Emerging Technology – January 2023


POWER

Nuclear Multi-Layer Thermionic Avalanche Cell Generator

Langley Research Center have developed the (NTAC) Nuclear Multi-Layer Thermionic Avalanche Cell. The Cell can be made using existing semiconductor technology and can produce for small to large power needs from Kilowatts to Megawatts. NASA is actively seeking licensees to commercialize this technology. The device provides a compact, reliable, and continuous electrical source with high power density capable for long-live operations without refueling.
Multi-Layer Nuclear Thermionic Avalanche Cell | T2 Portal (nasa.gov)
US Patent Application for Multi-Layer Structure of Nuclear Thermionic Avalanche Cells Patent Application (Application #20200373035 issued November 26, 2020) – Justia Patents Search

ESS Inc. Liquid Battery uses metal, Salt and water to store electric energy.

Cell can last for 12 hours, with plates that are of molten metal and salt. The current from this battery 10X that of a standard battery. But a solar system to power a city like New York would require 13,000MW and require a solar system of unprecedented size to power the battery system.
Liquid Battery | MIT Technology Review
How We Stack Up | ESS, Inc. (essinc.com)

GROUNDING FOR LIGHTNING

Laser Grounding Rod Technology

Swiss Mountain demonstration on how a High-power IR Laser beam can be used to guide lightning to ground, by ionizing the air into a plasma channel for the lightning to follow. This basically increases the electrical height of a ground system, which increases the protected area below. Lightning cause about 1 billion dollars of damage per year in the US.
https://physics.aps.org/articles/v16/12