Direct Conversion Of Energy Patents (Class 376/147)
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Patent number: 9479086Abstract: An energy collection system may collect and use the energy generated by an electric field. Collection fibers are suspended from a support wire system supported by poles. The support wire system is electrically connected to a load by a connecting wire. The collection fibers may be made of any conducting material, but carbon and graphite are preferred. Diodes may be used to restrict the backflow or loss of energy.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2014Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: Ion Power Group, LLCInventor: Clint McCowen
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Patent number: 9265137Abstract: A system and method for containing plasma and forming a Field Reversed Configuration (FRC) magnetic topology are described in which plasma ions are contained magnetically in stable, non-adiabatic orbits in the FRC. Further, the electrons are contained electrostatically in a deep energy well, created by tuning an externally applied magnetic field. The simultaneous electrostatic confinement of electrons and magnetic confinement of ions avoids anomalous transport and facilitates classical containment of both electrons and ions. In this configuration, ions and electrons may have adequate density and temperature so that upon collisions ions are fused together by nuclear force, thus releasing fusion energy. Moreover, the fusion fuel plasmas that can be used with the present confinement system and method are not limited to neutronic fuels only, but also advantageously include advanced fuels.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2009Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIAInventors: Norman Rostoker, Michi Binderbauer, Artan Qerushi, Hooshang Tahsiri
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Patent number: 9036765Abstract: Disclosed is a system for extracting energy from inertial confinement fusion reactions, which includes a central target chamber for receiving fusion target material. A plurality of energy drivers are arranged around the target chamber so as to supply energy to fusion target material in the chamber to initiate an inertial confinement fusion reaction of the material, releasing energy in the forms of fusion plasma and heat. A plurality of structures for extracting energy from the fusion reaction are provided, and comprise devices to extract high voltage DC energy from the fusion plasma, and means to extract thermal energy from the central target chamber. Power to the energy drivers may be supplied from high voltage DC energy extracted from the fusion reactions. The energy drivers may use an apodizing filter to impart a desired shape to the wavefront of the driving energy for causing the fusion reactions, to avoid hydrodynamic instabilities.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2007Date of Patent: May 19, 2015Assignee: Advanced Fusion Systems LLCInventor: Curtis Birnbach
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Patent number: 8908820Abstract: A Stirling radioisotope generator is provided. The generator includes a first and second heat source assembly, each heat source assembly comprising two General Purpose Heat Source modules, each General Purpose Heat Source module configured to generate thermal energy. The generator also includes a first and second Stirling convertor in thermal communication with the first and second heat source assembly, respectively, each Stirling convertor configured to convert the thermal energy into electrical power. The generator has a housing enclosing the first and second heat source assembly and the first and second Stirling convertor, the housing configured to dissipate excess thermal energy.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2011Date of Patent: December 9, 2014Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: Jaime M. Reyes, Meghan Britton
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Publication number: 20130294558Abstract: The present invention provides a fusion reactor for generating electricity comprising a high-pressure core having an interior chamber. The interior chamber is filled with a volume of one or more pressurized fuels. A microwave frequency generator is provided for resonating the fuel at a high radio frequency, typically 2.4 GHz or higher, and means for securing and emitting the frequency generator into the core are provided. In addition, electrical conductors are positioned in the core to effectuate the transformation of the fuel into a plasma state and to facilitate the free flow of electrons to generate electrical current.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 3, 2012Publication date: November 7, 2013Inventor: David J. Schulte
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Publication number: 20130235964Abstract: An aneutronic magnetron energy generator that generates microwave energy from a fusion-fission reaction that produces alpha particles in response to a proton colliding with an 11B nucleus. The magnetron energy generator includes a magnetron having an anode resonator including a central chamber and a plurality of radially disposed cavities. A cathode assembly is provided at the center of the chamber and includes a cathode electrode that generates a proton plasma. A series of electrically isolated acceleration rings extend from the cathode electrode and operate to accelerate protons from the proton plasma towards an outer target ring composed of boron eleven (11B). The accelerated protons fuse with the 11B nuclei to generate the alpha particles that then interact with crossed electric and magnetic fields between the target ring and the cavities. The alpha particles resonate with the cavities and generate a current within the resonator that is collected.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2012Publication date: September 12, 2013Applicant: Pryor Knowledge Systems, Inc.Inventor: Roger W. Pryor
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Publication number: 20130121449Abstract: A method and device to generate electric energy on demand by fusion or transmutation nuclear reactions produced inside a super-capacitor that uses inter-atomic field's particularities obtained inside nano-structures, by using temperature, density and electric fields in order to modify nuclear entanglement and quantum non-localities particularities in order to control nuclear reaction rate of an inserted material, called nuclear fuel, facilitated by the nano-structure nuclear composition, called burner, that controls the non-local nuclear reaction. Fusion or transmutation generated nuclear particles' energy is converted using a super-capacitor made of a micro-nano-hetero structure meta-material that loads from the nuclear energy and discharges by electric current.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2011Publication date: May 16, 2013Inventor: Liviu Popa-Simil
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Publication number: 20120328066Abstract: A single-pass heavy-ion fusion system for power production from fusion reactions alone, power production that uses additional energy of fission reactions obtained by driving a sub-critical fission pile with the neutrons from fusion reactions, destroying high-level and/or long-lived radioactive waste by intense bombardment with fusion neutrons, or for the production of neutron beams for various applications includes a new arrangement of current multiplying processes that employs a multiplicity of isotopes to achieve the desired effect of distributing the task of amplifying the current among all the various processes, to relieve stress on any one process, and to increase the design margin for assured ICF (inertial confinement fusion) ignition for applications including but not restricted to the above list. The energy content and power of the ignition-driver pulses are greatly increased, thus increasing intensity of target heating and rendering reliable ignition readily attainable.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2012Publication date: December 27, 2012Inventors: Robert J. BURKE, Alexander Thomas Burke
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Patent number: 8059779Abstract: An improved 3He nuclear reactor with provision for direct electric conversion of a relativistic proton stream into useable electric power at a voltage level compatible with the national power grid (one million V DC). Various embodiments include multiple collector cages for extracting relativistic protons of various energy levels, diverter wires for deflecting high-energy proton streams to either side of lower energy cages to avoid unwanted impact. Other embodiments include arrangements for dividing multi-megavolt voltages down to a useable one megavolt level compatible with the national power grid. Further embodiments comprise guiding the proton stream by the cusps of magnetron cavities to permit conversion of the relativistic proton energies into microwave power. A proposal is also made for harvesting 3He from the Moon to supply earth-bound and space-bound reactors.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2004Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Inventor: Wilson Greatbatch
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Patent number: 8031824Abstract: A system and apparatus for controlled fusion in a field reversed configuration (FRC) magnetic topology and conversion of fusion product energies directly to electric power. Preferably, plasma ions are magnetically confined in the FRC while plasma electrons are electrostatically confined in a deep energy well, created by tuning an externally applied magnetic field. In this configuration, ions and electrons may have adequate density and temperature so that upon collisions ions are fused together by the nuclear force, thus forming fusion products that emerge in the form of an annular beam. Energy is removed from the fusion product ions as they spiral past electrodes of an inverse cyclotron converter. Advantageously, the fusion fuel plasmas that can be used with the present confinement and energy conversion system include advanced (aneutronic) fuels.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2006Date of Patent: October 4, 2011Assignee: Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Vitaly Bystriskii, Eusebio Garate, Yuanxu Song, Michael Anderson
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Publication number: 20110200153Abstract: An apparatus and method for confining and fusing charged particles. The charged particles have positive and negative ions from neutronic and aneutronic fuels. For confining radially charged particles, at least two, preferably six, magnetic fields to form a cusp region for injecting charged particles. An electric field at the cusp region for accelerating charged particles, and an opposite electric field for trapping longitudinally charged particles allowing only charged products to escape. The charged products are worthwhile for spacecraft propulsion and direct electricity conversion. The electrostatic acceleration method can reach great kinetic energy (7 billion ° C.) at low energy consumption. The preferred embodiment achieves a true three-dimensional confinement plus a three-dimensional charged particles injection.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2008Publication date: August 18, 2011Inventor: Moacir L. Ferreira, JR.
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Publication number: 20080069287Abstract: A system and apparatus for controlled fusion in a field reversed configuration (FRC) magnetic topology and conversion of fusion product energies directly to electric power. Preferably, plasma ions are magnetically confined in the FRC while plasma electrons are electrostatically confined in a deep energy well, created by tuning an externally applied magnetic field. In this configuration, ions and electrons may have adequate density and temperature so that upon collisions they are fused together by the nuclear force, thus forming fusion products that emerge in the form of an annular beam. Energy is removed from the fusion product ions as they spiral past electrodes of an inverse cyclotron converter. Advantageously, the fusion fuel plasmas that can be used with the present confinement and energy conversion system include advanced (aneutronic) fuels.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2004Publication date: March 20, 2008Inventors: Hendrik J. Monkhorst, Norman Rostoker
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Patent number: 7042966Abstract: A method for estimating a signal-to-noise ratio, in particular digital, received by a radio communication receiver. The method includes estimating separately the signal and the noise and filtering (36, 44) separately the signal (Eb) and the noise (N0) before carrying out the division (40) of the signal from the noise. The noise filtering is for example of the statistical type, whereas the signal filtering is of the low-pass filtering type.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2000Date of Patent: May 9, 2006Assignee: AlcatelInventors: Cédric Lapaille, Guillaume Calot
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Patent number: 6954512Abstract: A neutron spectrometer is provided by a series of substrates covered by a solid-state detector stacked on an absorbing layer. As many as 12 substrates that convert neutrons to protons are covered by a layer of absorbing material, acting as a proton absorber, with the detector placed within the layer to count protons passing through the absorbing layer. By using 12 detectors the range of neutron energies are covered. The flat embodiment of the neutron spectrometer is a chamber, a group of detectors each having an absorber layer, with each detector separated by gaps and arranged in an egg-crate-like structure within the chamber. Each absorber layer is constructed with a different thickness according to the minimum and maximum energies of neutrons in the spectrum.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2002Date of Patent: October 11, 2005Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventors: Stanley Kronenberg, George J. Brucker
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Patent number: 6928130Abstract: A neutron spectrometer for aircraft is provided by a series of substrates covered by a solid-state detector stacked on an absorbing layer. As many as 12 substrates that convert neutrons to protons are covered by a layer of absorbing material, acting as a proton absorber, with the detector placed within the layer to count protons passing through the absorbing layer. By using 12 detectors the range of neutron energies are covered. The preferred dodecahedron embodiment of the neutron spectrometer is a solid, polyethylene dodecahedron assembly with 12 surface facets covered by a solid-state detector stacked on an absorbing layer composed of tantalum. Each absorbing layer is constructed with a different thickness according to the minimum and maximum energies of neutrons in the spectrum.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2002Date of Patent: August 9, 2005Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventors: Stanley Kronenberg, George J. Brucker
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Patent number: 6894446Abstract: A system and apparatus for controlled fusion in a field reversed configuration (FRC) magnetic topology and conversion of fusion product energies directly to electric power. Preferably, plasma ions are magnetically confined in the FRC while plasma electrons are electrostatically confined in a deep energy well, created by tuning an externally applied magnetic field. In this configuration, ions and electrons may have adequate density and temperature so that upon collisions they are fused together by the nuclear force, thus forming fusion products that emerge in the form of an annular beam. Energy is removed from the fusion product ions as they spiral past electrodes of an inverse cyclotron converter. Advantageously, the fusion fuel plasmas that can be used with the present confinement and energy conversion system include advanced (aneutronic) fuels.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2003Date of Patent: May 17, 2005Assignees: The Regents of the University of California, University of Florida Research FoundationInventors: Hendrik J. Monkhorst, Norman Rostoker
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Patent number: 6888907Abstract: A system and apparatus for controlled fusion in a field reversed configuration (FRC) magnetic topology and conversion of fusion product energies directly to electric power. Preferably, plasma ions are magnetically confined in the FRC while plasma electrons are electrostatically confined in a deep energy well, created by tuning an externally applied magnetic field. In this configuration, ions and electrons may have adequate density and temperature so that upon collisions they are fused together by the nuclear force, thus forming fusion products that emerge in the form of an annular beam. Energy is removed from the fusion product ions as they spiral past electrodes of an inverse cyclotron converter. Advantageously, the fusion fuel plasmas that can be used with the present confinement and energy conversion system include advanced (aneutronic) fuels.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2003Date of Patent: May 3, 2005Assignees: The Regents of the University of California, University of Florida Research FoundationInventors: Hendrik J. Monkhorst, Norman Rostoker
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Publication number: 20040218707Abstract: A system and apparatus for controlled fusion in a field reversed configuration (FRC) magnetic topology and conversion of fusion product energies directly to electric power. Preferably, plasma ions are magnetically confined in the FRC while plasma electrons are electrostatically confined in a deep energy well, created by tuning an externally applied magnetic field. In this configuration, ions and electrons may have adequate density and temperature so that upon collisions they are fused together by the nuclear force, thus forming fusion products that emerge in the form of an annular beam. Energy is removed from the fusion product ions as they spiral past electrodes of an inverse cyclotron converter. Advantageously, the fusion fuel plasmas that can be used with the present confinement and energy conversion system include advanced (aneutronic) fuels.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2003Publication date: November 4, 2004Inventors: Hendrik J. Monkhorst, Norman Rostoker
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Patent number: 6765978Abstract: A neutron spectrometer is provided by a series of substrates covered by a solid-state detector stacked on an absorbing layer. As many as 12 substrates that convert neutrons to protons are covered by a layer of absorbing material, acting as a proton absorber, with the detector placed within the layer to count protons passing through the absorbing layer. By using 12 detectors the range of neutron energies are covered. The flat embodiment of the neutron spectrometer is a chamber, a group of detectors each having an absorber layer, with each detector separated by gaps and arranged in an egg-crate-like structure within the chamber. Each absorber layer is constructed with a different thickness according to the minimum and maximum energies of neutrons in the spectrum.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2002Date of Patent: July 20, 2004Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventors: Stanley Kronenberg, George J. Brucker
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Patent number: 6717999Abstract: A neutron spectrometer is provided by a series of substrates covered by a solid-state detector stacked on an absorbing layer. As many as 12 substrates that convert neutrons to protons are covered by a layer of absorbing material, acting as a proton absorber, with the detector placed within the layer to count protons passing through the absorbing layer. By using 12 detectors the range of neutron energies are covered. The preferred dodecahedron embodiment of the neutron spectrometer is a solid, polyethylene dodecahedron assembly with 12 surface facets covered by a solid-state detector stacked on an absorbing layer composed of titanium. Each absorbing layer is constructed with a different thickness according to the minimum and maximum energies of neutrons in the spectrum.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2002Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventors: Stanley Kronenberg, George J. Brucker
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Patent number: 6714616Abstract: A neutron spectrometer is provided by a series of substrates covered by a solid-state detector stacked on an absorbing layer. As many as 12 substrates that convert neutrons to protons are covered by a layer of absorbing material, acting as a proton absorber, with the detector placed within the layer to count protons passing through the absorbing layer. By using 12 detectors the range of neutron energies are covered. The flat embodiment of the neutron spectrometer is a chamber, a group of detectors each having an absorber layer, with each detector separated by gaps and arranged in an egg-crate-like structure within the chamber. Each absorber layer is constructed with a different thickness according to the minimum and maximum energies of neutrons in the spectrum.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2001Date of Patent: March 30, 2004Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventors: Stanley Kronenberg, George J. Brucker
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Patent number: 6678343Abstract: A neutron spectrometer is provided by a series of substrates covered by a solid-state detector stacked on an absorbing layer. As many as 12 substrates that convert neutrons to protons are covered by a layer of absorbing material, acting as a proton absorber, with the detector placed within the layer to count protons passing through the absorbing layer. By using 12 detectors the range of neutron energies are covered. The flat embodiment of the neutron spectrometer is a chamber, a group of detectors each having an absorber layer, with each detector separated by gaps and arranged in an egg-crate-like structure within the chamber. Each absorber layer is constructed with a different thickness according to the minimum and maximum energies of neutrons in the spectrum.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2002Date of Patent: January 13, 2004Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventors: Stanley Kronenberg, George J. Brucker
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Patent number: 6654434Abstract: A neutron spectrometer is provided by a series of substrates covered by a solid-state detector stacked on an absorbing layer. As many as 12 substrates that convert neutrons to protons are covered by a layer of absorbing material, acting as a proton absorber, with the detector placed within the layer to count protons passing through the absorbing layer. By using 12 detectors the range of neutron energies are covered. The flat embodiment of the neutron spectrometer is a chamber, a group of detectors each having an absorber layer, with each detector separated by gaps and arranged in an egg-crate-like structure within the chamber. Each absorber layer is constructed with a different thickness according to the minimum and maximum energies of neutrons in the spectrum.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2002Date of Patent: November 25, 2003Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventors: Stanley Kronenberg, George J. Brucker
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Patent number: 6654435Abstract: A neutron spectrometer is provided by a series of substrates covered by a solid-state detector stacked on an absorbing layer. As many as 12 substrates that convert neutrons to protons are covered by a layer of absorbing material, acting as a proton absorber, with the detector placed within the layer to count protons passing through the absorbing layer. By using 12 detectors the range of neutron energies are covered. The flat embodiment of the neutron spectrometer is a chamber, a group of detectors each having an absorber layer, with each detector separated by gaps and arranged in an egg-crate-like structure within the chamber. Each absorber layer is constructed with a different thickness according to the minimum and maximum energies of neutrons in the spectrum.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2002Date of Patent: November 25, 2003Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventors: Stanley Kronenberg, George J. Brucker
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Patent number: 6628740Abstract: A system and apparatus for controlled fusion in a field reversed configuration (FRC) magnetic topology and conversion of fusion product energies directly to electric power. Preferably, plasma ions are magnetically confined in the FRC while plasma electrons are electrostatically confined in a deep energy well, created by tuning an externally applied magnetic field. In this configuration, ions and electrons may have adequate density and temperature so that upon collisions they are fused together by the nuclear force, thus forming fusion products that emerge in the form of an annular beam. Energy is removed from the fusion product ions as they spiral past electrodes of an inverse cyclotron converter. Advantageously, the fusion fuel plasmas that can be used with the present confinement and energy conversion system include advanced (aneutronic) fuels.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2002Date of Patent: September 30, 2003Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Hendrik J. Monkhorst, Norman Rostoker
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Patent number: 6625243Abstract: A neutron spectrometer for aircraft is provided by a series of substrates covered by a solid-state detector stacked on an absorbing layer. As many as 12 substrates that convert neutrons to protons are covered by a layer of absorbing material, acting as a proton absorber, with the detector placed within the layer to count protons passing through the absorbing layer. By using 12 detectors the range of neutron energies are covered. The preferred dodecahedron embodiment of the neutron spectrometer is a solid, polyethylene dodecahedron assembly with 12 surface facets covered by a solid-state detector stacked on an absorbing layer composed of aluminum. Each absorbing layer is constructed with a different thickness according to the minimum and maximum energies of neutrons in the spectrum.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2002Date of Patent: September 23, 2003Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventors: Stanley Kronenberg, George J. Brucker
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Patent number: 6614867Abstract: A neutron spectrometer is provided by a series of substrates covered by a solid-state detector stacked on an absorbing layer. As many as 12 substrates that convert neutrons to protons are covered by a layer of absorbing material, acting as a proton absorber, with the detector placed within the layer to count protons passing through the absorbing layer. By using 12 detectors the range of neutron energies are covered. The preferred dodecahedron embodiment of the neutron spectrometer is a solid, polyethylene dodecahedron assembly with 12 surface facets covered by a solid-state detector stacked on an absorbing layer composed of titanium. Each absorbing layer is constructed with a different thickness according to the minimum and maximum energies of neutrons in the spectrum.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2002Date of Patent: September 2, 2003Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventors: Stanley Kronenberg, George J. Brucker
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Patent number: 6594332Abstract: A neutron spectrometer for spacecraft is provided by a series of substrates covered by a solid-state detector stacked on an absorbing layer. As many as 12 substrates that convert neutrons to protons are covered by a layer of absorbing material, acting as a proton absorber, with the detector placed within the layer to count protons passing through the absorbing layer. By using 12 detectors the range of neutron energies are covered. The preferred dodecahedron embodiment of the neutron spectrometer is a solid, polyethylene dodecahedron assembly with 12 surface facets covered by a solid-state detector stacked on an absorbing layer composed of aluminum. Each absorbing layer is constructed with a different thickness according to the minimum and maximum energies of neutrons in the spectrum.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2002Date of Patent: July 15, 2003Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventors: Stanley Kronenberg, George J. Brucker
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Publication number: 20030002611Abstract: An improved 3He nuclear reactor with provision for direct electric conversion of a relativistic proton stream into useable electric power at a voltage level compatible with the national power grid (one million V DC). Various embodiments include multiple collector cages for extracting relativistic protons of various energy levels, diverter wires for deflecting high-energy proton streams to either side of lower energy cages to avoid unwanted impact. Other embodiments include arrangements for dividing multi-megavolt voltages down to a useable one megavolt level compatible with the national power grid. Further embodiments comprise guiding the proton stream by the cusps of magnetron cavities to permit conversion of the relativistic proton energies into microwave power. A proposal is also made for harvesting 3He from the Moon to supply earth-bound and space-bound reactors.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2002Publication date: January 2, 2003Inventor: Wilson Greatbatch
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Patent number: 6477216Abstract: A compound plasma configuration can be formed from a device having pins, and an annular electrode surrounding the pins. A cylindrical conductor is electrically connected to, and coaxial with, the annular electrode, and a helical conductor coaxial with the cylindrical conductor. The helical conductor is composed of wires, each wire electrically connected to each pin. The annular electrode and the pins are disposed in the same direction away from the interior of the conducting cylinder.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 1999Date of Patent: November 5, 2002Inventor: Paul M. Koloc
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Patent number: 6349124Abstract: A neutron spectrometer is provided by a series of substrates covered by a solid-state detector stacked on an absorbing layer. As many as 12 substrates that convert neutrons to protons are covered by a layer of absorbing material, acting as a proton absorber, with the detector placed within the layer to count protons passing through the absorbing layer. By using 12 detectors the range of neutron energies are covered. The preferred dodecahedron embodiment of the neutron spectrometer comprises a solid, polyethylene dodecahedron assembly with 12 surface facets covered by a solid-state detector stacked on an absorbing layer. In this arrangement, each of 12 surface pentagon-shaped facets provides a polyethylene substrate to convert neutrons to protons, covered by a layer of absorbing material, acting as a proton absorber, with the detector stacked on the absorbing layer to count protons passing through the absorbing layer.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2000Date of Patent: February 19, 2002Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventors: Stanley Kronenberg, George J. Brucker
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Patent number: 5991351Abstract: A method for integrating liquid metal magnetohydrodynamic power generation with fusion blanket technology to produce electrical power from a thermonuclear fusion reactor located within a confining magnetic field and within a toroidal structure. A hot liquid metal flows from a liquid metal blanket region into a pump duct of an electromagnetic pump which moves the liquid metal to a mixer where a gas of predetermined pressure is mixed with the pressurized liquid metal to form a Froth mixture. Electrical power is generated by flowing the Froth mixture between electrodes in a generator duct. When the Froth mixture exits the generator the gas is separated from the liquid metal and both are recycled.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 1998Date of Patent: November 23, 1999Assignee: U.S. Department of EnergyInventor: Robert D. Woolley
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Patent number: 5586137Abstract: A compact fission reactor generates a flux of fission fragments, fission neutrons, and gamma-ray photons. The flux excites a noble element converter medium which produces light. Optical means are provided for focusing the light onto an array of photovoltaic cells. The photovoltaic cells convert the light radiation into electrical energy for various load applications.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 1996Date of Patent: December 17, 1996Assignee: ADVEC Corp.Inventors: Daniel S. Pappas, Gene H. McCall, George W. York
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Patent number: 5375149Abstract: An apparatus and method of extracting power from energetic ions produced by nuclear fusion in a toroidal plasma to enhance respectively the toroidal plasma current and fusion reactivity. By injecting waves of predetermined frequency and phase traveling substantially in a selected poloidal direction within the plasma, the energetic ions become diffused in energy and space such that the energetic ions lose energy and amplify the waves. The amplified waves are further adapted to travel substantially in a selected toroidal direction to increase preferentially the energy of electrons traveling in one toroidal direction which, in turn, enhances or generates a toroidal plasma current. In an further adaptation, the amplified waves can be made to preferentially increase the energy of fuel ions within the plasma to enhance the fusion reactivity of the fuel ions. The described direct, or in situ, conversion of the energetic ion energy provides an efficient and economical means of delivering power to a fusion reactor.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 1993Date of Patent: December 20, 1994Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventors: Nathaniel J. Fisch, Jean M. Rax
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Patent number: 5152955Abstract: This invention relates to adaptation of intersecting storage rings, of the same type used in high energy nuclear physics research, for power generation. The device is optimized for lower-energy beam paricles and higher beam current, adapted with a reaction chamber at the intersection of the rings to collect released fusion energy for conversion to electricity, and equipped with means to recapture scattered accelerated particles and reintegrate them into the focused beams for recirculation through the reaction chamber. The preferred beam particles, deuterium and tritium, are accelerated and injected into and focused by the storage rings, to collide nearly head on in the reaction chamber. Non-colliding, accelerated beam particles are conserved by recovery, correction and recirculation, requiring relatively small amounts of input energy to maintain acceleration and focus of the beams, and thus remain energized for another collision attempt.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 1990Date of Patent: October 6, 1992Inventor: Joseph A. Russell
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Patent number: 5114661Abstract: An apparatus is provided for driving a solid state laser by a nuclear powered fluorescence source which is located remote from the fluorescence source. A nuclear reaction produced in a reaction chamber generates fluorescence or photons. The photons are collected from the chamber into a waveguide, such as a fiber optic waveguide. The waveguide transports the photons to the remote laser for exciting the laser.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 1991Date of Patent: May 19, 1992Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventor: Mark A. Prelas
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Patent number: 4800566Abstract: Apparatus is provided for generating energy in the form of laser radiation. A tokamak fusion reactor is provided for generating a long, or continuous, pulse of high-energy neutrons. The tokamak design provides a temperature and a magnetic field which is effective to generate a neutron flux of at least 10.sup.15 neutrons/cm.sup.2.s. A conversion medium receives neutrons from the tokamak and converts the high-energy neutrons to an energy source with an intensity and an energy effective to excite a preselected lasing medium. The energy source typically comprises fission fragments, alpha particles, and radiation from a fission event. A lasing medium is provided which is responsive to the energy source to generate a population inversion which is effective to support laser oscillations for generating output radiation.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 1987Date of Patent: January 24, 1989Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventor: Daniel S. Pappas
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Patent number: 4746484Abstract: A nuclear pumped laser capable of producing long pulses of very high power laser radiation is provided. A toroidal fusion reactor provides energetic neutrons which are slowed down by a moderator. The moderated neutrons are converted to energetic particles capable of pumping a lasing medium. The lasing medium is housed in an annular cell surrounding the reactor. The cell includes an annular reflecting mirror at the bottom and an annular output window at the top. A neutron reflector is disposed around the cell to reflect escaping neutrons back into the cell. The laser radiation from the annular window is focused onto a beam compactor which generates a single coherent output laser beam.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 1987Date of Patent: May 24, 1988Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Department of EnergyInventor: Daniel L. Jassby
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Patent number: 4735762Abstract: A high-power-density laser or charged-particle-beam fusion reactor system maximizes the directed kinetic energy imparted to a large mass of liquid lithium by a centrally located fusion target. A fusion target is embedded in a large mass of lithium, of sufficient radius to act as a tritium breeding blanket, and provided with ports for the access of beam energy to implode the target. The directed kinetic energy is converted directly to electricity with high efficiency by work done against a pulsed magnetic field applied exterior to the lithium. Because the system maximizes the blanket thickness per unit volume of lithium, neutron-induced radioactivities in the reaction chamber wall are several orders of magnitude less than is typical of other fusion reactor systems.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 1987Date of Patent: April 5, 1988Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventor: George P. Lasche
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Patent number: 4639348Abstract: This is one of a series of nuclear fusion (vs. fission) inventions by this physicist-inventor. This invention is designed to burn the cleanest of all known fusion fuels: boron hydride (B-H, or p-.sup.11 B). Boron hydride has no free neutrons on either side of its reaction equation: p+.sup.11 B=3.alpha.+W. If this fuel can be made to fuse as planned the many problems associated with neutron-based fuels, deuterium-tritium (D-T) in particular, can be obviated. D-T gives off 80% of its energy in the form of neutrons. These make the apparatus radioactive; and the neutrons may be used to breed weapons grade fission material. Whereas, p-.sup.11 B cannot be used to make fission bomb material; its product particles are entirely safe inert helium particles. B-H fuel is abundant, available and inexpensive. Boron hydride comes in gas, liquid or solid form, stable or unstable. The invention at hand proposes to accelerate macromolecular ions of boron hydride (such as B.sub.2 H.sub.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 1984Date of Patent: January 27, 1987Inventor: William S. Jarnagin
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Patent number: 4596687Abstract: A neutral beam intensity controller is provided for a neutral beam generator in which a neutral beam is established by accelerating ions from an ion source into a gas neutralizer. An amplitude modulated, rotating magnetic field is applied to the accelerated ion beam in the gas neutralizer to defocus the resultant neutral beam in a controlled manner to achieve intensity control of the neutral beam along the beam axis at constant beam energy. The rotating magnetic field alters the orbits of ions in the gas neutralizer before they are neutralized, thereby controlling the fraction of neutral particles transmitted out of the neutralizer along the central beam axis to a fusion device or the like. The altered path or defocused neutral particles are sprayed onto an actively cooled beam dump disposed perpendicular to the neutral beam axis and having a central open for passage of the focused beam at the central axis of the beamline.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 1984Date of Patent: June 24, 1986Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventor: William K. Dagenhart
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Patent number: 4439395Abstract: A neutral beamline employing direct energy recovery of unneutralized residual ions is provided which enhances the energy recovery of the full energy ion component of the beam exiting the neutralizer cell, and thus improves the overall neutral beamline efficiency. The unneutralized full energy ions exiting the neutralizer are deflected from the beam path and the electrons in the cell are blocked by a magnetic field applied transverse to the beam direction in the neutral izer exit region. The ions which are generated at essentially ground potential and accelerated through the neutralizer cell by a negative acceleration voltage are collected at ground potential. A neutralizer cell exit end region is provided which allows the magnetic and electric fields acting on the exiting ions to be loosely coupled.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 1981Date of Patent: March 27, 1984Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventor: Jinchoon Kim
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Patent number: 4434131Abstract: A neutral beamline generator with unneutralized ion energy recovery is provided which enhances the energy recovery of the full energy ion component of the beam exiting the neutralizer cell of the beamline. The unneutralized full energy ions exiting the neutralizer are deflected from the beam path and the electrons in the cell are blocked by a magnetic field applied transverse to the beamline in the cell exit region. The ions, which are generated at essentially ground potential and accelerated through the neutralizer cell by a negative acceleration voltage, are collected at ground potential. A neutralizer cell exit end region is provided which allows the magnetic and electric fields acting on the exiting ions to be closely coupled. As a result, the fractional energy ions exiting the cell with the full energy ions are reflected back into the gas cell.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 1981Date of Patent: February 28, 1984Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventors: William K. Dagenhart, Halsey H. Haselton, William L. Stirling, John H. Whealton
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Patent number: 4349505Abstract: A neutral beamline generator with energy recovery of the full-energy ion ponent of the beam based on magnetic blocking of electrons is provided. Ions from a positive ion source are accelerated to the desired beam energy from a slightly positive potential level with respect to ground through a neutralizer cell by means of a negative acceleration voltage. The unneutralized full-energy ion component of the beam exiting the neutralizer are retarded and slightly deflected and the electrons in the neutralizer are blocked by a magnetic field generated transverse to the beamline. An electron collector in the form of a coaxial cylinder surrounding and protruding axial a few centimeters beyond the neutralizer exit terminates the electrons which exit the neutralizer in an E x B drift to the collector when the collector is biased a few hundred volts positive with respect to the neutralizer voltage.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 1980Date of Patent: September 14, 1982Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Department of EnergyInventor: William L. Stirling
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Patent number: 4304627Abstract: A piston is moved by a laser incited fusion reaction such as deuterium-tritium (D-T) to thereby produce an expandable fusion chamber. When a gaseous substance such as CO.sub.2 is presented in the presence of the fusion reaction, it is dissociated into CO and O.sub.2 component mixture and the expansion of the chamber rapidly cools the mixture and quenches the back reaction thereby producing a greater CO yield. Also the piston produces peripheral power from the fusion reaction in the form of mechanical energy.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 1978Date of Patent: December 8, 1981Assignee: Texas Gas Transmission CorporationInventor: John G. Lewis
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Patent number: H407Abstract: Methods and associated apparati for use of collisions of high energy atoms and ions of He, Ne or Ar with themselves or with high energy neutrons to produce short wavelength radiation (.lambda..apprxeq.840-1300 .ANG.) that may be utilized to produce cathode-anode currents or photovoltaic currents.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 1985Date of Patent: January 5, 1988Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventor: E. Victor George
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Patent number: H554Abstract: Method for producing fusion power wherein a neutral beam is injected into a toroidal bulk plasma to produce fusion reactions during the time permitted by the slowing down of the particles from the injected beam in the bulk plasma.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 1982Date of Patent: December 6, 1988Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventors: John M. Dawson, Harold P. Furth, Fred H. Tenney
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Patent number: H936Abstract: The plasma column in a stellarator is compressed and expanded alternatively in minor radius. First a plasma in thermal balance is compressed adiabatically. The volume of the compressed plasma is maintained until the plasma reaches a new thermal equilibrium. The plasma is then expanded to its original volume. As a result of the way a stellarator works, the plasma pressure during compression is less than the corresponding pressure during expansion. Therefore, negative work is done on the plasma over a complete cycle. This work manifests itself as a back-voltage in the toroidal field coils. Direct electrical energy is obtained from this voltage. Alternatively, after the compression step, the plasma can be expanded at constant pressure.The cycle can be made self-sustaining by operating a system of two stellarator reactors in tandem. Part of the energy derived from the expansion phase of a first stellarator reactor is used to compress the plasma in a second stellarator reactor.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 1986Date of Patent: July 2, 1991Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventors: Darwin D. Ho, Russell M. Kulsrud