Novel Photocatalytic Energy Converter for Nuclear Safeguards Applications

摘要

The University of Massachusetts LowellrnRadiation Laboratory (UMLRL) is investigating a uniquernradiation sensing and energy conversion technology withrnapplications for in-situ monitoring of Spent Nuclear Fuelrn(SNF) during dry cask storage and transportation. Therntechnology makes use of the gamma photons emittedrnfrom the SNF as an inherent power source for driving arnGPS-class transceiver that has the ability to verify thernposition and physical status of the SNF cask contents.rnThe power conversion device, which converts therngamma photon energy into electrical power, is based onrna variation of a successful dye-sensitized solar cellrn(DSSC) design. The DSSC design was based on workrndone by O.Regan and Graetzel in which dyernsensitized solar cells were made to mimic the process ofrnphotosynthesis.