The Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute(KAERI) and LG Innotek have signed an agreement to collaborate on applied thermoelectric technology for the development of nuclear batteries, especially in the space and defense sectors.
The development of nuclear batteries
Nuclear batteries, also known as radioisotope batteries, convert the energy released by the disintegration of nuclear isotopes into electrical energy by means of semiconductor converters. This type of technology has been a field of interest for KAERI, which in 2022 succeeded in developing a nuclear battery, positioning South Korea as the third country to achieve this record, after the United States and Russia. Since then, the institution has focused its efforts on improving the performance of these batteries.
Research on nuclear batteries has shown promising results in space exploration, although it still faces the limitation of relying on imports for essential components. To overcome this challenge, the public and private sectors have begun to work closely together.
Details of the Memorandum of Understanding
The memorandum of understanding signed between KAERI and LG Innotek provides for cooperation in the development of design, process and evaluation technologies for thermoelectric elements for nuclear batteries. In addition, both entities will work together in the design, synthesis and processing of thermoelectric materials, with the aim of moving towards the domestic production of these essential elements.
KAERI will focus on the development of high-power thermoelectric devices, while LG Innotek, with its expertise in thermoelectric materials manufacturing, will focus on the creation of high-efficiency materials for energy conversion. In addition, LG Innotek will seek to establish a domestic supply chain for these materials.
Resolving import dependence is critical to securing independent space exploration technology in the future. Young-Wook Jeong, director of KAERI’s Hanaro Quantum Science Institute of Hanaro, stressed the importance of cooperation with private companies in this new space age. According to Jeong, this collaboration will enable South Korea to lead international cooperation in space development.
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Source: World Nuclear News
Photo: KAERI
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