Radioisotope Power Source for Long-Lived Sensors and Communications

Developments in ultra-low power computing are creating new opportunities for long-lived unattended sensors and network communications nodes. To achieve operational objectives, the DoD has realized that new power sources are required with lifetimes that exceed 20 years. Even under optimal conditions, state-of-the-art, commercially available power-storage devices (i.e., chemical batteries) have life-spans that rarely reach 10 years. This lifespan is substantially shortened in the face of temperature extremes and frequent duty cycling. Widetronix is commercializing betavoltaic power sources to provide extended operational lifetimes for low-power applications in defense, medical, and industrial monitoring applications. The company is targeting power outputs for these applications ranging from 5 to 25 W/cm2.