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Completed TRL 4 (started at 1, targeting 4)
(1) Installation of a 300 keV X-ray source; (2) Mapping the emission potentials of lanthanides and other high Z materials; (3) Theoretical study for IB transitions, density functional analysis, and cross section analysis; (4) NPEAC device design (TRL 4); (5) Collaboration with DoE for using gamma ray sources. The NTAC is a new concept that offers significantly greater power density than current state of the art thermoelectric generators. The conventional energy conversion systems rely only on the electrons in valence band. The NPEAC liberates and uses a huge number of electrons in the intra-band for power generation resulting in significantly higher power density capability.
Conventional radioisotope thermoelectric generators exhibit poor power density (~ 7 W/kg). These systems harness low-grade energy (< 10 eV) from valence band electrons only. The NASA LaRC-invented (LAR 17981-1; a PCT patent on 2/17/2015) nuclear thermionic avalanche cell (NTAC) has exceedingly high power density (~ 20 kW/kg), or 200 times larger than the 100 W/kg goal of 2015 NASA Technology Roadmap 12.1.5.3.
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This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.
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