Performance Experience with Prototype Betacel Nuclear Batteries

Abstract

A miniature nuclear battery, Betacel, using the betavoltaic principle has been designed for use in heart pacemakers and telemetering instruments, or in any remote unattended location where small amounts of long-term reliable power are required. Eighty-eight prototype Betacel batteries were manufactured in 1970 and the performance characteristics of a large number of them have been monitored since. These batteries are compact, predictable in output, and rugged. Safety tests have been performed to ensure containment of the ¹⁴⁷Pm radioisotope fuel under all normal use and credible accident conditions.