2011-05-26
Inventor(s): GODES ROBERT E [US] + (GODES ROBERT E)
Applicant(s): BRILLOUIN ENERGY CORP [US] +
(BRILLOUIN ENERGY CORP)
Classification: - international: G21B1/00 -
European: G21B3/00; Y02E30/18
Also published as:
WO 2007130156
WO 2007130156
US 2007206715
JP 2009522555
EP 1971985
Abstract -- A practical
technique for inducing and controlling the fusion of nuclei within a
solid lattice. A reactor includes a loading source to provide the light
nuclei which are to be fused, a lattice which can absorb the light
nuclei, a source of phonon energy, and a control mechanism to start and
stop stimulation of phonon energy and/or the loading of reactants. The
lattice transmits phonon energy sufficient to affect electron-nucleus
collapse. By controlling the stimulation of phonon energy and
controlling the loading of light nuclei into the lattice, energy
released by the fusion reactions is allowed to dissipate before it
builds to the point that it causes destruction of the reaction lattice.
Description
The EPO does not accept any responsibility for the accuracy of data and
information originating from other authorities than the EPO; in
particular, the EPO does not guarantee that they are complete,
up-to-date or fit for specific purposes.
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 11/617,632, filed Dec. 28, 2006 for "Energy Generation
Apparatus and Method" (Robert E. Godes), which claims priority from
U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/755,024, filed Dec. 29, 2005
for "Energy Generation Apparatus and Method" (Robert E. Godes). The
entire disclosures of the above-named applications (including all
attached documents) are hereby incorporated by reference for all
purposes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to energy generation,
and more specifically to energy generation using nuclear fusion.
[0003] While there is no shortage of people desiring to produce energy
through controlled fusion, the techniques can be considered to fall
into two general classes, namely hot fusion and cold fusion. Hot fusion
has a sound theory, and is known to work in a fashion capable of
unleashing great amounts of energy in a very short amount of time. In
some instances, the energy is released in an uncontrolled manner,
rendering the collection of released energy problematical and
expensive, possibly prohibitively so. One set of techniques for getting
the hot fusion reaction to occur at a controlled pace uses
electrostatic confinement. However, extracting more energy than is used
to instigate the reaction is extremely difficult, if not impossible,
due to the Bremsstrahlung phenomenon. Another set of techniques uses
magnetic confinement, although confinement for an extended period of
time has problems similar to those that beset electrostatic
confinement. Another set of techniques explores impact fusion, but
these attempts suffer from problems similar to those bedeviling the
other hot fusion methods.
[0004] The history of cold fusion is, to say the least, checkered. A
workable theory of cold fusion does not appear to have been
articulated, and attempts to produce energy using cold fusion have
generally not been reproducible and, when excess energy has been
generated, have been characterized by rapid destruction of the device
cores in which the reactions are occurring.
[0005] As understood, current state of the art attempts to produce
"cold fusion" rely upon an effect best described as "gross loading."
Gross loading is the process whereby the matrix is saturated with
hydrogen nuclei to the point where, per the theory presented in this
application, a small amount of phonon energy initiates a nuclear
reaction. Unfortunately, the first reaction creates additional phonons
that cause a chain reaction that leads to the destruction of the
lattice. This approach can create excess energy because the high
loading density alone leads to a system with high Hamiltonian energy in
the lattice. This higher energy state leads to phonon-moderated nuclear
reactions if the loaded matrix is stimulated with additional energy
inputs, including additional loading through electrolysis or other
stimuli referenced in the Cravens and Letts paper.
[0006] [Cravens2003], and the associated research, demonstrate that
state of the art researchers have still not recognized the connection
between increased lattice energy and heat production. [George1997]
describes using ultrasonically induced multi-bubble sonoluminescence to
induce fusion events, although because of the gross loading the core is
quickly destroyed. In this case the sonoluminescence is both the source
of hydrogen production and phonon energy, but there is no mention of
any attempt to control phonon production or harness phonons to capture
the energy released. [George1999] describes a device that heats a
cylinder to 400F, but no control mechanism is mentioned or described.
[George1999] also describes excess <4>He production from
deuterium during contact with nano-particle palladium on carbon at
200[deg.] C.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Embodiments of the present invention provide a practical,
controllable, source of fusion energy based on the mechanisms outlined
below. This source is scalable from the Micro Electronic Mechanical
System (MEMS) scale at the milliwatt/watt level to the 100-kilowatt
level and possibility beyond in a single core device. In short,
embodiments of the invention contemplate inducing and controlling
phonon-moderated nuclear reactions.
[0008] Another aspect of the present invention provides the
understanding required to design and build products based on the core
technology, referred to as Quantum Fusion.
[0009] All the described implementations of this technology embodying
Quantum Fusion include the following four elements.
a reaction matrix (core);
a mechanism for inducing phonons in the core;
a mechanism for introducing (loading) reactants into the core; and
a mechanism for controlling the loading of reactants and the generation
of phonons so that reactants, when introduced into said core, undergo
nuclear reactions to a desired degree without destroying the core.
The control system maintains the rate of phonon generation and reactant
introduction at a sufficiently high level to cause a desired number of
nuclear reactions to occur while ensuring that the number of nuclear
reactions and their depth is limited, thereby allowing energy released
due to the nuclear reactions to dissipate in a manner that
substantially avoids destruction of said core.
[0014] Associated with embodiments is a heat transfer mechanism, which
may be inherent in one or more of the above elements, may be a separate
element, or may have attributes of both.
[0015] In broad terms, embodiments of the invention are believed to
operate as follows. Reactants (e.g., hydrogen ions from water
surrounding the core) are introduced into the core (e.g., palladium),
and phonons are induced in a controlled manner to provide sufficient
energy to convert protons into neutrons via an electron capture
mechanism. The phonon-mediated mechanism is sometimes referred to in
this application as quantum compression, which is a coined term (to be
discussed in detail below). The neutrons, so generated, are of
sufficiently low energy to result in high cross sections for
neutron-hydrogen reactions.
[0016] This generates increasingly high-atomic-weight isotopes of
hydrogen, resulting in <4>H, which beta decays to <4>He. It
is noted that the data in the National Nuclear Data Center ("NNDC")
database is all derived from experiments involving multi-MeV colliders
leaving the resulting <4>H with enough momentum that it is
energetically, the path of least resistance to simply eject a neutron.
When there is little to no momentum involved, neutron ejection is not a
viable decay path as there is no energy to overcome the binding energy
no matter how small that energy is. In the NNDC data the neutron is
carrying reaction energy away from the system in the form of momentum.
The neutron absorptions and the beta decay are exothermic, and result
in kinetic energy transfer to the core in the form of phonons, which is
dissipated by a suitable heat exchange mechanism (e.g., the water that
supplied the reactants).
[0017] Another aspect of the present invention is that controlled
loading of the core material combined with controlled stimulation of
phonon production prevents excess phonon energy build up, which leads
to destruction of the core material. This will allow the core to
operate for extended lengths of time making it an economically viable
source of energy.
[0018] Another aspect of the present invention is that the core is
preferably constructed to provide a consistent phonon density at the
desired reaction points in the core material. This allows control over
energy liberated with respect to time and the ability of the core
material to dissipate energy to the heat transfer medium. In specific
embodiments, the phonon density is controlled so that the fusion
reaction occurs primarily near the surface of the core, thus preventing
the type of catastrophic damage to the core that has characterized many
prior art efforts to produce repeatable, sustainable energy generation.
[0019] In some embodiments of the present invention, the reaction may
be initiated using current as the phonon initiator mechanism. In other
embodiments of the present invention, acoustic energy such as sonic or
ultrasonic energy can be used as the phonon initiator mechanism.
[0020] In one aspect, apparatus for energy generation comprises: a
body, referred to as the core, of a material capable of phonon
propagation; a mechanism for introducing reactants into the core; a
mechanism for inducing phonons in the core so that reactants, when
introduced into the core, undergo nuclear reactions; and a control
system, coupled to the mechanism for introducing reactants and to the
mechanism for inducing phonons, for controlling the number of nuclear
reactions and the depth of the nuclear reactions in the core so as to
provide a desired level of energy generation while allowing energy
released due to the nuclear reactions to dissipate in a manner that
substantially avoids destruction of the core.
[0021] In another aspect, a method for energy generation comprises:
providing a body, referred to as the core, of a material capable of
phonon propagation; introducing reactants into the core; generating
phonons in the core to provide energy for said reactants to undergo
nuclear reaction; and controlling the rate of reactant introduction and
the rate of phonon generation so as to control the number of nuclear
reactions and the depth of the nuclear reactions in the core so as to
provide a desired level of energy generation while allowing energy
released due to the nuclear reactions to dissipate in a manner that
substantially avoids destruction of the core.
[0022] A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the
present invention may be realized by reference to the remaining
portions of the specification and the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a high-level
schematic diagram showing the elements common to the various
embodiments of the invention;
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram
of a first embodiment of the invention including electrolytic loading
and quantum compression via current pulses through the core material;
FIGS. 3A-3C are circuit
schematic diagrams showing circuitry suitable for various
implementations of the first embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram
of a second embodiment of the invention including electrolytic loading
and quantum compression via sonic/ultrasonic induction of phonons;
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram
of a third embodiment of the invention including a fluidized bed or
powdered style core, direct reactant injection and quantum compression
via sonic/ultrasonic induction, which will likely require the use of
deuterium fuel as there is no readily available source of electrons for
the creation of neutrons;
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram
of a fourth embodiment of the invention including an isolated reactant
interacting with a fluidized bed or powdered style core utilizing
direct reactant injection, with quantum compression being generated in
any one or combination of ways including: 1) sonic/ultrasonic
induction, 2) quantum current, 3) thermal (if using method other than
quantum current, it will normally be necessary to use a fuel resulting
in no net absorption of electrons;
FIG. 7 shows an implementation
where one or more surfaces of the core are in contact with the reactant
source and one or more surfaces of the core are in contact with a
separate heat sink;
FIG. 8 is a representative
timing diagram showing how the loading and quantum pulses can be
controlled; and
FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram
of an experimental apparatus used to verify experimentally the
generation of excess energy in the form of heat.
DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS
Overview
[0032] FIG. 1 is a very high level schematic representation of a
Quantum Fusion reactor 10 encompassing a number of embodiments of the
present invention. At the heart of the reactor is a reaction matrix or
core 15 capable of phonon propagation. The general operation is for a
reactant-loading mechanism 20 to load core 15 with reactant (e.g.,
protons) from a reactant source 25, and generate phonons in the core
material using a phonon-inducing mechanism 30. A control system 40
activates and monitors reactant-loading mechanism 20 and
phonon-inducing mechanism 30.
[0033] The phonon-inducing mechanism may stimulate phonons in the core
directly using one or more means such as sonic/ultrasonic waves,
current, or heat. Phonon energy causes displacement of the core lattice
nuclei from their neutral positions. In the case where this
displacement moves lattice nuclei closer together the density increases
and is further increased by the presence of hydrogen nuclei (<1>H
(protium), <2>H (deuterium), or <3>H (tritium)). As the
density increases, the Fermi energy of the electrons increases, and so
it becomes energetically favorable for an electron and proton to
combine to make a neutron and a neutrino. The neutrino escapes from the
reactor; however the electron capture results in an overall reduction
of system energy by ~782 KeV.
[0034] The resulting low-energy neutron has a high cross section of
reaction with other H, D, or T nuclei. The formation of a deuteron from
protium releases ~2.24 MeV, the transition of D to T releases ~6.26 Mev
and the transition to <4>H with the subsequent [beta]<->
decay releases ~22.36 MeV. Due to the wave nature of phonons and the
associated density function driving the electron capture the overall
momentum of the resulting <4>H is low enough that [beta]<->
is the decay function. Associated with the reactor is a heat transfer
mechanism 45, which may be inherent in one or more of the above
elements, may be a separate element, or may have attributes of both.
[0035] Control system 40 is shown having bi-directional communication
with reactant-loading mechanism 20 via a control channel 50 and with
phonon-inducing mechanism 30 via a control channel 55, and additional
communication paths are shown. While the communication between the
control mechanism and the reactant-loading and phonon-inducing
mechanisms will usually be associated with electrical connections, the
communication paths are intended to be very general. For example, as
noted above, the phonon-generation mechanism may use ultrasonic energy
or heat.
[0036] Control system 40 is also shown as having bi-directional
communication with core 15 and heat transfer mechanism 45 via control
channels 60 and 65. These additional control channels would allow an
additional ability to control the reaction, but or both may be
unnecessary in some embodiments. In some embodiments, these control
channels provide signals from pressure and temperature sensors.
[0037] Control system 40 is shown as an enlarged detail with specific
connections. More specifically, from the point of view of control
system 40, control channel 50 is shown as having control outputs 50a
and 50b, and a control input 50c. Similarly, control channel 55 is
shown as having control outputs 55a, 55b, and 55c, and a control input
55d; control channel 60 is shown as having a control outputs 60a and
60b, and control outputs 60c and 60d; and control channel 65 is shown
as having control inputs 65a and 65b, and control outputs 65c and 65d.
[0038] The same reference numbers will be used in the different
embodiments, with the understanding that what are seen as control
inputs and outputs from the point of view of control system 40 will be
seen as control outputs and inputs from the point of view of
reactant-loading mechanism 20, phonon-inducing mechanism 30, heat
transfer mechanism, and core 15. Different embodiments may have
different combinations of control inputs and outputs.
[0039] Four specific embodiments of a Quantum Fusion reactor are
described in detail below. A first embodiment (FIG. 2 and FIGS. 3A-3C)
uses an electrical field to control loading of the core material and
current pulses as part of the phonon-generation mechanism. A second
embodiment (FIG. 4) uses an electrical field to control loading of the
core material and sonic or ultrasonic energy as part of the
phonon-generation mechanism. A third embodiment (FIG. 5) uses a
fluidized bed of core material. Reactant is pumped directly into the
reaction chamber to control core loading. The fluidized bed is capable
of phonon propagation. Phonon generation in the fluidized bed may be
stimulated by directly imparting sonic/ultrasonic energy, current, or a
combination of both. A fourth embodiment (FIG. 6) is a sealed container
device in which the combination of reactant gas pressure and the
temperature of the core material control the loading rate. The elements
have been numbered such that elements having equivalent or analogous
function from embodiment to embodiment have the same identifying
reference number.
Common Features of the Preferred
Quantum Fusion Embodiments
[0040] The following table sets forth the basic elements of the
embodiments, the first four of which were briefly outlined above.
[0000]
15 Core 15 comprises a lattice type material (magnesium,
chromium, iron, cobalt, nickel, molybdenum, palladium, silver, tungsten
some ceramics, etc.) capable of propagating phonons, loading reactants,
and supplying valence or conduction band electrons. FIGS. 5 and 6 show
a fluidic or powder bed implementation of the core where the reactants
are readily absorbed by the liquid or powder core material. FIG. 6
shows a version where the reactants and core material are isolated from
the heat transfer medium.
30 Phonon-inducing mechanism 30 has as its primary function
transferring energy to the core in the form of phonons. A second
function, for cases where the loading is induced by means of an
electric field, is allowing the entire core to be given a negative
charge with respect to the anode. This provides for uniform loading of
the core. In FIG. 6 the Quantum compression
may be induced in three separate ways;
1) sonic/ultrasonic induction,
using the impedance match and energy feed through horn,
2) Quantum
current, induced using the feed-through horn as one electrode and the
dashed line
as the other,
3) Thermal, using the heating element connected using the dash dot
lines.
25 The source of the reactant.
45 Heat transfer medium 45 will in some instances include water.
In systems where hydrogen is the reactant material it is possible to
use
the flux of alpha particles as an electromotive force and as a medium
for system
heat removal.
See U.S. Pat. No. 6,753,469.
40 Control system 40 communicates with reactant-loading mechanism
20 via channel 50, with phonon-inducing mechanism 30 via channel 55,
with sensors via channel 60, and with the core via channel 65.
70 Anode of systems using an electric field for loading of
reactants in the form of positive ions. More generically a reactant
feed.
75 Cathode or minus side of the loading current source or other
ion delivery system. Should be coupled to the core to allow uniform
loading of positive ions into the core. More genetically, a reactant
return.
50a Control output 50a provides on/off control for the loading
source in electrically loaded systems. In non-electrically loaded
systems, this can control the flow of reactants FIG. 4 or extract
reactants FIG. 5.
50b Control output 50b is used to set the level for loading
source. In electrically loaded systems, this would set the current
level. In other systems, it could control circulation of reactants or
speed of reactant injection.
50c Control input 50c is used to monitor the reactant loading
system. With electrically loaded systems it can provide information on
the level and state of the reactant/heat transfer medium. On
non-electrically loaded systems it can provide pressure, density, or
other operating parameters.
20 Reactant-loading mechanism 20. In devices using electrolytic
loading (FIGS. 2, 3A-3C, and 4), this is the current source for loading
positive ions into the core. In FIG. 5 it is a pump and or a flow
control valve. In this figure the fuel source may simply be turned off
to stop the reaction. In FIG. 6 mechanism 20 is used to pressurize the
reaction chamber. By loading the reactant in through the bottom inlet
buried in the core material it facilitates loading of the reactants.
The circulation return line may be used to evacuate the fuel from the
reaction chamber for rapid shut down. The circulation return line also
allows mechanism 20 to circulate the reactants through the fluidic or
powdered core aiding in uniform reaction rates.
55d Control input 55d is used for monitoring the quantum
compression and is used for determination of the fusion efficiency as
well as the status of the core. Depending on the core material,
temperature and input energy level, the values returned through this
sensor(s) will aid in determining the state of the core.
55a Control output 55a is used as a control input to set the
power level of the quantum compression delivered to the core.
55b and Control outputs 55b and 55c are only applicable to
devices using quantum
55c current as the phonon generation source, and determine the
direction of the quantum current pulse. Alternating the direction of
current maintains uniform loading of the core material.
[0041] FIG. 2 shows schematically an embodiment with electrolytic
loading and current pulses for phonon generation. A pulsed loading
current increases reactant density at the surface of the core. Short,
quantum current pulses can be used to initiate phonon generation. These
quantum current pulses also increase electron density at the core
surface, due to and exploiting the skin effect, raising the rate of
neutron generation via electron capture at the surface and preventing
gross loading which leads to core destruction. In this embodiment, a
suitable isolation technology is used to connect both ends of the core
material to the phonon generator. The isolation of the quantum current
from the loading current allows better control over reactants in the
first fusing stage that creates neutrons.
[0042] Control system 40 varies and monitors the power associated with
both loading current and quantum current. For any given reactor using a
quantum current to activate the core, changes in the power level
(voltage*current) at any given temperature/current operating point is
indicative of changes of the core being monitored. The loading system
power (voltage*current) for any given loading current level can also be
monitored to provide information on the system status. For reliability
purposes the control system designer (during initial development) and
the system operator (during routine operation) should run the system to
be controlled while varying one parameter at a time to characterize the
system. This will build a multi-dimensional control space where
different points within the space will indicate problems such as core
degradation, low water level, liquid pH problems and or scaling of the
core.
[0043] Reactant-loading mechanism 20 in FIG. 2 can be a pulse
transformer or other current source of sufficient compliance to create
the loading current required to drive electron capture events. The
loading current value is dependent on temperature, core cross-section,
loading surface area, and compression current. An example of a
functional reactor parameter set is quantum current pulse values of 4 A
for 40 ns at a 100 KHz rep rate, with a loading current on the order of
100 mA at a water temperature of 65C with a 0.05 mm wire core with on
the order of 5 cm immersed in the water.
[0044] FIGS. 3A and 3B are circuit schematics showing possible
implementations of reactant-loading and phonon-generation circuitry.
[0045] FIG. 3C shows a particular implementation. Core 15 is connected
to a connection point J1, which connects the reactor core to the
secondary of a transformer T8, which is used to isolate the core from
the phonon-inducing mechanism. The center tap on the secondary of
transformer T8 is attached to the cathode 75 of the loading current
source (F04 is the connection point of the cathode), providing uniform
loading of the core material. The device can be made to work with a
non-center-tapped connection but this can lead to non-uniform loading
leading to uneven heating of the core which could actually be used to
benefit in a high axial flow rate parallel to the core system.
[0046] Capacitor C5, FETs U5 and U5A, and FETs U6 and U6A provide for
symmetrical quantum current pulses in the clockwise and
counterclockwise directions, which aid in uniform loading and reaction
rates in the core. Outputs from half-bridge driver U4 drive the gates
of the FETs. Capacitor C2 is a high voltage, high capacitance low
impedance device several orders of magnitude larger than capacitor C5.
The voltage on capacitor C2 is provided on control channel 55. FETs U5
and U5A charge capacitor C5. FETs U6 and U6A discharge the charge
stored in capacitor C5, providing an opposite polarity quantum current
pulse. The FETs are controlled to control the direction of the quantum
current pulse, shown as receiving signals over control channels 55b and
55c in FIG. 2. The source-switched configuration provides rapid
switching to provide the edge speeds required for driving the quantum
current pulses.
[0047] This type of driving arrangement gives very fast rise time and
short duration quantum current pulses, enhancing the skin effect and
concentrates reactions at the surface of the core. This helps to
prevent damage from deep and excessive loading of the core material. By
adjusting the voltage on capacitor C2 (control channel 55a) it is
possible to directly control the power of the quantum current pulses.
The required current level of the quantum current pulses varies
depending on the temperature, core cross-section, core surface area,
loading rate, and power generation needs of the system. The power level
can also be used to detect a change in status of the core, indicating
core integrity issues.
[0048] A a shunt resistor R2 is used for measuring the loading current
entering the core. The loading power entering the system can be
calculated by multiplying the value of current measured on shunt
resistor R2 by the voltage across the loading current source. The
loading current power measurement allows feedback of such system
conditions as water Ph, pressure, and water level. The water can
function as the heat transfer mechanism. The anode of the current
loading source is preferably made of a material that will not be
attacked by oxygen at the desired operating temperatures. The voltage
across shunt resistor R2 provides a measure of the quantum current
while the voltage across connection points P11 and P12 provides a
measure of the voltage. The product provides a measure of the power of
the quantum current compression pulses.
[0049] Control of the reactant-loading and quantum compression levels
can be similar, for example comprising a capacitor with an electronic
switch (FET Q4 in FIG. 3B) controlled by the on/off mechanism.
[0050] FIG. 4 is a schematic of an embodiment in which phonon-inducing
mechanism 30 is implemented by an ultrasonic transmitter to generate
the quantum compression phonons. The core of this embodiment may have
the same characteristics as the core in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2,
and electrolysis is again responsible for loading. A current source is
the preferred loading control method. For the reactant source, a liquid
is recommended to simultaneously accomplish the heat transfer function.
Core 15 is connected to the ultrasonic transmitter using an impedance
match device 80 and feed-through to the inside of the reaction vessel.
In analogy to the above embodiment shown in FIG. 2, control channel 55a
controls the quantum compression power, which is converted to
ultrasonic energy by the ultrasonic transmitter. Reactant loading is
controlled with a current source, which may be the same loading
embodiment shown in FIG. 2.
[0051] Control system 40 collects information from the loading source
feedback via control channel 50c and phonon generator feedback via
control channel 55d, as well as other system inputs, to determine the
correct inputs to reactant-loading mechanism 20 and determine the
correct quantum compression power to be supplied to phonon-inducing
system 30. The former is effected via signals on control channels 50a
and 50b; the latter via signals on control channel 55a. These are
controlled in order to achieve the desired rate of fusion. Due to the
lack of quantum current it may be necessary to at least initiate this
type of device with deuterium. The advantage if using deuterium is that
there is no net neutron production required and thus no net absorption
of electrons.
[0052] FIG. 5 is an embodiment wherein core 15 is in the form of a
fluidic bed (i.e., a bed of small particles). A possible suitable
material would be palladium-plated carbon black, which is commercially
available for use as a catalyst, e.g., from Sigma-Aldrich Co., 3050
Spruce Street, St. Louis, Mo. 63103 or Shanghai July Chemical Co.,
Ltd., 2999 Zhangyang Road, Pudong, Shanghai City. China 200135.
Alternatively, the core could be a porous ceramic. Phonon-inducing
mechanism 30 is implemented by an ultrasonic transmitter, which
transmits ultrasonic energy into the reaction vessel using an impedance
match device and feed-through so as to transfer the energy into the
core and set up the phonons required to provide the inter-atomic energy
needed to achieve the electron capture phenomenon. The ultrasonic
energy is controlled via control channel 55d.
[0053] The loading of reactant 25 is dependent on the phase of the
reactant. If it is a high-pressure gas, reactant-loading mechanism 20
may be a simple metering device for charging the vessel, and the source
of signals over control channel 50c may be a pressure gage. In the
pressurized vessel embodiment, the reactant feed (70) works with
reactant return line (75) to circulate the reactant through the core to
stir the helium out of the core and keep fresh reactant in contact with
the core material. This embodiment will likely require the use of
deuterium fuel as there is no readily available source of electrons for
the creation of neutrons. When using deuterium, there is no net
consumption of electrons. Rather, the electrons only act as a catalyst.
[0054] As in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, control system 40
collects information from the loading source feedback via control
channel 50c and phonon generator feedback via control channel 55d, as
well as other system inputs, to determine the correct inputs to
reactant-loading mechanism 20 and determine the correct quantum
compression power to be supplied to phonon-inducing system 30.
[0055] FIG. 6 shows an embodiment similar to that shown in FIG. 5,
except that the phonon production can be delivered in the form of
ultrasonic energy, quantum current, or sufficient thermal energy, shown
as an electric heater 85. Ultrasonic and quantum current have the
advantage of faster response time and better phonon distribution. As in
the embodiment of FIG. 5, the reactant is directly injected into the
core material, which may be in the form of a fluidic bed. If no quantum
current is provided it may not be possible to implement this type of
device without deuterium fuel.
Theory of Operation
[0056] The Source of the Observed
Energy in So Called "Cold Fusion"
[0057] Unlike the common assumptions involved in "Cold Fusion," it is
believed that the energy released in these reactions is the result of
neutron capture by hydrogen isotopes and the beta decay of <4>H
to <4>He. The energy released by neutron capture and beta decay
is given by the following equations relating the masses of reacting
components to products:
[0000]
(neutron + <1>H - <2>H) * c<2 >= 02.237 MeV
= 0.358 pico-joule
(neutron + <2>H - <3>H) * c<2 >= 06.259 MeV
= 1.003 pico-joule
(neutron + <3>H - ([beta]<-> + <4>He)) * c<2
>= 19.577 MeV = 3.137 pico-joule
An additional alternative reaction path is a <2>H undergoing an
electron capture event and combining with a passing <2>H to form
<4>He.
[0058] The Source of the Free Neutrons
[0059] The neutrons participating in these reactions are the product of
flavor change of protons that have been loaded into the core lattice
(while the current implementation contemplates a crystalline core,
other implementations may use ceramic cores or powder beds). The flavor
change represents the transmutation of the proton into a neutron by a
process similar to electron capture. Neutron generation requires a
crystal lattice capable of generating phonons, capable of loading
hydrogen ions, and which can supply valence or conduction band
electrons, providing the ~511 KeV electron mass. The required system is
one that can achieve a total Hamiltonian energy of ~782 KeV. This value
represents the difference in mass between the proton-electron
combination and the mass of the neutron. This combination leads to the
transformation of a proton and electron into a neutron. This is an
endothermic reaction that leads to an overall lower system energy
level. The system is converting only enough energy (mass) to affect an
electron capture, leaving the resulting neutron at an extremely low
energy level. The resulting low energy neutron has a high cross section
of reaction with respect to <(1-3)>H nuclei in the lattice. This
neutron capture is similar to the process leading to a neutron star as
discussed in [Baym1971], and applies to the H, D and T caught in the
lattice and further enhanced by the quantum currents which allows the
lower loading in this system.
[0060] It is believed that that energy is transferred to the protons
through superposition of multiple phonon wave functions within the
lattice of the core. This energy grows very rapidly as the non-bonded
energy is extremely asymmetric. As mentioned in [NIH_Guide], "Repulsion
is modeled by an equation that is designed to rapidly blow up at close
distances (1/r<12 >dependency)." Additional energy beyond the
phonon energy is realized from atomic band state confinement of ions.
When local loading of the lattice is high, hydrogen ions take up
positions at the octahedral points of vacant S(n+1) electron orbitals
between the PnS(n+1) orbital wave function energy levels in transition
metals. This wave function energy level occupation provides confinement
necessary for what is referred to as Quantum Compression, a property
arising out of the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle.
[0061] Because both the electron and proton are fermions, the ions so
trapped experience confinement effects. This confinement energy effect
is a function of the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle as stated in the
form [Delta][rho]>=(h/2[pi])/[Delta]x and can be enhanced through
increased electron density causing occupation of adjacent bands. The
conversion of a proton to a neutron is a natural energy reduction
mechanism (it requires the addition of ~1.253*10<-13 >J),
converting energy to the mass difference between the proton-electron
combination and the mass of a neutron while simultaneously eliminating
a positive charge between the compressing nuclei. Because the
transmutation is endothermic in nature, the system achieves higher
entropy through the transmutation. The transmutation results in
low-energy neutrons that have a high cross-section with respect to
other hydrogen nuclei, giving an elevated reaction probability.
[0062] Energy released in the neutron absorptions interacts with
lattice phonons in such a way that it is translated into kinetic energy
in the lattice where it is dissipated into the surrounding environment
(heat exchange mechanism).
Manner of Operation Based on Theory of
Operation
[0063] It is the understanding of the reaction at the quantum level
that reveals how to obtain the control and reliability required for
commercial applications. Below is an outline of the steps involved in
the reaction. By understanding the underlying mechanism that initiates
a Quantum Fusion reaction it will be possible to use the knowledge
contained in this patent to meet most of the world's energy needs today
and for the foreseeable future. Phonon-Moderated Nuclear Reactions
proceed most efficiently in the following way:
[0064] A loading pulse causes dissociation of reactant into ions by
electrolysis, and the electrolysis drives free reactants into the core
substance. The loading pulse also increases the ion density at the
surface of the core. [Davis2001] notes that "An investigation of
catalytic dissociation of gas molecules has found that dissociation can
follow several paths, e.g., direct reactions and the formation of
transient states, as discussed in the article by J. Jellinek entitled
"Theoretical Dynamical Studies of Metal Clusters and Cluster-Ligand
Systems," (Metal-Ligand Interactions: Structure and Reactivity, N.
Russo (ed.), Kluwer Dordrecht, 1995.). Electric fields, which are
extremely strong at the surface of the reaction material, serve to
attract these dissociated molecules to the material's surface.
Advantageously, some of the hydrogen piles up at the material's
surface, and then enters the material due to kinetic energy directed
along electric field lines."
[0065] The core is a material, (magnesium, chromium, iron, cobalt,
nickel, molybdenum, palladium, silver, tungsten some ceramics, etc.)
capable of propagating phonons, loading reactants, and supplying
valence or conduction band electrons. The following are descriptions of
possible methods for achieving quantum compression. The quantum
compression method allows the Quantum Fusion reaction to be initiated
near the surface of the core, avoiding the core destruction inherent
with deep loading.
[0066] The electrons provide ~511 KeV of mass. The required core system
is able to achieve a total Hamiltonian energy of ~782 KeV at reactant
trapping points. This phonon energy, in combination with the electron
and its associated momentum, supply the total mass required to convert
a proton to a neutron. The resulting neutron is at an extremely low
energy level. The low energy level provides an extremely high cross
section allowing neutrons to accumulate and eventually leading to beta
decay resulting in the formation of <4>He.
[0067] The present invention can provide the additional energy required
for the transmutation in one of two ways. The first way is by
synchronizing an electrical current through the cathode (quantum
current) with the electrolysis (loading) pulse. The high current, high
frequency-content pulse through the matrix induces the creation of
required phonon energy. Second, this energy may also be supplied by
inducing phonons using a sonic or ultrasonic transmitter suitably
coupled to the core material. Without a source of electrons for neutron
capture it is necessary to use deuterium as fuel. The reason deuterium
does not require reaction electrons is that after a capture event by a
deuteron and subsequent merger with another deuteron, an electron (beta
particle) is emitted resulting in no net electron absorption.
[0068] It is the inter-atomic energy caused by "phonons" that is the
closest description of what is happening known to Applicant at this
time. The quantum pulses are far in excess of what the wire is able to
handle for any length of time. Standard "phonons" in palladium are ~50
meV but that is not going to displace the atoms and cause
electro-migration of the atoms. The quantum pulses do appear to cause
electro-migration in order to achieve the required compression energy
providing 782 KeV. I have now run single pulses as high as 35 A down
the 0.05 mm wire and that does not appear to be a typical phonon (50
meV phonons are unlikely to add up to provide 768 KeV. With a fast
enough edge and short enough width, much lower amplitudes are enough to
provide the 782 KeV necessary to the 6-atom unit cell where the
electron capture takes place.
[0069] Protons loaded into the crystal lattice occupy positions in the
conduction band of lattice atoms and obey Bloch's Theorem. A Bloch wave
or Bloch state is the wave function of a particle placed in a periodic
potential (a lattice). It consists of the product of a plane wave and a
periodic function unk(r) which has the same periodicity as the
potential:
[0000]
[psi]nk(r)=e<ik.r>unk(r)
[0000] The plane wave vector k multiplied by Planck's constant is the
particle's crystal momentum. It can be shown that the wave function of
a particle in a periodic potential must have this form by proving that
translation operators (by lattice vectors) commute with the
Hamiltonian. This result is called Bloch's Theorem. The H nuclei in
these locations come under extremely high field pressure from the
surrounding lattice nuclei. When phonon displacement energy reaches a
magnitude of 782 KeV in the vicinity of an H nucleus it becomes
energetically favorable for an electron capture event. The resulting
neutron is in a very low energy state with a correspondingly high cross
section of interaction with existing H nuclei.
[0070] According to quantum field theory, the potential energy of the
Hamiltonian can be expressed in terms of fermion and boson creation and
annihilation operators such that a set of processes is defined in which
a fermion in a given eigenstate either absorbs or emits a boson
(phonon), thereby being pushed into a different eigenstate. The change
in eigenstate is the change of an Up quark to a down quark, which
changes a proton to a neutron.
[0071] The hypothesis of the core operation asserts that it is through
the creation and absorption of phonons (bosons) that the energy induced
as vibrations in the atomic lattice is translated to the nuclear scale,
and by which the nuclear energy released by neutron absorption and
transmutation is being dispersed as kinetic energy in the lattice. The
phonons provide the scale coupling between electromagnetic force-level
stimuli in the atomic lattice and the subatomic level increases in
momentum.
[0072] In systems using hydrogen as the reactant, proton occupation of
limited positions within the lattice and augmented by octahedral points
between the PnS(n+1)Dn orbital wave function energy levels in the core
transition metal provides additional confinement points. There has been
a fair amount of discussion within the cold fusion community of the
octahedral points within the lattice being pinning points for the
hydrogen ions. One of the key points missing in these discussions is a
consideration of the octahedral points between the PnS(n+1)Dn orbital
structures in the transition metals that seem to work. It is in these
available orbital wave function energy levels that the hydrogen ion
wave functions may be sufficiently confined to undergo the
transmutation.
[0073] The quantum current pulse initiates the phonons and provides the
reacting electrons that lead to neutron production before excessive
absorbed hydrogen has had the opportunity to migrate very deeply into
the lattice. Deep loading to a high density can lead to the gross
loading condition of current cold fusion technology. In this condition
the first reaction initiates a chain reaction of all nearby trapped H
nuclei. Such a chain reaction liberates so much energy that lattice
bonds break, causing disintegration of the core.
[0074] The proton drift current induced by the quantum current exerts a
motivational force on the reactants within the lattice increasing the
potential of nuclear interaction with the newly created low-energy
neutrons or neutron rich material.
[0075] In systems using hydrogen as the reactant, the binding energy
released in the creation of a <2>H nucleus (deuteron) is ~2.229
MeV. Deuterons are neutralized in the same process as single protons
and the resulting <2>N mass interacts with a <2>H. The
transition from <2>H to <4>H releases ~3.386 MeV. The
largest yield of energy comes from the transition of <4>H via
beta decay to <4>He yielding a total of ~22.965 MeV in the form
of phonon creation and alpha particle radiation.
Heat Transfer Mechanisms
[0076] As shown schematically in FIG. 1, embodiments of the present
invention contemplate a heat transfer mechanism (denoted with reference
number 45). In some embodiments, where the core is submersed or
otherwise in contact with a fluid, which functions as a reactant
source, the same fluid can also function as the heat transfer
mechanism. In cases where the reactant is H (protium) and the core is
from the transition metal group, it is possible to use water with
similar treatment as would be applied in traditional boilers. Other
cores and reactants will likely work by applying the quantum
current/quantum compression technique.
[0077] Additional embodiments of useful reactors could include using a
thermally but not electrically conductive support with a conductive
core. By placing a gas source of reactant on the exposed side of the
core and using electrolytic loading, the reaction could be initiated
with resistive current heating of the core, with quantum currents, or a
combination there of. A significant benefit of having a current flow in
the core is the ability to use protium as the primary reactant. The
core support would act as the heat sink and transfer the energy to what
ever is desired, e.g., direct thermal conversion or a working fluid.
The working fluid could be any gas or liquid down to and including the
sea of electrons as discussed in [Kolawa2004].
[0078] FIG. 7 shows an implementation where one or more surfaces of the
core are in contact with the reactant source and one or more surfaces
of the core are in contact with a separate heat sink. The heat sink can
then transfer heat to a working fluid from which heat could be
extracted, either as an end in and of itself, or to run a turbine. The
geometry is shown schematically. For example, the core could be a layer
of material on the inner surface of a thermally conductive but
electrically insulating pipe, with the reactant introduced through the
interior of the pipe and the heat withdrawn from the outside surface of
the pipe.
Quantum Fusion Reactor Operation and
Control
[0079] Typical parameters are discussed, with specific quantities being
described for a current demonstration reactor. The demonstration
reactor is run at atmospheric pressure and uses a solution of sodium
hydroxide in order to reduce the loading voltage requirement. A
pressurized reactor would most likely eliminate the need for sodium
hydroxide. This section frequently discusses a 10 nS timing resolution.
This is because the current demonstration reactor uses a 100 MHz
processor in the control system and this represents the available
resolution. There is nothing fundamental about the 10 ns resolution.
[0080] The Quantum Fusion reactor implemented by electrolysis and
quantum current control is driven by the stimulation of phonons in a
crystal lattice. Phonon stimulation is accomplished by stimulation
event cycles consisting of a loading pulse and zero or more quantum
current stimulation pulses.
[0081] FIG. 8 is a representative timing diagram showing how the
loading pulses and quantum current pulses can be controlled. The timing
is characterized by a series of event cycles, one of which is shown in
the figure.
[0082] Event Cycles
[0083] An event cycle consists of a loading pulse and zero or more
quantum current stimulation pulses. Loading pulses cause dissociation
of the water into hydrogen and oxygen and promote the migration of
hydrogen nuclei into the reaction matrix. Quantum current pulses
stimulate phonons in the reaction matrix and ensure presence of
electrons for electron capture. It may also be possible to use reverse
polarity electrolysis pulsed to supply the reaction electrons if the
core temperature is high enough to supply the required phonons without
quantum current.
[0084] Number of Events-0-250 (or
Free-Run)
[0085] In the initial reactor prototype the number of events is
determinable by user configuration to allow optimization of the
reaction characteristics and core start-up. Free run allows the reactor
to proceed according to currently configured parameters (pursuant to
the implementation of a feedback system).
[0086] Event Period-10
[mu]s-10,000,000 [mu]s (10 [mu]s Resolution)
[0087] This parameter allows the length of time between event cycles to
be controlled. This time period allows for the dissipation of
fusion-induced phonon energy. Longer event periods will allow more time
between loading pulses and subsequent Quantum Fusion events. Currently
due to hardware/software in use, events are being run at 1518.8 Hz or
658 [mu]S. This represents a 16-bit PWM with a 99.5328 MHz clock.
[0088] Number of Quantum Pulses Per
Event-0-250
[0089] This parameter allows optimization of energy production for
various loading pulse amplitudes, durations, and temperature profiles.
Varying the number of quantum pulses per event, allows the ratio of
Quantum Fusion reaction rate and loading rate to be adjusted relative
to one another. An analogy would be with multiple injection events per
combustion cycle in an internal combustion direct injection engine. The
current software/hardware implementing the reaction process is only
capable of 140 pulses per event. The current demonstration reactor
samples the loading current just after half of the number of pulses in
the event have been instigated, in order to obtain the most accurate
loading current used for calculation of the next pulse width setting.
[0090] The Loading Pulse
[0091] The loading pulse causes dissociation of water into hydrogen and
oxygen and promotes the migration of hydrogen nuclei into the reaction
crystal matrix. Varying the pulse width relative to the amplitude
allows the rate of dissociation to be controlled independent of the
rate of loading.
[0092] Loading Pulse Width-0.1%-100%
(10 ns Resolution)
[0093] The pulse width determines the length of time loading occurs.
This is an indirect control on the density and depth of loading in the
reaction matrix. This is roughly analogous to a choke or mixture
setting on a carbureted engine. With the materials currently available
for demonstration reactors, the process only produces easily detectable
excess heat when run at 80+% loading duty cycle. It is expected that
efficiency of mass conversion will be much higher under increased
pressure and temperature and thereby require the greatly extended range
specified above.
[0094] Loading Pulse
Amplitude-0-102.375 V (0.025V Resolution)
[0095] The pulse amplitude determines the rate of dissociation, and
thus, the rate of fuel availability. As discussed above, the loading
pulse under open container conditions must be in excess of 80% duty
cycle. The current demonstration reactor is isolating quantum pulses
while the loading is at the same reference as the reactor control
processor. The loading energy/current and duty cycle can be controlled
by adjusting the loading voltage. The demonstration reactor is using
sodium hydroxide and distilled water to provide a lower loading voltage
requirement.
[0096] Loading Pulse Offset-0-250,000
ns (25 ns Resolution)
[0097] This offset allows the start of the loading pulse to be varied
relative to the start of the quantum pulse(s). This is roughly
analogous to the spark timing in an internal combustion engine. This
capability is still present in the current demonstration reactor but
the reality is that the loading duty cycle in combination with the
current quantum pulses being created must be at least 80% to achieve
detectable amounts of excess heat. Current device appears to be
converting on the order of 0.00014% or less of the H liberated in the
electrolysis process. This is still easily detectable as the energy
liberated at a loading current of 1.2 A is in excess of 10 W at that
conversion rate.
[0098] The Quantum Pulses
[0099] The ultimate purpose of the quantum current is the creation of
free, low-energy, high-cross-section neutrons. The quantum pulses are
responsible for initiating phonons in the reaction matrix, imparting
additional energy to the system, filling available conduction and
valance band orbitals to effect quantum compression, and increasing the
density of electrons available for electron capture, and consequent
low-energy, high-cross-section neutrons.
[0100] According to quantum field theory, the potential energy of the
Hamiltonian can be expressed in terms of fermion and boson creation and
annihilation operators such that a set of processes is defined in which
a fermion in a given eigenstate either absorbs or emits a boson
(phonon), thereby being pushed into a different eigenstate. The change
in eigenstate is the change of an Up quark to a Down quark, which
changes a proton to a neutron.
[0101] It is believed on the basis of the standard model theory that it
is through the creation and absorption of phonons (bosons) that the
energy induced as vibrations in the atomic lattice is translated to the
nuclear scale, and by which the nuclear energy released by neutron
absorption and transmutation is being dispersed as kinetic energy in
the lattice. The phonons provide the scale coupling between
electromagnetic force-level stimuli in the atomic lattice and the
subatomic level increases in momentum.
[0102] Quantum current supplies valence or conduction band electrons,
providing the ~511 KeV electron mass. The quantum current is also
responsible for raising the Hamiltonian energy of the reaction sites to
the required ~782 KeV necessary for electron capture. This value
represents the difference in mass between the proton-electron
combination and the mass of the neutron.
[0103] It is the intersection of these free neutrons with available
hydrogen nuclei that comprises the fusion reaction path. The closest
academically accepted reaction paths are the R-process and S-process,
which occur in stars.
[0104] A relatively low duty cycle of the quantum current pulses is
typically required because effective quantum current pulse amplitude
for a longer duty cycle would typically vaporize the core. There may be
exceptions.
[0105] Quantum Pulse Rate-3 KHz-300
KHz (10 ns Resolution) and Quantum Pulse Amplitude-0-400 V (0.2V
Resolution)
[0106] The individual quantum pulses can be adjusted to tune the phonon
creation and energy level. Phonons will also be generated as a product
of Quantum Fusion events, leading to a lower phonon stimulation energy
input requirement. The energy level requirement is a function of the
macro temperature of the core as a whole, the loading rate, the
geometry of the core, and the duration of the loading pulse, which
partially determines loading depth. As seen in FIG. 3A, the quantum
pulse amplitude is defined by voltage source 30 as controlled by
signals at control input 55a, while the quantum pulse transitions are
controlled by control inputs 55b and 55c. The current demonstration
reactor software Pulse Rate range is 19.5 KHz to 120.1 KHz.
[0107] Quantum Pulse Dead Time-3.3
[mu]s-333 [mu]s (10 ns Resolution)
[0108] This parameter is a function of the circuit used to implement
the quantum pulses and the loading rate. The pulse dead time also
represents a division between quantum pulses whose direction through
the core are alternated. This quantum pulse direction alternation
provides for uniform loading of the core. Unidirectional quantum
pulsing results in proton migration in the core, leading to a potential
gradient in the core and non-uniform heating. It could also result in
the eventual destruction of a metallic core as effective quantum pulses
cause electro-migration of the atoms in order to generate the required
Hamiltonian energy necessary to cause electron capture events/neutron
generation. If the electro-migration is unidirectional the core will
likely break.
[0109] Quantum Pulse Offset-100
ns-5000 ns (10 ns Resolution)
[0110] This offset allows the start of the loading pulse to be varied
relative to the start of the quantum pulse(s). This is roughly
analogous to the spark timing in an internal combustion engine. It also
allows the accurate collection of loading current data that is
disturbed by the quantum pulses. This parameter has been replaced in
the current demonstration reactor by limiting the frequency of quantum
pulses although it could represent a delay factor of one pulse to
enable the accurate collection of loading current data.
Reactor Feedback
[0111] Feedback parameters allow a commercially useful application of
the reactor to be constructed with reaction parameters being adjusted
in real time according to the dictates of energy demand on the system,
changing pressure and temperature inside the reactor vessel.
[0112] Temperature and Pressure
[0113] This is standard boiler feedback and is used solely for process
control.
[0114] Loading Pulse Power
[0115] Loading pulse power feedback provides information on the water
(sodium hydroxide solution in the current demonstration reactor) and
inter-electrode environment. A large increase in loading pulse power
can be indicative of excess phonon generation leading to a vapor
envelope around the core impacting heat transfer away from the core.
Operating under a constant loading power method aids in control of this
problem. By sampling the loading current at the start of each cycle,
the value may be overstated due to the nature of charge storage
systems. It is better to collect this data in the middle of the cycle
for calculating the loading power of the current cycle and use it to
adjust future cycle widths.
[0116] Quantum Pulse Power
[0117] The quantum pulse power feedback provides information on the
state of core loading and possible core damage. The impedance of the
core will change dependent upon the percentage of saturation of
reactant in the core. Possible core damage will also lead to a
persistent increase in quantum current energy due to increased
resistance of the core. Impedance rise due to excessive loading density
may necessitate a greater number of quantum pulses relative to loading
pulses to alleviate the excessive loading condition. Sustained excess
loading could lead to core degradation and/or destruction, through
chained reactions leading to excess buildup of phonon energy.
Other Reactor Characteristics
[0118] Power Supply Voltage (Loading
Pulse)
[0119] This sets the loading current magnitude (an earlier embodiment
used a pulse transformer for loading, and this referred to the voltage
on the primary of the pulse transformer). Pulse amplitude determines
the rate of dissociation, and thus, the rate of fuel availability.
There are upper limits to this function and care should be taken to not
cause spallation of the core surface due to excessive instantaneous
loading power. In palladium that appears to be ~4 A/mm<2
>although sustained loading of significantly less than this will
cause destruction of a palladium core. The above number was found under
conditions of loading current RMS values of less than 20 mA/mm<2>.
[0120] In an open container the lower end of effective loading appears
to be 240 mA/mm<2 >RMS. Care must also be taken in consideration
of total electrical heating of the core and how it is mounted in the
electrolytic solution. For example, the ends of the core should be
insulated to prevent the solution from attacking the support structure,
to prevent the support structure from absorbing the loading energy, and
to prevent the effective removal of heat from the core material.
[0121] Quantum Pulse Transformer
Primary Voltage
[0122] This voltage allows the quantum current magnitude to be set from
the primary side. The primary side is used to maintain isolation
between the quantum current and the loading current. Using a center
tapped magnetic device to couple the Quantum current energy to the core
allows the core to be uniformly loaded. It is important to select a
core able to handle the 500 MHz and above frequency content of
effective quantum compression waveforms.
[0123] RF transmission line transformers (TLTs) with a center-tapped
secondary work well. In the demonstration reactor T8 of FIG. 3C is
using Indiana General Q1 type material Part number F626-12. The
transformer is wound with a 4-turn primary and 4-turn center-tapped
secondary using 120/38 SPN LITZ. The demonstration reactor uses source
switched FETs in a half-bridge configuration (FIG. 3C U4, U5, U5A, U6,
U6A) with a Metallized polyester film capacitor C5 to couple energy in
to the primary.
Additional Implementations
[0124] Another method of using the reaction could include using a
porous ceramic structure such as those offered by Foster Miller (see
Karandikar1999, Karandikar1999-2). The shape of the porosity as well as
the net shape can be specified. This material could be plated with the
desired core material. It is believed that the best results using this
type material would be achieved with a porosity designed to provide a
uniform cross section for a quantum current activation. With this type
of core the Quantum Fusion reaction will likely initiate at the points
of maximum current density but spread as the temperature rises to the
level necessary to supply the remaining phonons required for proton to
neutron conversion in the rest of the core. This type of core material
could be installed in a sealed container along the lines of those found
in radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG), but without the
dangerously radioactive core.
[0125] One aspect of the present invention, alluded to in the preceding
paragraph, is that a significant portion of the mechanical and
thermodynamic infrastructure can be based on existing, commercially
available technology. For example, a conventional 3-phase-electrode
steam boiler, such as those available from Electric Steam Generator
Corporation, 600 S. Oak St. (P.O. Box 21) Buchanan, Mich. 49107 Toll
Free: (800) 714-7741, can be retrofitted with a Quantum Fusion core in
the following manner: using a 3-phase electrode boiler, use two of the
3-phase electrodes for cathode connection, mounting a Quantum Fusion
reactor core between them, allowing quantum current stimulation, and
use the third electrode as the anode. Surprisingly, this is the only
necessary mechanical modification to the device.
Experimental Results
[0126] Experimental Setup
[0127] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of an experimental apparatus used
to verify experimentally the generation of excess energy in the form of
heat. In short, a technique for verifying the generation of excess heat
uses a dual system with first and second nominally identical mechanical
configurations, with each subsystem capable of driving either an active
core or a dummy core (joule heater). Both subsystems are maintained
within nominally identical environments. The two subsystems have
identical beakers containing equal amounts of sodium hydroxide solution.
[0128] The first subsystem is provided with the active core and the
second subsystem is provided with a joule heater, and the subsystems
are activated with the overall input electric power is controlled to be
equal for both subsystems, and the temperatures of the two reaction
vessels are measured over a period of time.
[0129] It is expected that the temperatures in the two reaction vessels
will begin to rise, if for no other reason, joule heating of the
liquid. Both the active core and the dummy core act as immersion
heaters. Due to heat losses arising from conduction and convection, the
temperature of the liquid in each vessel ultimately reaches an
equilibrium value.
[0130] If joule heating were the only mechanism in play, the two
vessels would be expected to reach the same equilibrium temperature
given that they were being provided the same amount of electrical
energy. If the first subsystem reached a higher equilibrium
temperature, that could be considered an indication that excess heat
beyond that attributable to the electrical energy being converted to
heat was being generated.
[0131] Experimental Data
[0132] Table 1 below shows experimental data acquired during the month
of December 2006.
[0000]
TABLE 1
Q Q peak Q width Q repeti- Volume
Power in Resis- Instantaneous
RMS Difference
rising ampli- in ns tion fre- of
watts to tance loading
loading [deg.] C. to
edge tude @ 50% quency solution
each Ambient Reactor heater amps per amps
per resistance
Date in ns in amps amplitude in KHz in
ml system [deg.] C. [deg.] C. [deg.] C.
mm<2> mm<2> heater
Dec. 05, 2006 97.7 5.6 294 201.1
200 17 21 40 41 0.247 0.163 -1
Dec. 05, 2006 0 0 0 0 200 18
20 62 67 0.344 0.283 -5
Dec. 18, 2006 22.4 8.7 160 90.5 200
22 23 79 73 0.262 0.249 6
Dec. 20, 2006 37 11.5 166 90.6 200
18 23 80 68 0.208 0.192 12
[0133] The first three columns (excluding the date column) describe the
quality of the quantum compression (abbreviated as "Q" in the table)
waveforms. For the runs shown in the chart, the core was 0.05 mm
diameter palladium wire. The core diameter is important in the
determination of sizing and edge speed requirements for the quantum
compression pulses. Instantaneous loading amps/mm<2 >and RMS
loading amps/mm<2 >are the loading requirements and total amps
are related to the surface area of the core in use.
[0134] The power to the reactor and the joule heater were maintained at
equal levels for comparison. Measuring the joule heater power was
effected by using a standard power meter. Measuring the reactor power
was done computationally, with separate computations for the loading
power and the quantum compression power. In general, the bulk (75-90%)
of the power to the reactor is the power of the loading portion of the
circuit, with a smaller fraction for the quantum compression.
[0135] The second December 5 run had no quantum pulses applied to the
core, and the joule heater raised the water to a higher temperature.
This reflects the fact that the joule heater transfers more of the
input electrical power to the solution than does the loading circuit.
The results of the December 18 and December 20 runs, which had sharper
pulses than the first December 5 run, are encouraging in that they
strongly suggest the generation of excess heat due to the quantum
compression pulses.
REFERENCES
[0136] The following references are hereby incorporated by reference:
[0000]
Baym1971 G. Baym, H. A. Bethe, C. J. Pethick, "Neutron star
matter," Nucl.
Phys. A 175, 225 (1971) (North-Holland Publishing Co.,
Amsterdam). (47 pages)
Cravens2003 D. J. Cravens and D. G. Letts, "Practical Techniques
in CF Research - Triggering Methods," Tenth International Conference on
Cold Fusion, 2003. Cambridge, MA: LENR-CANR.org. The paper bears the
following legend: "This paper was presented at the 10th International
Conference on Cold Fusion. It may be different from the version
published by World Scientific, Inc (2003) in the official Proceedings
of the conference." (9 pages)
Davis2001 U.S. Pat. No. 6,248,221 issued Jun. 19, 2001 to Davis
et al. for "Electrolysis apparatus and electrodes and electrode
material therefor."
George1997 Production of alpha particles and excess heat at Los
Alamos National Laboratory
George1999 Russ George, "Production of <4>He from deuterium
during contact with nano-particle palladium on carbon at
200[deg.] C. and 3 atmosphere deuterium pressure," Paper presented at
the American Physical Society Centennial Conference Mar. 26, 1999.
currently available electronically at:
http://www.d2fusion.com/education/catalyst_helium1.html. (6 pages)
George-2 http://d2fusion.com/education/sonofusion.html
Karandikar1999 "Single-Crystal YAG Reinforcement Preforms for
Refractory Composites" Work done by Prashant G. Karandikar, Ronald Roy,
and Uday Kashalikar of Foster-Miller, Inc. for John H. Glenn Research
Center currently available electronically at:
http://www.nasatech.com/Briefs/May99/LEW16665.html. (2 pages)
Karandikar1999-2 "Microporous, Single Crystal Oxide Materials"
Prashant G. Karandikar. (6 pages)
Kolawa2004 U.S. Pat. No. 6,753,469 issued Jun. 22, 2004 to Kolawa
et al. for "Very high efficiency, miniaturized, long-lived alpha
particle power= source using diamond devices for extreme space
environments."
NIH_Guide The NIH Guide to Molecular Modeling: "Molecular
Mechanics" currently available electronically at:
http://cmm.info.nih.gov/modeling/guide_documents/molecular_mechanics_document.html#nonbond_anchor.
(9 pages)
rexresearch.com
