阅读说明：本技术 发电机以及用于发电的方法 (Generator and method for generating electricity ) 是由 汉斯·利德格伦 于 2018-05-09 设计创作，主要内容包括：披露了一种用于发电的方法。该方法包括：使包含第一燃料成分和第二燃料成分的燃料经受输入电磁辐射从而产生以下各项：该第一燃料成分中的核质量减少同位素移位、该第二燃料成分中的核质量增加同位素移位、以及由该核质量增加同位素移位引起的输出电磁辐射；以及由该输出电磁辐射通过以下方式发电：通过在第一电极(52)处将该输出电磁辐射光电地转换成电子并在第二电极(22)处收集这些电子从而将该输出电磁辐射转换成电力；或者通过在光伏电池单元(70)处将该输出电磁辐射光电地转换成电力。还披露了一种用于根据以上方法发电的发电机。(A method for generating electricity is disclosed. The method comprises the following steps: subjecting a fuel comprising a first fuel component and a second fuel component to input electromagnetic radiation to produce: nuclear mass reducing isotope displacement in the first fuel component, nuclear mass increasing isotope displacement in the second fuel component, and output electromagnetic radiation resulting from the nuclear mass increasing isotope displacement; and generating electricity from the output electromagnetic radiation by: converting the output electromagnetic radiation into electrical power by photoelectrically converting the output electromagnetic radiation into electrons at a first electrode (52) and collecting the electrons at a second electrode (22); or by photo-electrically converting the output electromagnetic radiation into electrical power at the photovoltaic cell (70). A generator for generating electricity according to the above method is also disclosed.)

1. An electrical generator comprising:

a fuel container (20) for containing a fuel comprising a first fuel component and a second fuel component;

a source unit (30) configured to expose the fuel to input electromagnetic radiation so as to produce:

the nuclear mass in the first fuel component reduces isotopic displacement,

nuclear mass-increasing isotope shifts in the second fuel component, an

Output electromagnetic radiation resulting from displacement of the nuclear mass-increasing isotope; and

a generator housing (40) surrounding the fuel container (20), the generator housing (40) supporting a first electrode (42) configured to photoelectrically convert the output electromagnetic radiation into electrons;

wherein the fuel container (20) includes a fuel container housing (24) supporting a second electrode (22) configured to collect the electrons, thereby providing power generation.

2. An electrical generator comprising:

a fuel container (20) for containing a fuel comprising a first fuel component and a second fuel component;

a source unit (30) configured to expose the fuel to input electromagnetic radiation so as to produce:

the nuclear mass in the first fuel component reduces isotopic displacement,

nuclear mass-increasing isotope shifts in the second fuel component, an

Output electromagnetic radiation resulting from displacement of the nuclear mass-increasing isotope;

a generator housing (40) surrounding the fuel container (20); and

a photovoltaic cell unit (70) configured to convert the output electromagnetic radiation into electrical power, wherein the photovoltaic cell unit (70) is arranged as a layer of the generator housing (40).

3. A generator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fuel is solid.

4. A generator as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the fuel is TiD_x。

5. The generator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the source unit (20) is configured to expose the fuel to electromagnetic radiation input energy in the infrared spectral range.

6. Generator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the source unit (30) comprises an induction coil arrangement (32).

7. The generator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fuel container (20) comprises a fuel container housing (24), wherein the generator housing (40) and the fuel container housing delimit a compartment (50).

8. The generator of claim 7 wherein the compartment comprises an inlet for fluid inflow and an outlet for fluid outflow.

9. The generator of claim 8, wherein the fluid is an inert gas.

10. A generator according to claim 9, wherein the inert gas is neon.

11. The generator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the generator housing (40) comprises a secondary cooling unit configured to regulate the temperature of the generator.

12. The generator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the generator housing (40) is configured to support the fuel container (20).

13. The generator according to claim 12, wherein the generator housing (40) supports the fuel container (20) at a seal (44).

14. The generator of claim 13, wherein the seal (44) electrically isolates the fuel container (20) from the generator housing (40).

15. The generator according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the seal (44) is configured to releasably attach the fuel container (20) to the generator housing (40).

16. The generator of claim 1 or 2, further comprising: one or more support members (60) configured to support between the generator housing (40) and the fuel container (20).

17. The generator according to claim 16, wherein the fuel container (20) comprises a fuel container housing (24), wherein the generator housing (40) and the fuel container housing delimit a compartment (50), and wherein the one or more support members (60) are arranged inside the compartment (50).

18. The generator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fuel container (20) is transmissive for electromagnetic radiation in the ultraviolet spectral range and/or soft X-ray range.

19. A method for generating electricity, the method comprising:

subjecting a fuel comprising a first fuel component and a second fuel component to input electromagnetic radiation to produce:

the nuclear mass in the first fuel component reduces isotopic displacement,

nuclear mass-increasing isotope shifts in the second fuel component, an

Output electromagnetic radiation resulting from displacement of the nuclear mass-increasing isotope; and

generating electricity from the output electromagnetic radiation by: converting the output electromagnetic radiation into electrical power by photoelectrically converting the output electromagnetic radiation into electrons at a first electrode (52) and collecting the electrons at a second electrode (22); or by photo-electrically converting the output electromagnetic radiation into electrical power at the photovoltaic cell (70).

20. The method of claim 198, wherein the first fuel component is deuterium.

21. The method of claim 19 or 209, wherein the second fuel component is titanium.

22. A method according to any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein the fuel is a solid.

23. The method of any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein the fuel is TiD_x。

24. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 23, wherein the input electromagnetic radiation is in the thermal spectral range.

25. A method according to any one of claims 19 to 24, wherein the output electromagnetic radiation is in the ultraviolet spectral range or in the soft X-ray range.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a generator. The invention also relates to a method for generating electricity.

Background

Energy production is one of the most priority issues for humans. Much effort has been devoted to finding new energy generation technologies. The first step in a new energy generation technology is disclosed in EP 3086323 a 1.

Disclosure of Invention

In view of the above, it is an object of the present invention to provide a novel means for energy generation.

According to a first aspect, a method for generating power is provided. The method comprises the following steps: subjecting a fuel (the fuel comprising a first fuel component and a second fuel component) to input electromagnetic radiation to produce: nuclear mass reducing isotope displacement in the first fuel component, nuclear mass increasing isotope displacement in the second fuel component, and output electromagnetic radiation resulting from the nuclear mass increasing isotope displacement; and generating electricity from the output electromagnetic radiation by: converting the output electromagnetic radiation into electrical power by photoelectrically converting the output electromagnetic radiation into electrons at a first electrode and collecting the electrons at a second electrode; or by photo-electrically converting the output electromagnetic radiation into electrical power at the photovoltaic cell unit.

Herein, exposing to input Electromagnetic (EM) radiation means that the input EM radiation irradiates at least a portion of the first fuel component. The input EM radiation may include photons having at least one frequency or frequency pattern. In a first example, the input EM radiation includes photons having multiple frequency modes. In a second example, the input EM radiation is substantially monochromatic, including photons with a fixed frequency. Furthermore, the input EM radiation may have a preferred intensity level and/or power level. Preferred intensity levels and/or power levels may be associated with particular frequencies. Optionally, the input EM radiation may be polarized.

The input EM radiation may affect the first fuel component and the second fuel component such that the fuel will enter the plasma phase.

Further, the input EM radiation may transfer energy to the first fuel component. Energy transfer may be provided by means of a wave particle acceleration process. Upon energy transfer to the first fuel component, the first fuel component will assume a high energy state in which neutrons in the first fuel component will be affected and nuclear mass reducing isotope shifts will occur. At least a portion of the first fuel component may assume an energetic state. Typically, nuclear mass reducing isotope shifts will occur when the energy delivered by the input EM radiation is above or equal to a threshold energy. In addition, however, quantum mechanical tunneling effects may allow for nuclear mass reduction isotope shifts below a threshold energy.

The wave particle acceleration process may be selected based on physical characteristics of the first fuel component. For example, the physical properties of the first fuel component may relate to the following: a type of material of the first fuel component, a type of lattice structure of the material, a physical quantity of the material (such as atomic mass, atomic number, atomic separation distance, acoustic velocity, plasma characteristic velocity, local temperature, average temperature, etc.), a length dimension of the lattice structure of the material, a length dimension of a grain structure of the material, and a geometry of the lattice structure of the material. The physical property may also be a plasmon resonance frequency of the first fuel component.

The energy received by the wave particle acceleration process may be transferred to the first fuel component at a preferred intensity. The plasmon resonance frequency has an associated frequency ω and an associated resonance wavelength λ.

Nuclear mass reducing isotope shifts are generated in the first fuel component. Neutrons released from the first fuel component at nuclear mass reducing isotope displacements in the first fuel component will induce nuclear mass increasing isotope displacements in the second fuel component. Excess energy resulting from mass-increasing isotope shifts in the second fuel component may be output as electromagnetic radiation.

By subjecting the second fuel component to nuclear mass increasing isotopic displacement, excess energy will be generated. More specifically, the process of nuclear mass increasing isotope displacement in the second fuel component may release more energy than is required for nuclear mass decreasing isotope displacement in the first fuel component.

Here, being subjected to output EM radiation means energy released during nuclear mass increasing isotope displacement in the second fuel component. Energy will be released in the form of electromagnetic waves/photons.

By photoelectrically converting the output electromagnetic radiation into electrons at the first electrode and collecting these electrons at the second electrode, electricity can be generated in a cheap and efficient manner.

By converting the output electromagnetic radiation into electrical power at the photovoltaic cell unit, electricity can be generated in a cheap and efficient manner.

With the present inventive concept, there is generally no elemental transmutation. In contrast, there is isotopic displacement in the first fuel component and the second fuel component. Isotopes refer to a group of nuclear species having the same atomic number Z but different neutron numbers N ═ a-Z, where a is the mass number. During the displacement of the isotope, the mass number a of the isotope is displaced by at least one integer step. The mass-reduced isotope displacement may be from an isotope having a mass number A^AIsotope of P to A-1 with mass number^A-1Isotopic displacement of P. The mass-increasing isotope displacement may be from an isotope having a mass number A^AIsotope of P to A +1 with mass number^A+1Isotopic displacement of P.

The first fuel component may be deuterium. Thus, mass-reducing isotopic shifts in the first fuel element may result from reaction channel D + W_S→n+¹H, wherein D is deuterium (²H) And wherein the first and second end portions of the first and second,¹h is protium, i.e., hydrogen with no neutrons in the nucleus. Further, W_sIs the threshold energy for mass reducing isotope translocation to occur. The threshold energy for inducing mass-reducing isotopic shifts in D is 2.25 MeV. It is to be noted that it is preferable that,¹h and²h itself is a stable isotope, but the reaction can be induced by irradiation above a threshold energy.

The fuel may be a solid, preferably TiD_x. By using a solid as fuel, the input electromagnetic radiation can be in the infrared spectral range. Thus, the input electromagnetic radiation may be in the infrared spectral range and so onThe following ranges. Thus, the frequency of the input electromagnetic radiation may be 430THz to 300 GHz. In particular, the input electromagnetic radiation may be considered as thermal radiation. Thus, the source unit may be configured to expose the fuel to electromagnetic radiation input energy in the infrared spectral range.

TiD_xIs a preferred fuel because deuterium is a good candidate for the first fuel component and titanium is a good candidate for the second fuel component. This is because the nuclear mass reducing isotopic displacement in deuterium requires less energy than the nuclear mass reducing isotopic displacement in titanium. The energy released after isotopic displacement increased by the nuclear mass in titanium will be about 5 times more than the energy required for isotopic displacement decreased by the nuclear mass in deuterium. Further, TiD_xAre commercially available, especially in powder form. Due to TiD_xThe powder is easily contained in the fuel container, and therefore it may be a good candidate for fuel.

According to a second aspect, a generator is provided. The generator includes: a fuel container for containing a fuel, the fuel comprising a first fuel component and a second fuel component; a source unit configured to expose the fuel to input electromagnetic radiation to produce: nuclear mass reducing isotope displacement in the first fuel component, nuclear mass increasing isotope displacement in the second fuel component, and output electromagnetic radiation resulting from the nuclear mass increasing isotope displacement; a first electrode configured to photoelectrically convert output electromagnetic radiation into electrons; and a second electrode configured to collect the electrons, thereby providing power generation.

According to a third aspect, an alternative generator is provided. The alternative generator includes: a fuel container for containing a fuel comprising a first fuel component and a second fuel component; a source unit configured to expose the fuel to input electromagnetic radiation to produce: nuclear mass reducing isotope displacement in the first fuel component, nuclear mass increasing isotope displacement in the second fuel component, and output electromagnetic radiation resulting from the nuclear mass increasing isotope displacement; and a photovoltaic cell unit configured to convert the output electromagnetic radiation into electrical power.

The source unit may comprise an induction coil arrangement. The use of an induction coil arrangement to generate infrared radiation is a highly efficient source of infrared radiation.

The generator may further comprise a generator housing. The generator housing may surround the fuel container. The fuel container may include a fuel container housing. The fuel cell housing may support the second electrode. The inner layer of the generator housing may constitute the first electrode.

The generator housing and the fuel container housing may define a compartment. The first and second electrodes may be arranged at opposite boundaries of the compartment.

The compartment may be emptied. The efficiency of collecting electrons can be enhanced. Further, the evacuated compartment may serve as an insulator for the fuel container containing the heat accumulated therein (in the fuel container).

The compartment may comprise an inlet for inflow of fluid and an outlet for outflow of fluid. The fluid is preferably an inert gas, preferably neon. By allowing fluid to flow in the compartment, the generator can be controlled. For example, the temperature of the fuel container may be controlled, the generator may be stopped, and the compartment may be purged of leaking gas (e.g., deuterium or hydrogen).

The generator housing may further include a secondary cooling unit configured to cool a temperature of the generator.

The above-described features of the method (where applicable) also apply to the second and third aspects. To avoid excessive repetition, reference is made to the above.

Further, the output electromagnetic radiation may be in the ultraviolet spectral range.

Hereinafter, the concept of gradient forces associated with the first fuel composition and the second fuel composition will be discussed. As will be explained in detail below, gradient forces may be due to penetration of EM waves into a substance in any of the focused states.

In plasma physics, it is well known that ponderomotive force is an effective description of time-averaged nonlinear forces that act on a medium comprising charged particles in the presence of a non-uniform oscillating EM field. The basis of time-averaged ponderomotive force is that EM waves transfer energy and momentum to matter.

Of the five potential ponderomotive effects, the Miller (Miller) and Abraham (Abraham) forces are considered to be the strongest in either weakly magnetized or non-magnetic gradient environments. However, depending on the method of inputting electromagnetic radiation, the influence of the magnetic gradient force may not be excluded.

The total enabled mass acceleration force considered here is the miller force or equivalently the gradient force.

The concept of gradient pressurization may be applied, assuming that the fuel may be considered a plasma after being subjected to input EM radiation. The alfen (Alfv en) wave analogy will be chosen in deriving the gradient forces in the plasma for two reasons. First, because alfen waves have been observed in plasmas in all states (i.e., in plasma, gas, liquid, and solid states). The second is because alfen waves have a nearly frequency-independent response below resonance.

Note, however, that there may be a mixture of alfen waves and other waves (such as acoustic waves) in the plasma in general.

The plasma can be described as including ions and electrons, thereby creating an overall neutral charge. Since the ion mass is typically 1800 times greater than the electron mass, the electron mass can be neglected. Thus, the mass density and the corresponding pressure acting on the plasma are determined by the ion mass m. The alfen wave with frequency ω propagates along the magnetic field line k ═ 0,0, k in the cartesian coordinate system, and has circular polarization. The following expression applies to the longitudinal gradient force (in cgs) governed by alfunger in the fluid:

wherein e is the elementary charge, and wherein Ω is the cyclotron resonance frequency. Square E of wave electric field²Spatial gradient block in z-directionThe force is determined. Note that expression (1) is at ω²＝Ω²With singularities. Also, for ω²<Ω²Gradient force is attractive for ω²>Ω²The gradient force is a repulsive force. Thus, ω²<Ω²The low frequency alfen wave of (a) attracts the particles towards the wave source, and (omega)²>Ω²The high frequency alfen waves repel these particles. The attraction at low frequencies may be assumed to be an intuitive error. However, the attraction at low frequencies is clearly applicable to plasmas and has also been experimentally and theoretically demonstrated for neutral solid substances. In addition to having such a bipolar force shift at wave resonance, due to the factor e²The gradient force is independent of the charge sign of the particles. This means that the forces of the positive ions and electrons are directed in the same direction.

Note that the neutral substance may be in a fluid state, a gas state, a plasma state, or a solid state. Since neutral species at the atomic and nuclear levels constitute charges, atomic oscillations (e.g., brownian motion) and interatomic vibrations can be considered "fundamental frequencies". Thus, the electric field terms of the EM waves will affect atomic "media" bound by, for example, van der waals forces, in a manner similar to the manner in which plasmas bound by strong magnetic fields are affected.

For non-magnetized neutral species, the analogy means that wave energy can penetrate because the gradient forces act together on the protons, electrons and neutrons of atoms.

For low frequency waves (e.g. ω)²<<Ω²) Since ω can be ignored, the expression in equation (1) is simplified. In this case, the force becomes attractive regardless of the atomic structure or mass.

However, near the resonant frequency ω²＝Ω²The gradient force increases non-linearly. The resonance frequency in plasma physics is related to the fluid's intrinsic properties such as plasma density, particle mass, particle inertia, and magnetic field.

Assuming that the EM waves illuminating the plasma are linearly polarized in many planes,by the EM wave having the radiated electric field E to a mass m_aBecomes a single particle/atom applied gradient force

In particular, the expression may be valid for the first fuel component. The theoretical gradient force is similar to the frequency in expression (2) with respect to the frequency in expression (1) except that now the resonance frequency Ω has been introduced_a. Resonance frequency omega_aMay be a resonant frequency for a substance in any state of aggregation (i.e., solid, liquid, gaseous, or plasma). Gradient forces are below resonance (i.e., for ω)²<(Ω_a)²) Again is attractive over the entire frequency range. Above resonance omega²>(Ω_a)²When this force is repulsive. At frequencies omega well below resonance²<<(Ω_a)²The gradient force is independent of the wave frequency, and the following expression applies:

the attractive and repulsive forces of the gradient forces are shown in fig. 1, showing the gradient forces as ω/Ω_aAs a function of (c). In FIG. 1, the constants (e) for a unit material are shown²/4m₁1) and in expression (2)

Alfende gradient force and normalized frequency. The left curve marks the attractive force and the right curve marks the repulsive force.

If the material is in a solid aggregate state, the resonance frequency can be written as Ω_AWhere a is the interatomic distance and c is the local velocity of light in the medium. In this case, ω is obtained²<<(Ω_a)²Approximate expression of

Here, the force depends on the material constant ξ (a, m)_a) And the square E of the electric field of the wave propagating into the substance²The spatial gradient of (a). The wave energy may be converted into thermal and/or kinetic and/or potential energy. Attractive force of wave is composed of²Can be written as quotient delta e²δ z, wherein δ E²To be E over a differential interaction length deltaz²The difference of (a). Material constant xi (a, m)_a) Gradient δ Ε²The/δ z and transverse wave electric field E now determine the gradient force applied to each atom in the bulk. Note that, like the magnetic field that controls the plasma motion, the interatomic distance a defines the bonding force or tension. The a-factor may be a parameter defining the resonance. There may be additional parameters for defining the resonance.

More generally, the expression Ω_aU in u/a is related to the local velocity of EM waves (e.g., acoustic waves, ion acoustic waves) in the medium.

It has been demonstrated that the analytical results from expression (4) are in good agreement with experimental findings from the kandi vacuum experiment.

For the first fuel composition or fuel composition, the following expression for the gradient force may be obtained from equation (4) above:

here, K (a, m)_a) Is a characteristic property of the first fuel component and/or the second fuel component. The characteristic features may be the corresponding atomic mass, atomic number, atomic separation distance, and the like.

As the input power of the input EM radiation becomes stronger, the gradient force may become stronger. For example, in the low frequency range ω²<<(Ω_a)²The internal gradient force is proportional to the input power of the input EM radiation.

As noted above, it is also possible for an arabic force to be generated in the plasma. In this case, longitudinal AbelianThe force can be provided byDescribed, the longitudinal berrahan force is proportional to the temporal variation of the square of the electric field. c. C_AIs the alfen velocity and B is the magnetic field. A positive or negative sign corresponds to wave propagation parallel or anti-parallel to the direction of the magnetic field B, respectively. The farahan force may be important for rapid changes in E and/or weak magnetic fields. Rapid changes in E and/or the weak magnetic field may be associated with a low cyclotron resonance frequency which may give a low neutron production rate. In contrast, the advantage of the babehan force may be to facilitate heating by rapidly orienting the changes in the EM field.

The fact that EM waves in the plasma may cause attractive forces is not obvious. Magnetohydrodynamic waves (MHD waves) are a type of wave in a fluid in which the plasma and magnetic field exhibit mutual oscillation, the plasma being considered to "freeze" into the magnetic field. In a spatially unidirectional magnetic field, the plasmon resonance frequency, rather than the wave propagation direction (+ z direction), determines the direction of the force. By Ω ═ eB/mc, for low frequency waves ω²<<Ω²Is provided with

This means that in a homogeneous medium with a constant B at low frequencies, the force is constant and independent of the wave frequency, the force being proportional to the gradient of the EM wave intensity. Because the wave intensity is decreasing during the interaction (force is applied to the substance), the force is directed opposite to the wave propagation direction.

The concept of MHD waves is derived from the fluid description of the plasma. The MHD wave is governed by the magnetic tension in the magnetized plasma. The stronger the magnetic tension, the weaker the group velocity and gradient forces. In a similar manner, MHD waves in solid state plasmas are governed by their dielectric properties and interatomic tension. When the local resonance frequency in gaseous magnetized plasma is determined by the ion cyclotron frequency, the local resonance frequency in neutral solids and neutral gases (including atoms) is less pronounced. However, as already indicated, the gradient force is charge neutral, which means that the forces acting on all particles progress in the same direction. The substance is subjected to a local release of a pressurization of the wave energy characterized by the spatial gradient of the wave electric field. In order to establish the transfer of neutrons from the first fuel component to the second fuel component according to the method of the invention, a certain mixing of the first fuel component with the second fuel component is required. During the nuclear process and depending on the circumstances, other state transitions may occur, such as electron capture. However, with proper system design, these processes may have less impact on the output energy budget.

Depending on the fuel temperature and wave resonance, the rate of neutron transfer in the fuel may reach a state where the output power of the output electromagnetic radiation substantially exceeds the input power of the input electromagnetic radiation.

In addition to heating the fuel, the excess power from nuclear mass-increasing isotope shifts can also increase the transfer rate of neutrons from the first fuel component to the second fuel component. This transfer rate may be achieved by enhancing the input power of the EM radiation to the fuel.

Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and the specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

It is to be understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular components of the devices described or to the steps of the methods described, as such devices and methods may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting. It must be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the articles "a," "an," "the," and "said" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a unit" or "the unit" may include several devices, and the like. Furthermore, the words "comprising", "including", "containing" and similar words do not exclude other elements or steps.

Drawings

The above and other aspects of the present invention will now be described in more detail, with reference to the appended drawings showing embodiments of the invention. The drawings should not be taken to limit the invention to the specific embodiments; but are for explanation and understanding of the invention.

As shown, the size of layers and regions are exaggerated for illustrative purposes and, thus, are provided to illustrate the general structure of embodiments of the present invention. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

FIG. 1 shows the formula as ω/Ω_aThe gradient force of the function of (a).

Figure 2 schematically illustrates a generator.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a method for generating electricity.

Fig. 4 schematically illustrates an alternative generator.

Fig. 5 schematically illustrates yet another alternative generator.

Detailed Description

The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which presently preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a generator 10. The generator 10 comprises a fuel container 20, a source unit 30 for inputting electromagnetic radiation, a first electrode 42 and a second electrode 22. The generator 10 may have a cylindrical shape with a circular cross-section. However, it is recognized that other shapes may be used.

The fuel container 20 may have a cylindrical shape with a circular cross section. However, it is recognized that other shapes may be used. The fuel container 20 contains fuel. The fuel comprises a first fuel component and a second fuel component. Preferably, the first fuel component is mixed with the second fuel component. The fuel may be solid prior to being subjected to the input electromagnetic radiation. Thus, initially, the fuel is preferably solid before being subjected to the input electromagnetic radiation. The fuel may be TiD_xWherein deuterium (D) is the first fuel component and titanium (Ti) is the second fuel component. TiD_xIs a good candidate for fuel because deuterium has low release energy for neutrons, the end product after isotope displacement is stable, and the resonance frequency is in a range that gives an output voltage suitable for many applications. However, it is recognized that other fuel blends may be used. For example, other metal hydrides may be used, where H has been replaced with D.

A common situation with a first fuel composition is that the first fuel composition may experience nuclear mass reducing isotope shifts when subjected to input electromagnetic radiation. By subjecting the first fuel component to input electromagnetic radiation, energy transfer may be provided by means of a wave particle acceleration process, as discussed more extensively above in the summary of the invention section. Upon energy transfer to the first fuel component, the first fuel component will assume a high energy state in which neutrons in the first fuel component will be affected and nuclear mass reducing isotope shifts may occur.

A common case of the second fuel component is that it should be selected such that it can undergo nuclear mass increasing isotope displacement when the first fuel component absorbs neutrons from the first fuel component while undergoing nuclear mass decreasing isotope displacement. Further, the second fuel component should be selected such that the available energy obtained by nuclear mass-increasing isotope shifts is greater than the threshold energy for inducing mass-decreasing isotope shifts in the first fuel component. Also, the resulting isotope of the nuclear mass increasing isotope translocation in the second fuel component is preferably a stable isotope.

Thus, the first fuel component may be deuterium. Deuterium is chosen because it can undergo nuclear mass-reducing isotopic shifts when subjected to input electromagnetic radiation. By subjecting deuterium to input electromagnetic radiation, energy transfer may be provided by means of a wave particle acceleration process, as discussed more extensively above in the summary of the invention section. Deuterium may be rendered high when energy is transferred to deuteriumEnergy states in which neutrons in deuterium will be affected and nuclear mass reducing isotope shifts may occur. Mass-reducing isotopic shifts in deuterium arise from the reaction channel D + W_S→ n +1H, where D is deuterium (2H), and where 1H is protium, i.e., hydrogen with no neutrons in the nucleus. Further, W_sIs the threshold energy for mass reducing isotope translocation to occur. The threshold energy for inducing mass-reducing isotopic shifts in D is 2.25 MeV. Note that both 1H and 2H (i.e., D) are stable isotopes per se. Also, note that the above reaction may be induced by irradiation above a threshold energy.

To induce mass-reducing isotope shifts in the deuterium, the fuel vessel 20 is configured to be subjected to input electromagnetic radiation. Further, by subjecting the fuel to input electromagnetic radiation, a plasma of the fuel may be formed. The input electromagnetic radiation is advantageously selected such that it is below the plasmon resonance frequency of the first fuel component. For example, as to TiD_xIn the example of (2) TiD_xThe plasmon resonance frequency of deuterium in the lattice structure of (a). TiD_xThe plasmon resonance frequency of deuterium in the lattice structure of (a) can be expressed as:

where c is the speed of light and a is the interatomic distance in the crystal lattice. TiD in the case of an interatomic distance of 45nm in the crystal lattice_xThe plasmon resonance frequency of deuterium in the lattice structure of (2) is 6.7 · 10¹⁷rad/s (rad/sec) and is therefore 1.1 · 10¹⁷Hz. This gives a wavelength of 2.8nm in the soft X-ray spectrum. By changing the lattice structure of the fuel, the plasmon resonance frequency of the first fuel component can be changed. Thus, input electromagnetic radiation in the thermal range (430THz to 300GHz) may be selected. By using a sufficient effect of the input electromagnetic radiation, the fuel can be converted into a plasma. Further, a sufficient effect of the input electromagnetic radiation may induce the wave particle acceleration process discussed above in the summary of the invention section of this disclosure, such that the matter in the first fuel component may occurThe amount reduces isotopic translocation.

The source unit 30 is configured to expose the fuel to input electromagnetic radiation. The source unit 30 may comprise an induction coil arrangement 32 and a power supply (not shown) for powering the induction coil arrangement 32. The induction coil arrangement 32 may be symmetrically arranged around the fuel container 20, for example in a twisted configuration. Thereby, a geometry is provided that is focused onto the center of the generator 10. The induction coil arrangement 32 comprises at least one induction coil. In operation of the generator 10, the induction coil arrangement 32 is connected to a power supply (not shown) that supplies power to the induction coil arrangement 32. The power supply may be arranged to pass an alternating current through the induction coil arrangement 32. The induction coil device 32 may be, for example, a ceramic-coated hot wire. By supplying the induction coil arrangement 32 with electricity, this alternating current acts as a generator of electromagnetic radiation in the thermal range of the electromagnetic spectrum.

As mentioned above, the second fuel component may be Ti. Ti includes a plurality of stable isotopes, i.e.⁴⁶Ti、⁴⁷Ti、⁴⁸Ti、⁴⁹Ti and⁵⁰and (3) Ti. Wherein the content of the first and second substances,⁴⁸ti is the most common one. Ti is a good candidate for the second fuel component, since mass-increasing isotopic shifts will make the following energies available:

⁴⁶ti to⁴⁷Ti＝8.87MeV；

⁴⁷Ti to⁴⁸Ti＝11.6MeV；

⁴⁸Ti to⁴⁹Ti＝8.13MeV；

⁴⁹Ti to⁵⁰Ti＝10.9MeV。

Thus, depending on the isotope of titanium, titanium may undergo different amounts of mass-increasing isotope shifts.

The output electromagnetic radiation will radiate as pulses of electromagnetic radiation. The pulse has a total energy of mass increasing energy in the isotope displacement energy. The pulse comprises a plurality of photons. The frequency of each photon in the pulse of output electromagnetic radiation is above and near the plasmon resonance frequency of the second fuel component. The first and second plasma resonance frequencies are substantially the same in the solid. Thus, for example, about 10MeV of energy will be released from Ti at each mass increasing isotope displacement. Energy will be released as a pulse of electromagnetic radiation that includes multiple photons instead of a single photon having about 10 MeV.

The output electromagnetic radiation may be in the ultraviolet spectral range and/or in the soft X-ray spectral range.

As mentioned above, the fuel in the fuel container 20 may be a solid mixture of materials. Where the fuel is a solid, the first fuel component may be affected by thermal radiation of the same or different frequency. The thermal radiation is used as a wave train pulse having a virtual wavelength and energy sufficient to support nuclear mass reducing isotope displacement in the first fuel component. Thus, nuclear mass reducing isotope shifts in the first fuel component will occur as a result of exposing the fuel to the input electromagnetic radiation. As a result, the neutrons will increase the nuclear mass-adding isotopic shift available in the second fuel component. Neutrons may not escape from the solid. However, neutrons may be captured by the solid itself. This is to not violate the photoelectric effect. Thus, available neutrons will remain within the fuel by mass reducing isotope displacement. Thus, neutrons will be available for nuclear mass-increasing isotope shifts in the second fuel component. The output electromagnetic radiation will be released as a result of nuclear mass increasing isotope shifts in the second fuel component. The energy of the output electromagnetic radiation will be released as an output wave train pulse. Individual photons in the output wave train pulse may be in the Ultraviolet (UV) range and/or soft X-ray range of the electromagnetic spectrum. The photons in the output wave train pulse are then collected at the first electrode 42 to be photoelectrically converted into electrons.

The fuel container 20 may be a closed compartment containing fuel. The fuel container 20 may include a fuel container housing. The fuel pack housing can be sealed at low pressure. This is to reduce the presence of oxygen. The fuel container housing may be made of metal. The metal may be, for example, tungsten W or titanium Ti. Alternatively, the fuel container housing may be made of glass. Still alternatively, the fuel pack case may be made of ceramic. The fuel container housing may have an annular cross-section. Fuel containerThe housing contains fuel. At fuel TiD_xIn one example, the fuel may be in the form of a powder having a low porosity. Thus, the fuel may be a solid mixture. The powder may be compressed.

The first electrode 42 is arranged such that the output electromagnetic radiation can interact therewith in order to induce a photoelectric conversion of the output electromagnetic radiation into electrons. Therefore, electrons can be emitted from the first electrode 42 due to the photoelectric effect. Preferably, the first electrode 42 surrounds the fuel container 20. The first electrode 42 may be arranged as a layer of the generator housing 40. The generator housing 40 may surround the fuel container 20. The layer constituting the first electrode 42 may be the innermost layer of the generator housing 40. The first electrode 42 is preferably made of metal.

The second electrode 22 is preferably located at a distance from the first electrode 42. The second electrode 22 is configured to collect electrons emitted from the first electrode 42. Preferably, the space between the first and second electrodes is evacuated. The second electrode 22 may be supported by the fuel container 20, preferably a fuel container housing. The second electrode 22 may be the outermost layer of the fuel cell housing. Alternatively, the second electrode 22 may be an electrode wound on the fuel container casing.

By applying a potential difference between the first and second electrodes, a current may be obtained. The current may be used to provide a load to a battery (not shown) or to power an electrical device (not shown). For example, the generator 10 may be used to power an electric vehicle.

The space defined by the generator housing 40 and the fuel container 20 may be considered a compartment 50. The compartment 50 is preferably emptied. Since the compartment may be defined by the first electrode 42 and the second electrode 22, the compartment 50 may function as a photovoltaic cell unit. Thus, in some embodiments, the generator housing 40 and the fuel container 20 define a compartment 50. The compartment 50 may also be considered to act as a thermal insulator for the generator.

The compartment 50 may include an inlet 52 and an outlet 54. The compartment 50 may be evacuated via an inlet 52 and/or an outlet 54. Further, the generator 10 may be cooled by flowing a fluid through the compartment 50. An example of a fluid to be used is an inert gas, such as neon. Thus, the inlet 52 and outlet 54 and the fluid source (not shown) may be part of a primary cooling unit for the generator 10. Flowing fluid through the compartment 50 may also purge hydrogen or deuterium leaking from the fuel container 20. If so, the inlet 52 and outlet 54 may be connected to a hydrogen cell unit (not shown) to neutralize the hydrogen and/or deuterium into water. Further, the action of the generator 10 may be controlled by flowing fluid through the compartment 50. Also, the generator 10 may be stopped by flowing fluid through the compartment 50. Thus, the inlet 52 and the outlet 54 may be part of a control system for the generator 10.

The generator housing 40 may be configured to support the induction coil assembly 32. For example, the induction coil assembly 32 may be wound around the generator housing 40. The induction coil device 32 may alternatively form a portion of the generator housing 40.

The generator housing 40 may further support the fuel container 20. For example, the fuel container 20 may be supported at the seal 44. The seal 44 may electrically isolate the fuel container 20 from the generator housing 40. The seal 44 may be, for example, a ceramic seal. The seal may be used to releasably attach the fuel container 20 to the generator housing 40. Thus, the fuel container 20 may be releasably attached to the generator 10. Therefore, when the fuel in the fuel pack 20 is consumed, the fuel pack 20 can be replaced with a new pack having fresh fuel.

The generator 10 may further include one or more support members 60. The one or more support members 60 are configured to support between the generator housing 40 and the fuel container 20. Thus, the one or more support members 60 may be configured to be inside the compartment 50. The one or more support members 60 may be made of a ceramic material.

The generator housing 40 may further include a secondary cooling unit 46. The secondary cooling unit 46 is configured to regulate the temperature of the generator 10. The secondary cooling unit 46 may be a liquid cooling unit configured to flow liquid through one or more cavities of the generator housing 40. The liquid may be water. The secondary cooling unit 46 may be a gas cooling unit configured to flow gas through one or more cavities of the generator housing 40. The gas may be, for example, air. By adjusting the temperature of the generator 10, the power generation process can be adjusted.

The heat generated in the generator 10 is used to support the generator 10 in generating electricity. Thus, when the generator 10 is in a state of equilibrium, the cooling unit 46 may be used to remove excess heat when the output electrical power from the generator 10 is reached, as in an internal combustion engine. The secondary cooling unit 46 and/or the primary cooling unit may be used to control the generator 10. For example, the secondary cooling unit 46 and/or the primary cooling unit may be used to shut down the generator 10.

The control of the source unit 30 may also be used to control the generator 10.

The electrical power output will vary depending on the equilibrium temperature of the generator 10. The interaction process between the first fuel component and the input electromagnetic radiation and the process of generating the output electromagnetic radiation is not governed by plasma resonance in the solid fuel, but by the pulse volume of the wave train contributing to nuclear mass reducing isotope shifts in the first fuel component, and thus slow neutrons are generated from the fuel. This is a function of uncertainty principles and works only for very short distances (approximating the interatomic distance of atoms in the fuel). This is why neutrons remain inside the fuel. It is possible to start the generator 10 using only the source unit 30 and make minor adjustments to the generator 10.

Referring to fig. 3, a method for generating electricity will now be discussed. The method includes the following acts. It is recognized that these actions do not necessarily need to be performed in the order listed below. Subjecting S300 a fuel comprising a first fuel component and a second fuel component to input electromagnetic radiation such that nuclear mass reducing isotope displacement occurs in the first fuel component, nuclear mass increasing isotope displacement occurs in the second fuel component, and output electromagnetic radiation resulting from the nuclear mass increasing isotope displacement is output. Preferably, nuclear mass reducing isotope translocation requires less energy than nuclear mass increasing isotope translocation. The output electromagnetic radiation is converted to S302 electrical power. The output electromagnetic radiation may be converted into electrical power by photoelectrically converting the output electromagnetic radiation into electrons at the first electrode and collecting the electrons at the second electrode. Alternatively or in combination, the output electromagnetic radiation may be converted to electrical power by photovoltaically converting the output electromagnetic radiation to electrical power at the photovoltaic cell. As a result, power can be generated. The method may further comprise: a potential difference is applied between the first electrode and the second electrode, or a potential difference is applied across the photovoltaic cell.

The first fuel component may be deuterium. The second fuel component may be titanium. The fuel may be a solid, preferably TiD_x. The input electromagnetic radiation may be in the thermal spectral range. The output electromagnetic radiation may be in the ultraviolet spectral range or in the soft X-ray range.

The person skilled in the art realizes that the present invention by no means is limited to the preferred embodiments described above. On the contrary, many modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims.

For example, the first component may be one or more of the following list of candidates from the first fuel component (deuterium or lithium).

Further, the generator may be physically designed in many different ways. In fig. 2, an example of a physical design is schematically illustrated. However, those skilled in the art recognize that the design of the generator may vary for many different reasons, such as where the generator should be installed for operation.

In fig. 4, another example of a physical design is shown. The overall design is similar in many respects to that in fig. 2 and reference is made to the detailed description relating to fig. 2. One difference, however, is that in the design of fig. 4, the source unit 30 is arranged inside the fuel compartment 20. Thus, the generator 10 as a whole will act as a thermal insulator preventing excessive heat from being dissipated to the surrounding environment. The source unit 30 may for example be an induction coil unit 32'. In the design of fig. 4, the generator 10 is further provided with a cooling unit 47 extending along the source unit 30 inside the fuel compartment 20. Whereby the temperature of the source unit 30 can be quickly adjusted. The cooling unit 47 may for example be a pipe for a cooling medium such as a gas or a liquid.

In fig. 5, yet another example of a physical design is shown. The overall design is similar in many respects to that in fig. 2 and 4, and reference is made to the detailed description relating to fig. 2 and 4. One difference, however, is that in the design of fig. 5, the electricity is not generated by the photoelectric effect at the first electrode and collecting electrons at the second electrode, but rather the output electromagnetic radiation is converted into electricity using photovoltaic cell 70. The photovoltaic cell unit 70 is arranged such that the output electromagnetic radiation can interact with it in order to induce photoelectric conversion of the output electromagnetic radiation into electron-hole pairs. Preferably, the photovoltaic cell unit 70 surrounds the fuel container 20. The photovoltaic cell units 70 may be arranged as layers of the generator housing 40. The generator housing 40 may surround the fuel container 20. The layer constituting the photovoltaic cell unit 70 may be the innermost layer of the generator housing 40. By applying a potential difference across the two electrodes of the photovoltaic cell 70, a current can be induced. The current may be used to provide a load to a battery (not shown) or to power an electrical device (not shown). For example, the generator may be used to power an electric vehicle. In fig. 5, the generator 10 has been illustrated with the source unit 30 arranged as part of the generator housing 40. However, it is to be understood that the source unit 30 may be arranged inside the fuel compartment 20, as in the embodiment disclosed in connection with fig. 4.

Variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims.