Combination of nuclear battery and nuclear power plant: A conceptual framework

The safety and efficiency of nuclear power plants (NPPs) rely on effective energy use and accident mitigation. A major challenge is managing gamma radiation within reactor containment, which is usually absorbed by structures and wasted. Photon Intermediate Direct Energy Conversion (PIDEC) addresses this by converting gamma radiation into usable power. A PIDEC battery uses plastic scintillators to transform gamma rays into visible light, then converts it to electricity. This supplementary power system can enhance NPP performance and safety. Implementation requires reactor pressure vessel (RPV) modifications to reduce gamma absorption by internal structures. The design poses a constrained optimization problem—maximizing energy capture while maintaining coolant pressure and RPV integrity under normal and emergency conditions. Benefits include higher efficiency, improved safety, and potential weight reduction of containment structures. By enabling gamma photon extraction, PIDEC could provide reliable auxiliary power during accidents, reducing reliance on external emergency systems. A cost-benefit analysis suggests that integrating plastic scintillators and photovoltaic elements would add minimal expense while delivering notable gains in output and safety. PIDEC thus represents a promising advancement in NPP technology, turning otherwise wasted radiation into a strategic resource for both routine and emergency operations.