Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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Low Energy Nuclear Device
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention pertains to low energy nuclear devices that produce
usable energy due
to the fusing of atomic nuclei at temperatures below what is necessary to
overcome coulomb
barrier using conventional physics models.
For the purpose of this application a Low energy nuclear device is defined as
an apparatus
producing usable energy output from the nuclear fusing of atomic nuclei at
temperatures below
what is necessary to overcome coulomb barrier using conventional physics
models.
DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART
Low energy nuclear devices, also known as cold fusion reactors, have been
speculated and
theorized for many decades without yielding significant advances in the field.
These devices
are capable of producing thermal energy from the fusing of atomic nuclei at
temperatures below
conventional nuclear fusion temperatures. Recent international advancements in
the art have
realized the development of Low energy nuclear devices capable of producing a
net energy
output as thermal energy. This invention relates to improvements on existing
low energy
nuclear devices, specifically, this invention offers remedies to several
identifiable deficiencies of
the related art.
Examples of the related art can be seen in the following patents and patent
applications:
Italy: 0001387256 - Patent
European: US2011/0005506A1 - Application
USA: 20110005506 - Application
WIPO: WO/2009/125444 - Application
Some of the identified deficiencies seen in the related art are listed as
follows:
1) The related art utilizing a closed reaction vessel integrated with the
energy extraction
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and shielding components resulting in these devices needing significant skill
and labour to
accomplish the refueling process.
2) The related art being deficient in modern control and saftey techniques
required for systems
of a nuclear nature. Current devices are limited to the use of only electrical
energy to heat the
fuel mixture.
3) The related art utilizing only electrical energy for input, and producing
only thermal energy as
output.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A low energy nuclear device for producing useful energy that remedies many
deficiencies
identified in the related art and its methods of use are disclosed. In
addition to addressing
solutions to the deficiencies in the related art, new novel uses and features
will be detailed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention may be understood by reference to the following description
taken in conjunction
with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals identify like
elements, and in
which:
FIG 1. Illustrates one particular embodiment of the invention
FIG 2. Illustrates one particular embodiment of the reaction module
FIG 3. Illustrates one particular embodiment of the fuel module
FIG 4. Illustrates another possible embodiment of the fuel module
FIG 5. Illustrates another possible embodiment of the reaction module in a
submerged
application
FIG 6. illustrates another possible embodiment of the reaction module in an
air heating
application
FIG 7. illustrates one particular embodiment of fuel pressure regulating
mechanism inside the
fuel module.
FIG 8. illustrates one particular embodiment where one device provides energy
to a subsequent
device
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While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative
forms, the drawings
illustrate specific embodiments herein described in detail by way of example.
It should be
understood, however, that the descriptions herein of specific embodiments are
not intend to limit
the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the
intention is to cover all
modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and
scope of the invention as
defined by the appended claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The following describes the first of many possible embodiments of the
invention.
Referencing Fig.1
In the current embodiment, the device (100) comprises of an exterior housing
(101) and
several internal modules. Input energy (113) is delivered into the device and
fed into an energy
converter (107) if the input energy is not thermal energy. Many existing
technologies may
be used in the input energy converter (107) and will not be discussed in
detail. The resulting
thermal energy is then fed through an energy transmission channel (110) into
the reaction
module (102). Sensors internal to the reaction module (119) and external to
the reaction module
(105) communicate over data transmission channels ( 112) to a control module
(103). The
control module ( 103) is responsible for controlling all functions of the
device in a safe, and
stable manner. The reaction module contains an inner chamber known as the fuel
module
(108) for storage of the required fuels (109). When the fuels are heated to
the operating
temperature, nuclear fusion takes place resulting in the production usable
thermal energy. The
reaction module produces a thermal energy output that is fed through an energy
transmission
channel (110) into an output energy converter (106) if there are
implementation specific
requirements for non-thermal energy output. Again, there are many existing
technologies may
be used in the output energy converter (106) and will not be discussed in
detail.
Referencing Fig.2
The reaction module (102), in the current embodiment, contains an external
housing (200)
surrounding a radiation shielding material (201). Internal to the radiation
shielding (201) is an
the fuel module (108). Surrounding the fuel module (108) is a quantity of
fluid (208) circulating
through ports (202,and 203) to remove the thermal energy from the exterior of
the fuel module
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(204). The fuel module (108) is equipped with a connector (205) and a mating
connector (206)
that connects the internal mechanisms of the fuel module(108) to the control
module (103)
Referencing Fig.3
The fuel module (108) externally consists of a hosing (300), a mounting
flange(311) and a
connector(205). Internally the fuel module consists of a heating device(303),
nuclear fuels(109)
and a multitude of sub-module(305,307,304,302,306,308) that will be detailed
in the following
embodiments. The fuel module (108) optionally incorporates thermal
insulation(312) and
radiation shielding(313).
The following describes a second possible embodiment of the invention.
Referencing Fig.1
In the current embodiment, the device (100) comprises of an powder coated
steel exterior
housing (101) and several internal modules. Input energy is delivered into the
device via a
connection to a standard 115v / 230v electrical outlet (113) , fed through the
control module
(103) then fed into a resistive heating element(303) placed inside the fuel
module (108) in
contact with the nuclear fuel (109) bypassing the input energy converter in
this embodiment.
The control module is a PID controller capable of modulating the power sent to
the resistive
heating element(303) internal to the fuel module(108) In this embodiment, the
nuclear fuels
are 1) 60 grams of 3-4um powdered elemental nickel and 2) 30 ml of dry
hydrogen gas at
atmospheric pressure.
Referencing Fig.2
The reaction module (102), in the current embodiment, contains a stainless
steel external
housing (200) surrounding a lead radiation shielding material ( 201 ).
Internal to the radiation
shielding ( 201) is an inner chamber known as the fuel module made of a
cylindrical copper
tube, 25mm in diameter, 30 cm in length, closed one one end, and having a
fluid and electrical
connector on the opposite end (205) Surrounding the fuel module (108) is a
quantity of water
(208) entering through port(203) and exiting through port (202) to remove the
thermal energy
from the exterior of the fuel module (204). A mating connector (206) connects
the internal
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workings of the fuel module(108) to the control module (103). The fuel module
(108) is designed
to allow rapid removal and replacement of the fuel module by disconnecting
connectors
(205,206) and removing the retention clamps (209), a new replacement fuel
module(108) can
them be installed.
Referencing Fig.3
In the current embodiment, the fuel module(108) houses a resistive heating
element (303) and
the nuclear fuel (109). When the control module (103) energizes the heating
element(303),
the temperature of the fuel rises. An internal temperature sensor (304) relays
temperature
information through connectors (205,206) to the control module (103) to
maintain the nuclear
fuel (109) temperature in the range of 300 degrees C to 600 degrees C. The
heating of the
nuclear fuel(108) causes it to undergo nuclear fusion and to form isotopes of
copper, zinc, nickel
and hydrogen while releasing thermal energy. This additional heat is conducted
though the
housing (300) into the cooling water (208) and then removed though the exit
port(202). Cold
water is replenished though the feed port (203). In this embodiment, the
control module (103)
also has the responsibility of providing replacement hydrogen gas though
connectors (206,205)
into the nuclear fuel (109) when the internal pressure drops below atmospheric
pressure. The
fuel module has a coating of an insulating material (312) on the exterior to
limit the rate at
which the cooling water (208) can conduct heat thought the housing (300).
Allowing the heat
to transfer at too high a rate would cause the nuclear fuel(109) temperature
to drop and fall
out of the required temperature range. The fuel module has a coating of a
radiation absorbing
material (313) on the exterior to limit the release of radiation. The intended
use of the heated
water flowing out of the exit port(202) is to perform the work normally
performed by a gas fired
water boiler.
The following describes a third possible embodiment of the invention.
As an extension to the second described embodiment, the fuel module (108)
incorporates a
thermally activated emergency purge device (305) that will release a quantity
of inert gas to
displace the hydrogen gas in the nuclear fuel (109) if the internal
temperature rises above
a predetermined safe level. When the purge device (305) activates, the
internal pressure of
the fuel module (108) will rise and cause a pressure relief valve (308) to
open, allowing the
hydrogen and inter gases to exit the fuel module(108) thereby immediately
removing one of
the required fuels and halting the nuclear reactions. Additionally it is noted
that the inert gas
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generated by the emergency purge device (305) may be replaced with another
chemical or
chemicals known to interfere with the ongoing nuclear reactions, thereby
slowing or halting the
reactions by chemical poisoning of the reaction.
The following describes a fourth possible embodiment of the invention.
As an extension to the second described embodiment, the nuclear fuel(109) is
mixed with a
quantity of a material know to increase the rate, safety or stability of the
nuclear reactions; a
catalyst.
The following describes a fifth possible embodiment of the invention.
As an extension to the second described embodiment, the fuel module(108)
incorporates
module (302) that releases hydrogen gas when heated. Having hydrogen stored in
the
module (302) negates the requirement for the hydrogen gas to be delivered to
the fuel module
(108) through to connectors ( 205,206) and thereby removes a possible point of
failure. It
is envisioned that the hydrogen storage module (302) would store hydrogen as a
chemical
compound, for example MgH2, or as a pressurized gas.
The following describes a sixth possible embodiment of the invention.
Referencing Fig. 2, Fig. 3 and Fig.4
As an extension to the second described embodiment, the fuel module(108)
incorporates a
internal tubular structure(400) witch terminates at the connector(205). The
purpose of this
loop is to extract thermal energy directly from the interior of the fuel
module(108) using a heat
transferring fluid.
The following describes a seventh possible embodiment of the invention.
Referencing Fig 2 and Fig. 7
As an extension to the second described embodiment, the fuel module(108)
incorporates a
separate chamber (700) for the storage of the gaseous nuclear fuel, for
example, but not limited
to, hydrogen gas. The chamber (700) is formed by a division ( 703). An opening
in the division
connects to a bi-directional gas mover (701) and is protected from powdered
nuclear fuel
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(109) by the use of a filter (702). The gas mover (701) is electrical
connected to the connectors
(205,206) then to the control module (103). The control module (103) actuates
the gas mover
(701) in alternating directions to control the gas pressure of the nuclear
fuel(109) thereby
modulating the reaction rate of the fuel.
The following describes an eighth possible embodiment of the invention.
As an extension to the second described embodiment, the nuclear fuel (109)
consists of
deuterium gas and metallic palladium.
The following describes a ninth possible embodiment of the invention.
As an extension to the second described embodiment, thermal energy leaving the
reaction
chamber (102) through the exit port (202) enters an energy conversion module
(106) consisting
of a thermoelectric generator. Energy leaves the conversion module(106) and
exits the device
at port (114) as electrical energy. This electrical energy is envisioned to be
used as household
power, or as a means on recharging chemical batteries in an automobile.
The following describes a tenth possible embodiment of the invention.
As an extension to the second described embodiment, thermal energy leaving the
reaction
chamber (102) as steam through the exit port (202) enters an energy conversion
module (106)
consisting of a turbine device. Energy leaves the conversion module(106) and
exits the device
at port (114) as rotational motion. This rotation energy is envisioned to be
used as an input to an
electrical generator or to directly perform useful mechanical work.
The following describes an eleventh possible embodiment of the invention.
As an extension to the second described embodiment, sensors(105) external to
the reaction
module(102) relay information to the control unit(103). If the sensors(105)
detect undesirable
emission of radiation from the reaction chamber (102) , the control
module(103) take action to
reduce or terminate the nuclear reactions taking place inside the reaction
chamber (102)
The following describes a twelfth possible embodiment of the invention.
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Referencing Fig. 2, Fig.3 and Fig. 4
As an extension to the second described embodiment, the fuel module(108)
incorporates a
internal tubular structure(400), instead of, or in addition to, the resistive
heating element (303).
The tubular structure(400) is accessible through the connector(205). The
tubular structure(400)
carries a heated fluid that is used to deliver the input thermal energy to the
nuclear fuel(109).
In this embodiment it is envisioned that that fluid delivering thermal energy
is either steam
or similar energy transfer fluid, for example, molten salt. This energy
transfer fluid passing
trough the tubular structure(400) is heated from either a source internal to
the device (100)
such as the input energy conversion module (107), or from an external source
such as from the
output of a solar energy collection array or from the output of an additional
low energy nuclear
device(100). utilising the output of a low energy nuclear device(100) to
provide the input energy
to a subsequent device(100) would greatly increase the coefficient of
performance of the system
as a whole. Reference Fig. 8. In one embodiment it is envisioned that the
output energy of a
primary low energy nuclear device(800) is transmitted as steam through an
energy transmission
channel(110),in this case being a tube or pipe for carrying steam, with the
aid of a pump(802)
into one or more subsequent low energy nuclear devices(801). The primary
device(800)
may be operated at a higher temperature to provide the necessary energy
required to sustain
nuclear reactions one subsequent device(801) or many subsequent devices(803)
The following describes a thirteenth possible embodiment of the invention.
Referencing Fig. 2
As an extension to the second described embodiment, the nuclear fuel(109) is
comprised
primarily of a plurality of intermixed powdered fuels, for example: powdered
nickel and
powdered hydrogen hydride.
The following describes a thirteenth possible embodiment of the invention.
Referencing Fig. 3
As an extension to the second described embodiment, the fuel module (108)
includes a safety
interlock(306) to prevent the accidental removal of the fuel module (108)
during operating
condition that may pose a risk to the user or environment. It is envisioned
that the safety
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interlock(306) is of the nature of a spring loaded solenoid that protrudes a
locking pin to the
exterior of the housing(300) into the housing of the reaction chamber(200) to
prevent removal
of the fuel module(108). Additionally, it is envisioned that the safety
interlock(306) may use any
other mechanism of action to preform the same overall function, le. the
prevention of removal of
the fuel module(108) from the reaction chamber(102)
The following describes a fourteenth possible embodiment of the invention.
Referencing Fig. 3
As an extension to the second described embodiment, the fuel module (108)
incorporates
radiation shielding (313) as a replacement for, or in addition to, the
radiation shielding
incorporated into the reaction module(201).
The following describes a sixteenth possible embodiment of the invention.
Referencing Fig. 3
As an extension to the second described embodiment, the fuel module (108)
incorporates
an electronic module(307) that measures and/or calculates the useful life
remaining in the
fuel module(108) and reports the information through connectors(205,206) to
the control
module(103).
The following describes a seventeenth possible embodiment of the invention.
Referencing Fig. 1 and Fig. 5
As an extension to the second described embodiment, the reaction module(102)
is external to
the device(100) and has been insulated and sealed allowing use in a submerged
environment
containing a fluid to be heated(502). Additionally, connectors (205,206) have
been sealed to
prevent fluid ingress(502). Thermal insulation(501) is employed on the
interior or exterior of
the reaction module(102) to limit the rate of cooling of the nuclear fuel(109)
inside the reaction
module(102). In a similar fashion to the second embodiment, the reaction
module(102) may
optionally contain a fuel module(108) that can be removed from the reaction
module(102) for the
purpose of replacement or refueling.
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The following describes a eighteenth possible embodiment of the invention.
Referencing Fig. 1, Fig. 2 and Fig. 6
In this envisioned embodiment, the device(100) is comprised of a outer
housing(101), and
multiple internal modules. The control module(103) using information from:
sensors(105) ,the
fuel modules(108) and external inputs(610) is used to control the operation of
the device(100).
A combustion chamber(600) is fed a mixture of combustion air(606) and a
combustible
fuel(607) and is ignited. Into exhaust stream from the combustion chamber(611)
is injected
cooling air(608) driven via a pump(601). This cooling air is used to bring the
exhaust stream
temperature down to an acceptable temperature to feed into the reaction
chamber(102). The
reaction chamber(102) houses one or more fuel modules(108) and arranges them
in the flow
of exhaust gasses entering from the combustion chamber(600). The fuel
modules(108) and
their internal nuclear fuel(109) are heated by the exhaust stream(611) and
begin to produce
thermal energy. the exhaust stream(611) removes the excess thermal energy from
the exterior
of the fuel modules(108) and then passes through an exhaust-to-air heat
exchanger(603).
Air or other fluid to be heated (604) is driven into the heat exchanger(603)
by means of a
pump(612) and exits the exchanger(603) as a heated process fluid(605) able to
perform useful
work. The combustion exhaust stream (611) exits the exchanger as useless
exhaust(609) and
is discarded. One envisioned embodiment of this device is as use as a forced
air furnace for
residential or commercial buildings.
This concludes the detailed description, the particular embodiments disclosed
above are
illustrative only, as the invention may be modified and practiced in different
but equivalent
manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the
teachings herein.
Furthermore, no limitations are intended to the details of construction or
design herein
shown, other than as described in the claims below. It is therefore evident
that the particular
embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified and all such variations
are
considered within the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the
protection sought herein
is as set forth in the claims below.
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