I think the OP is looking at using their stove as the heat source, not a nuclear battery.
On that note, the idea you're talking about was actually considered for a little while for public use until the dangers were found to outweigh the benefits.
On that note, the idea you're talking about was actually considered for a little while for public use until the dangers were found to outweigh the benefits.
I am wondering if it would be possible to buy or build such a nuclear battery.
In almost every country the materials required are tightly regulated and getting permission even in a lab environment is tough work. If you can work out the legalities and safety, I'd be interested too!
http://www.amazon.com/The-Radioactive-Boy-Scout-Backyard/dp/...
I read the book. from what I remember he started with smoke detectors and worked his way up from there. Just a few letters to some supply houses saying he was a researcher or something. he effectively mail ordered his radioactive sources I think.
Pu-238 isn't naturally occurring, and nobody makes it anymore. The US bought the plutonium that went into the MSL from the Russians, who are starting to run out themselves.
The other problem with RTGs is they get less efficient as they get larger. The one in the MSL only produces 125 watts, which will decay to about 100 watts at the end of its 14 year lifetime. That's not a lot of power.