With the technological progress, there is an increased demand for small batteries. One of the most popular applications is a network of wireless sensors. Such sensors have already been developed; however, long-lived batteries used to power these sensors are still being developed. Radionuclides have extremely long lives and high energy density compared to other materials. Therefore, nuclear materials are good candidates for energy sources. There are some types of direct charging nuclear batteries. One of these types consists of a parallel-plates capacitor which is charged by the current of β-radiation particles. These particles are emitted from a radioactive layer that is deposited on one of the capacitor plates, while a vacuum gap is remained between the plates. In this work, an experimental apparatus was designed and constructed for the parametric investigation of this method. The development and testing of an experimental apparatus for characterization of that direct charging nuclear battery method, are introduced. A 63Ni radioisotope with an activity of 15mCi that produces a 20pA current was used as the radiation source. The apparatus is unique in its design, having ultra-low leakage current and allows measurements of charges, high potentials and low currents. Preliminary results of a few tests are presented to demonstrate energy harvesting and the capabilities of the apparatus.
