TECHNOLOGY LICENSING OPPORTUNITY Nuclear Thermionic Avalanche Cell (NTAC) Power Generator Configuration

TECHNOLOGY LICENSING OPPORTUNITY

Nuclear Thermionic Avalanche Cell (NTAC) Power Generator Configuration

This configuration for NTAC power generators has the potential to provide a high power-density energy source for remote power applications and spacecraft.

Opportunity:   Idaho National Laboratory (INL), managed and operated by Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC (BEA), offers the opportunity to explore a license or collaborative research agreement to commercialize this configuration for NTAC power generators. This technology transfer opportunity is part of a dedicated effort to convert government-funded research into job opportunities, businesses, and, ultimately, an improved way of life for the American people.

Overview:      The Nuclear Thermionic Avalanche Cell (NTAC) Power Generator Configuration is a technology developed by NASA Langley and licensed for commercial use by Blackrock Energy. The technology utilizes nested cylinders of material that, when subjected to gamma or x-rays, generates current and amperage through inner shell electron liberation.

INL will take the initial concept and implement several improvements, including using metal foam or 3D printing to tailor density to energy bands and improve the packing efficiency of collectors. The system will also use an insulator such as wax or plastic, plasma spray, thin film diamond-like material, ceramic, quartz, or CVD to create a more structurally sound device that can survive higher vibration conditions. This system's fueling can be done before launch or deployment, simplifying the integration process and reducing costs.

Benefits:          

• The NTAC Power Generator Configuration has the potential to provide a high-power density energy source for remote power applications and spacecraft, with a power density of up to 20 kW/kg compared to the current technology's .002 kW/kg.
• This can enable higher-power electric propulsion systems for shorter trips to other planets or greater payloads to destinations and a simplified fueling method for lower integration costs.

Target Applications:    

• Potential applications in aerospace, providing additional missions and applications such as higher-powered sensors, longer satellite life, and possible human tasks.
• Potential applications in remote and backup power for military installations
• Safety equipment for nuclear reactors.

Development Status:  TRL 2; early-stage concept.   

IP Status:         Patent Application No. 18/183,737, “Power Generation Devices, Associated Components, and Methods,” BEA Docket No. BA-1316.   

INL seeks to license the above intellectual property to a company with a demonstrated ability to bring such inventions to the market. Exclusive rights in defined fields of use may be available. Added value is placed on relationships with small businesses, start-up companies, and general entrepreneurship opportunities.

Please visit Technology Deployment’s website at https://inl.gov/inl-initiatives/technology-deployment for more information on working with INL and the industrial partnering and technology transfer process.

Companies interested in learning more about this licensing opportunity should contact Andrew Rankin at td@inl.gov.