Nuclear radiation energy harvester
Lei Zuo , professor of mechanical engineering , was recently awarded a Department of Energy Nuclear Engineering research grant to develop nuclear radiation energy harvesting and through-wall wireless communication for enclosed metal containers in nuclear environments , like pressure reactor vessels or nuclear spent-fuel canisters . Zuo is creating a way to monitor the contents of storage containers used for spent nuclear fuel rods . The containers , which typically include one-half inch metal shells , aren ’ t suited for standard wireless technology , nor , due to their contents , can holes be drilled into them for power or data cables . Zuo ’ s approach to the problem is novel . “ To provide in-situ monitoring of the interior conditions of enclosed metal or thick concrete canisters , we are building a system that will use the gamma and beta radiations found within the canisters themselves ,” said Zuo , who is the John R . Jones III Faculty Fellow of Mechanical Engineering . “ Then we will use ultrasound transmission to deliver temperature , humidity , and other data through the wall of the canister to receivers outside .” Zuo ’ s system will use a tungsten plate to absorb the gamma radiation within the canister to create a hot spot . The plate will create a pocket of temperature difference between the plate and the outside metal wall , which will enable the device to harvest power within the differential temperature space . The self-powered sensor and data communication could last for decades , potentially increasing the life expectancy of spent fuel canisters . Similar technology can also be applied to pressure nuclear reactor vessels . Zuo is collaborating with researchers from the University of North Texas , Oak Ridge National Laboratory , and Westinghouse Electric Company .