for example, by an oscilloscope.

[37] As depicted in Figure 6, an alternative embodiment device 100, depicted as device

600 includes first, second, third, and fourth conductive materials 104, 105, 106, 607, which are spherically shaped.

[38] Referring to Figure 7, which is a cross-sectional schematic view taken along line

7-7 of Figure 6, in one embodiment, the first conductive material, which is spherically-shaped, 104 is positioned outwardly of the third conductive material 118, which is also spherically- shaped. Electrically isolating material 505 may be positioned between the first conductive material 104 and the third conductive material 106 in order to decrease the likelihood of the depletion of the charge of the first conductive material 104. Furthermore, the second conductive material 105, which is also spherically-shaped, is formed as an inner sphere, and the fourth conductive material 107, which is also spherically-shaped, is formed as an outer sphere.

Electrically isolating material 506 may be positioned between the second conductive material 105 and the fourth conductive material 107 in order to decrease the likelihood of the depletion of the charge of the second conductive material 105. The second conductive material 105 and the fourth conductive material 107 are enclosed within the first and third conductive materials 104, 106.

[39] Referring to Figure 8, in an alternative embodiment, device 100, shown as device

800, for converting radiation energy to electrical energy includes the electrical potential source 101 having the first terminal 102 and the second terminal 103. Device 800 additionally includes the first conductive material 104 that is electrically coupled to the first terminal 102, and the second conductive material 105 that is electrically coupled to the second terminal 103.

Furthermore, the third conductive material 106 abuts the first conductive material 104, and the fourth conductive material 107 abuts the second conductive material 105. As further depicted in Figure 8, the third conductive material 106 and the fourth conductive material 107 are spaced to form the radiation receiving area 211 that is adapted to receive the gas 210. Additionally, the third and fourth conductive materials 106 and 107 are electrically coupled together though the third terminal 111 and the fourth terminal 112 to create an electrical current through load 113. In this embodiment, the radiation source 110 (shown in Figure 1) is not present, and an electric current is generated by an electrical potential resulting from a self-ionization of the gas 210. Eventually, an ionization limit of the gas 210 will be reached, resulting in an end of the electric current through load 113.

[40] Figure 9 graphically illustrates charges collected as a function of voltage applied.

The charges collected appear on a log scale whereas the voltage applied appears on a linear scale. The graph includes differing regions, namely the limited proportionality region 48, the Geiger region 50, the proportional counting region 52, and the ion chamber region 54. The Geiger region 50 is the plateau region immediately following the limited proportionality region 48. The Geiger region 50 is the voltage range in which the Geiger counter operates. The proportional counting region 52 is the region immediately preceding the limited proportionality region 48. The proportional counting region 52 is the voltage range in which a gas proportional counter operates. The ion chamber region 54 is the region immediately preceding the

proportional counting region 52. The ion chamber region 54 is the voltage range in which an ion chamber detector operates. The preferred voltage applied is within the limited proportionality region 48. The limited proportionality region 48 is the range of operating voltages for a counter tube in which the gas amplification depends on the number of ions produced in the initial ionizing events as well as on the voltage. For larger initial ionizing events, the counter saturates. Within the limited proportionality region 48, the third conductive material 106 (shown in Figure 1) and the fourth conductive material 107 (shown in Figure 1) may have an electric potential difference between about 100 volts and 1600 volts, between about 100 volts and 1400 volts, between about 100 volts and 1200 volts, between about 100 volts and 1000 volts, between about 100 volts and 800 volts, between about 100 volts and 600 volts, between about 100 volts and 400 volts, between about 100 volts and 200 volts, and/or between about 100 volts and 150 volts. The preferable electrical potential difference between the third conductive material 106 (shown in Figure 1) and the fourth conductive material 107 (shown in Figure 1) is within the limited proportionality region 48. The Geiger region 50, the proportional counting region 52, and the ion chamber region 54, however, may also be used. Various gases may be used, such as noble gases, and preferably, xenon.

[41] Figure 10 depicts an alternative embodiment of device 100, shown as device 1000 for converting radiation energy to electrical energy, which includes the electrical potential source 101, which may comprise a battery, conductor, superconductor, or the like. The electrical potential source 101 electrically biases the first conductive material 104 such that there is a build-up of positive charges (e.g. protons) on the surface of the first conductive material 104. Additionally, the electrical potential source 101 electrically biases the second conductive material 105 such that there is a build-up of electrons (e.g. negative charges) on the surface of the second conductive material 105. The third conductive material 106 is capacitively coupled to the first conductive material 104 such that an electrical potential exists between the first conductive material 104 and the third conductive material 106. As a result of the electrical potential difference between the first conductive material 104 and the third conductive material 106, a receiving terminal 1020 of the third conductive material 106 is positively biased.

Similarly, the fourth conductive material 107 is capacitively coupled to the second conductive material 105, such that a second receiving terminal 1025 of the fourth conductive material 1 7 is negatively biased.

[42] In one aspect, the device 1000 comprises the radiation receiving area 211. The radiation receiving area 211 may be an enclosed space. The radiation receiving area 211 may contain any of the previously described noble gases. The radiation receiving area 211 may comprise a first portion 1030 and a second portion 1035 that are electrically isolated from each other. In one aspect, the first portion 1030 of the radiation receiving area 211 is electrically connected to the third conductive material 106 by the receiving terminal 1020. The receiving terminal 1020 may be positively biased because it is electrically connected to the third conductive material 106. In another aspect, the second portion 1035 of the radiation receiving area 211 is electrically connected to the fourth conductive material 107 by the second receiving terminal 1025. In another aspect, the load 113 is electrically connected to both the first portion 1030 of the radiation receiving area and the second portion 1035 of the radiation receiving area 211.

[43] In one aspect, when the radiation receiving area 211 receives radiation from the radiation source 110, the received radiation particle may ionize in the noble gas residing in the radiation receiving area 211. The ionization of the radiation particles may cause the separation of positive and negative particles (e.g. atoms may lose electrons during radiation). The negative particles will be attracted to the first portion 1030 of the radiation receiving area as a result of the first portion 1030 being positively biased, and the positive particles will be attracted to the second portion 1035 of the radiation receiving area 211 as a result of the second portion 1035 being negatively biased. Due to the negative particles (e.g. electrons)collecting on the first portion 1030 of the radiation receiving area, and positive particles (e.g. protons) on the second portion 1035 of the radiation receiving area 211, an electrical current may be generated and applied to the load 113. In another aspect, diodes 1040a and 1040b may be used to direct the current in a pre-selected direction.

[44] Referring to Figures 1 la-d, several configurations of the radiation receiving areas

211, which have been previously shown throughout this disclosure are shown. The plurality of radiation receiving areas 211 includes individual radiation receiving areas 1103. In one aspect, Figure 1 la depicts that radiation receiving area 211 includes a plurality of radiation receiving areas 1103. Each individual radiation receiving area 1103 comprises a positively biased conductor 1101 and a negatively biased conductor 1102. The positively biased conductor 1101 of each individual radiation receiving area 1103 is electrically coupled to adjacent positively biased conductor 1101. Similarly, the negatively biased conductor of each radiation receiving are 1103 is electrically coupled to each adjacent negatively biased conductor 1102. As a result, the individual radiation receiving areas 1103 summarily collect electrons on the positively biased conductor 1101, and summarily collect positive charges on the negatively biased conductor

1102. In one embodiment, Figure 1 lb depicts a honeycomb configuration of the embodiment depicted in Figure 11a.

[45] Referring to Figure 1 lc, in one embodiment, a column of individual radiation receiving areas 1103 is depicted. Four radiation receiving areas 1103 are serially connected such that each individual radiation receiving area 1103 collects radiation, and together the four radiation receiving areas 1103 collect radiation communally. The third conductive material 106 (as depicted in Fig.1) of each radiation receiving area 1103 is electrically connected by the positively biased conductor 1101 in serial such that the collection of negative particles (e.g. electrons) is cumulative. Similarly, the fourth conductive material 107 (as depicted in Fig. 1) of each radiation receiving area 1103 is electrically connected in serial by the negatively biased conductor 1102 such that the collection of positive particles (e.g. protons) is cumulative.

[46] In one embodiment, Figure l id depicts an additional configuration of individual radiation receiving areas 1103, which are separated by a layer of electroplated strontium 90

1104a, 1104b. Three columns of four individual radiation receiving areas 1103 are shown, and each radiation receiving area 1103 is connected by the positively biased conductor 1101 and the negatively biased conductor 1102. Further, a layer of electroplated strontium 90 separates each column.

[47] Referring to Figure 12, an alternative embodiment device 1200 is shown and is configured for converting radiation energy to electrical energy utilizing alternating current In one aspect, device 1200 incorporates a resonating RLC circuit comprised of a capacitor 1202, a resistor 1206, and a transformer 1201. A resonating RLC circuit naturally oscillates at a specific frequency. These types of circuits are generally used to either generate waves of specific frequencies or to select specific frequencies from a signal. After capacitor 1202 is charged, a switch 1203 is closed which completes the circuit and provides current and voltage to transformer 1201. Transformer 1201 increases or steps up the voltage V1 to V2. Current and voltage flow through a first inductor 1211 of transformer 1201, inducing a magnetic field in a second inductor 1212 of transformer 1201, and providing voltage and current to capacitors 1204, 1205. Capacitors 1204, 1205 transfer the voltage to radiation receiving area 211 but allow little, if any, actual exchange of electrons between first portion 1030 (See Figure 10) of the radiation receiving area and second portion 1035 (See Figure 10) of radiation receiving area 211. Radiation receiving area 211 now has an applied voltage and can collect ions created by radiation 110, resulting in power being provided to a load 1210. As a result of the RLC circuit resonating, radiation receiving area 211 will receive current and voltage oscillating at a consistent frequency. As a result, load 113 receives current and voltage oscillating a constant frequency.

[48] Referring to Figure 13a, device 1300 is shown for converting radiation energy to electrical energy designed for use in a nuclear reactor. In one aspect of this disclosure, device 1300 may be used to monitor the conditions of an operating nuclear reactor to determine the nuclear reactor's level of operation in the event of a power blackout situation. Power blackout situations can occur automatically when some nuclear reactors are shut down. In circumstances where a nuclear reactor needs to be shut down, a control rod is dropped into the nuclear reactor. When this happens, the control rod neutralizes the atomic reactions and renders the nuclear reactor inoperative. However, over time control rods can deteriorate or bend. If this happens the control rod may not drop down to the appropriate position to render the nuclear reactor inoperative. Additionally, device 1300 can be used for any type of nuclear reactor. For example, device 1300 may be used to detect radiation in nuclear reactors that do not use control rods. Thus a need exists for determining whether a nuclear reactor has been fully shut down if the nuclear reactor suffers a black out situation.

[49] When a nuclear reactor is functioning properly (e.g. not shut down), current will flow though magnetic coils SI, S2. When current is passed through the magnetic coils SI and S2, a magnetic field holds electromagnetic switches 1301, 1302 closed. When the electromagnetic switches 1301, 1302 are closed, a plurality of capacitors 1303 will be held at a predetermined voltage and kept charged because the nuclear reactor is receiving power. In the current embodiment, capacitors 1303 include three individual capacitors 1309, 1310, 1311, however the circuit could be built with any number of capacitors. Due to the layout of the three-capacitor configuration, capacitors 1309, 1310, 1311 hold their charge for a desired amount of time. If capacitors 1309, 1311 discharge due to the radiation receiving area 211 receiving radiation, part of the discharged energy from capacitors 1309, 1311 will charge capacitor 1310. As a result, capacitor 1310 will begin discharging back into capacitors 1309, 1311. As a result of capacitor 1310 discharging into capacitors 1309, 1311, capacitors 1309, 1311 will remain charged for a longer duration of time.

[50] In the event of a black out situation, the nuclear reactor will lose electrical power, and current will no longer pass through magnetic coils SI, S2. When current fails to flow through magnetic coils SI, S2, switches 1301, 1302 will open, as depicted in Figure 13b, and the charge of capacitors 1303 will no longer be maintained by the nuclear power plants electrical system.

[51] Capacitors 1303 provide the potential difference to the radiation receiving area 211. In the event that the nuclear reactor loses power, capacitors 1303 will remain charged for a period of time, keeping device 1300 functional after the nuclear reactor has lost power. Radiation 110 comes into the radiation receiving area 211, ionizes the inert noble gas, and radiation receiving area 211 collects charge. This charge alters the potential difference between points 1305, 1306 and alters the current through resistor 1308. By measuring electrical signal across the potential difference of point 1305 and point 1306, or by measuring the current through resistor 1308, it can be determined whether or not the reactor shut down properly in the event that the nuclear reactor loses power. In one aspect, device 1300 can be placed near each control rod of a nuclear reactor to determine if the control rods successfully stopped the nuclear reaction.

[52] If, for example, the nuclear reactor loses power but the control rods have not successfully stopped the nuclear reactor from functioning, radiation receiving area 211 would continue to collect radiation from the nuclear reactor while the capacitors 1303 are still charged, and the potential difference between point 1305 and point 1306 would indicate that the nuclear reactor has not shut down property because radiation is being received in radiation receiving area 2 1. Alternatively, if the control rods have functioned properly and the nuclear reactor is no longer producing radiation, little, if any, potential difference should be detected between points 1305, 1306 because little to no radiation is being received in radiation receiving area 211. Thus by monitoring the potential difference between points 1305, 1306, one can determine if radiation is still being released by the reactor.