Technology & IP Portfolio
Nuclear voltaic technology and patent portfolio
Technology & IP Portfolio
Nuclear voltaic technology converts the energy released during radioactive decay directly into electricity. Unlike nuclear fission reactors that generate heat to drive turbines, nuclear voltaic devices capture radiation particles (alpha, beta, or gamma) and convert their kinetic energy into electrical current through semiconductor materials.
Technology Overview
Fundamental Principles
| Radiation Type | Particle | Energy Range | NuBatt Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alpha (α) | Helium nucleus | 4-8 MeV | NuBatt-L1 (Liquid Transducer) |
| Beta (β) | Electron | 0.01-2 MeV | NuBatt-S1 (Betavoltaic) |
| Gamma (γ) | Photon | 0.1-3 MeV | NuBatt-P1 (via scintillation) |
Advantages of Nuclear Voltaic Technology
Long Operational Life
Power output follows isotope half-life (decades to centuries)
No Recharging
Continuous power from radioactive decay
Solid-State Operation
No moving parts, minimal maintenance
Extreme Environment Tolerance
Functions in temperature, pressure, and radiation conditions that disable conventional batteries
Predictable Output
Power decay follows known physical constants
Compact Form Factor
High energy density enables miniaturisation
Core Technology Platforms
NuBatt is developing four distinct nuclear voltaic platforms, each optimised for different isotope types, power levels, and applications.
NuBatt-S1: Betavoltaic Platform
Technology: Solid-state semiconductor converter using beta-emitting isotopes
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Isotopes | Ni-63, Pm-147, H-3 |
| Power Range | nW to μW continuous; burst capability to mW |
| Operational Life | 30+ years |
| Converter Material | Wide bandgap semiconductors (SiC, Diamond) |
| Form Factor | Compact, chip-scale to small module |
Operating Principle: Beta particles (electrons) emitted by the radioisotope are captured by a semiconductor p-n junction. The high-energy electrons create electron-hole pairs in the semiconductor, generating electrical current through the photovoltaic effect (adapted for particle radiation rather than light).
Target Applications:
- Implantable medical devices
- Micro-sensors and IoT devices
- Space microelectronics
- Remote monitoring systems
Key Technical Innovations
Wide Bandgap Semiconductors
NuBatt's technology leverages advanced wide bandgap semiconductor materials that offer significant advantages over conventional silicon:
| Material | Bandgap (eV) | Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Silicon Carbide (SiC) | 3.3 | High radiation tolerance, thermal stability |
| Gallium Nitride (GaN) | 3.4 | High electron mobility, power handling |
| Diamond (C) | 5.5 | Extreme radiation hardness, thermal conductivity |
| Boron Nitride (BN) | 6.0 | Ultra-wide bandgap, neutron detection |
| Aluminium Nitride (AlN) | 6.2 | High breakdown voltage, thermal stability |
Benefits of Wide Bandgap Materials:
- Higher voltage output per device
- Superior radiation damage resistance
- Operation at elevated temperatures
- Longer device lifetime under radiation exposure
Advanced Shielding Design
NuBatt's shielding systems are designed using Monte Carlo N-Particle (MCNP) simulations to optimise radiation containment while minimising weight and volume.
Multi-Layer Shielding Architecture (NuBatt-L1 validated design):
| Layer | Material | Function |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Silicon Dioxide (SiO₂) | Neutron moderation |
| 2 | High-Density Pyrolytic Carbon (HDPyC) | Structural containment |
| 3 | Stainless Steel | Structural support, gamma attenuation |
| 4 | Tungsten | Primary gamma shielding |
Performance: Validated dose rate of <0.1 μSv/h at 1 metre—4.3 times below IAEA safety thresholds.
Carbon Nano-Onion Electrode Technology
Licensed technology includes advanced electrode materials using carbon nano-onions:
- High surface area for charge collection
- Excellent electrical conductivity
- Chemical stability under radiation
- Enables higher power density converters
Intellectual Property Portfolio
NuBatt has assembled a comprehensive intellectual property portfolio comprising 9 patent families covering core nuclear voltaic technologies.
Owned Patents (6 Singapore Applications)
These patents were invented and assigned to NuBatt Pte. Ltd., providing full ownership and control:
| Application No. | Title | Technology Area |
|---|---|---|
| 10202500575S | Liquid Transducer Radioisotope-Powered Nuclear Voltaic System | NuBatt-L1 core technology |
| 10202500576V | Gaseous Xenon-Based Nuclear Voltaic Power Source Using Radioisotopes in Aerosol Form | NuBatt-P1 gaseous configuration |
| 10202500577W | Noble Gases-Based Nuclear Voltaic Power Source Using Radioisotopes in Aerosol Form | Expanded noble gas applications |
| 10202500578Y | Liquid Xenon-Powered Nuclear Voltaic System Utilising Radioactive Isotopes | NuBatt-P1 liquid configuration |
| 10202500617Q | Nuclear Voltaic System | Core system architecture |
| 11202403397U | Nuclear Voltaic Power-Source | Power source configurations |
IP Strategy
Technology Readiness
Validation Achieved
NuBatt's technology has been validated through a completed feasibility study with DSO National Laboratories, Singapore's national defence research organisation:
| Aspect | Status |
|---|---|
| Contract | PO62504138 (completed) |
| Scope | Technical feasibility for UAV applications |
| MCNP Simulations | Full Monte Carlo simulations validated shielding designs |
| Dose Rate Compliance | Confirmed at 4.3× below IAEA safety thresholds |
| Prototype Specifications | Defined and validated |
Development Roadmap
Concept (Complete): Core technology principles validated
Feasibility (Complete): DSO study validated technical approach
Prototype (Planned): Functional prototype development
Pilot Production (Planned): Small-scale manufacturing validation
Commercial Production (Planned): Scale-up for commercial deployment
Technology Readiness Level (TRL)
| Product | Current TRL | Description |
|---|---|---|
| NuBatt-L1 | TRL 4-5 | Component validation in laboratory environment |
| NuBatt-S1 | TRL 3-4 | Proof of concept demonstrated |
| NuBatt-P1 | TRL 3 | Analytical and experimental critical function proof |
| NuBatt-Q1 | TRL 2-3 | Technology concept formulated |
Safety and Regulatory Compliance
Safety by Design
NuBatt products are designed from the ground up for safety:
| Safety Feature | Implementation |
|---|---|
| Multi-layer Shielding | MCNP-validated designs containing all radiation |
| Sealed Construction | No radioactive material release under any conditions |
| Passive Safety | No active systems required for safe operation |
| Dose Rate Compliance | Well below IAEA limits (<0.1 μSv/h validated) |
| Tamper Resistance | Designs prevent unauthorised access to radioactive materials |
Regulatory Framework Compliance
NuBatt designs comply with:
- IAEA Basic Safety Standards (GSR Part 3)
- IAEA Transport Regulations (SSR-6)
- Singapore Radiation Protection Act
- Defence contractor security requirements (as applicable)
Comparison to Safety Thresholds
| Metric | NuBatt-L1 (Validated) | IAEA Limit | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dose Rate at 1m | <0.1 μSv/h | 0.43 μSv/h | 4.3× below |
| Surface Contamination | Zero (sealed unit) | N/A | N/A |
| Environmental Release | Zero (sealed unit) | N/A | N/A |
Competitive Technology Position
Differentiation from Competitors
| Competitor | Technology | NuBatt Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Betavolt (China) | Betavoltaic (Ni-63 only) | Multi-isotope, multi-platform approach |
| Arkenlight (UK) | Diamond betavoltaic (C-14) | Higher power levels, multiple technologies |
| City Labs (US) | Betavoltaic (low power) | Higher power capability, defence validation |
| RTG Programs (NASA) | Thermoelectric (Pu-238) | Alternative isotopes, no Pu-238 dependency |
Key Technical Advantages
Multi-Platform Technology
Four distinct conversion technologies for different applications
Multi-Isotope Flexibility
Not dependent on any single isotope source
Validated Safety
DSO study confirmed regulatory compliance
Strong IP Position
9 patent families with perpetual, irrevocable license
Liquid Transducer Innovation
Unique self-healing technology for extreme longevity
Summary
NuBatt possesses a strong technology and intellectual property position built on:
- Four distinct technology platforms addressing different power levels and applications
- 9 patent families (6 owned, 3 licensed) providing comprehensive protection
- Perpetual, irrevocable license securing foundational technology access
- Validated technology through DSO National Laboratories feasibility study
- Safety-compliant designs operating well below international thresholds
This technology foundation positions NuBatt to develop and commercialise nuclear battery products across defence, aerospace, medical, and industrial markets.
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