Passing through life, and living every moment...
Catching Elephant is a theme by Andy Taylor
Beta-Voltaics can be simply described as radioactive batteries. The Beta refers to the use of emitted electrons from beta decay and the voltaic means “produces a voltage”. So quite descriptive.
The physics behind it seems fairly simple, put a beta radioactive source in the centre of an electron absorbent material, so that the electrons emitted by the beta decay are absorbed and converted to electricity, and then use the current produced to power something. However, finding the right radioactive source, or finding an efficient converter material is proving to be a struggle for development companies.
If we could get around these problems then this technology could possibly be used to power the next generation of hybrid/green cars. These batteries can last for 10/20 years, so you should be able to get a lot of miles per refill. Another possible problem will be the availability of the radioactive material. However, depending on how much is needed, there are enough nuclear power plants producing nuclear waste, if it is off the right kind….
So we could potentially have a fuel source thats cleaner than fuel, longer lasting than electricity and less flammable than hydrogen in accidents. Sounds good to me…
