WO2012003524A1

WO2012003524A1 - Reactor for producing controlled nuclear fusion

Info

Publication number: WO2012003524A1
Application number: PCT/AU2011/000604
Authority: WO
Inventors: Steven Arnold Sesselmann
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-07-06
Filing date: 2011-05-20
Publication date: 2012-01-12
Anticipated expiration: 2013-01-06

Abstract

An electrostatic confinement apparatus for producing nuclear fusion comprises a capacitor assembly, having a hollow cathode element (230) defining a reaction chamber (238), and an anode element (220) substantially surrounding the cathode element (230). An electrical source (280) provides a direct current potential between the anode element (220) and the cathode element (230). A fuel supply assembly (240, 242, 244, 246) includes a fuel receptacle (24) which is electrically coupled to the cathode element (230) such that, in use, fusion reactive fuel flows into the reaction chamber (238) having the same electric potential of the cathode element (230). A medium having a high dielectric constant occupies the cavity (260) between the anode and cathode elements (220, 230). An accelerator exhaust tube (250) may form part of a thrust engine.

Description

DESCRIPTION

REACTOR FOR PRODUCING CONTROLLED NUCLEAR FUSION

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to nuclear fusion and in particular to mechanical electrostatic confinement fusion. The invention provides an experimental model for the behavior of fusion reactions arising from electrostatic confinement under the conditions where space-charge effects begin to dominate. Fusion reactions from electrostatic confinement devices are well known and such devices are utilized as neutron sources for use in, for example, geological exploration and medical isotope manufacture. However, the efficiencies of existing devices are limited from space-charge effects where the fast, fusible, ions are accelerated to a focus, thereby putting performance and efficiency limitations on the operation of such devices; The present invention provides an alternative means to accomplish the same utilities as existing configurations of electrostatic confinement fusion neutron sources, but also provides the experimental means to directly manipulate the space-charge within the reaction volume so as to tune for efficiency, which is not currently possible with existing configurations.

A theoretical prospect may also exists where this improvement in efficiency may lead to net energy gain such that the energy of the fusion products exceeds the input energy. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular field of use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of the common general knowledge in the field.

Since the 1 930's Philo Farnsworth and others have experimented with devices that employ a method using electrostatic forces to confine positively charged ions of fusion reactive fuels. Variations of the "Farnsworth device" has been attempted, but typically fail to generate more output energy than input energy, and consequently have not become viable sources of energy.

Known efforts to achieve "break even" fusion has revolved around magnetic confinement of plasmas that meet the "Lawson Criterion", which postulates that the triple product of ion density, temperature and time, must meet a certain value before any fusion fuel will burn in a self sustained manner.

Electrostatic confinement is an alternative to thermonuclear plasmas.

Meeting the Lawson criterion has proved difficult to achieve, as hot plasma does not easily submit to such confinement. As a result, scientists are typically employing larger and larger devices, in an attempt to achieve self sustained fusion.

The following citations are identified as background art for electrostatic confinement of reactor fuels. These citations include:

George H. Miley Et Al. US Patent 5,947,421 ;

George H. Miley Et Al. US patent 6,1 21 ,569;

Hirakoso Et. Al. US Patent 5,025,623;

William G. Dow US Patent 4,347,621 ;

Galli J.R. Et Al, US Patent 3,293,852;

Sesselmann S. A. WO 2007/041 870 A1 .

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to overcome disadvantages of the prior art, or to provide a useful alternative.

It is an object of the invention in its preferred form to provide an apparatus and method for initiating nuclear fusion reactions in which the electric fields in the reaction volume may be controlled more favourably, for performance and efficiency, than is the case in existing devices. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided an apparatus for producing nuclear fusion, the apparatus comprising:

a capacitor assembly comprising an anode element and a respective cathode element, the cathode element defining a cavity reaction chamber, the anode element substantially surrounding the cathode element, thereby defining an internal cavity there between;

an electrical source for providing a direct current voltage potential between the anode element and the cathode element, wherein the cathode element has a negative electric potential with respect to the anode element;

a fuel assembly operatively associated with the cathode element for providing controlled flow of fusion reactive fuel into the reaction chamber, wherein the fuel system includes a fuel receptacle electrically coupled to the cathode thereby acquiring the negative electrical potential of the cathode; and

a medium having a high dielectric constant, that occupies the internal cavity;

wherein, in use, fusion reactive fuel flows into the reaction chamber having at the negative electric potential of the cathode with respect to the anode element.

Preferably, the fuel receptacle is maintained at cathode potential, and located within the internal cavity.

Preferably, the apparatus further comprises: a mass flow controller in fluid communication with a fuel system for enabling a controlled flow of fusion reactive fuel into the cathode reaction chamber.

Preferably, the apparatus further comprises: an accelerator exhaust tube; wherein the cathode reaction chamber includes an reaction chamber exhaust aperture and the anode includes an anode exhaust aperture; and wherein an accelerator exhaust tube is operatively coupled between the reaction chamber exhaust aperture and the anode exhaust aperture for providing a hermetic fluid communication between an interior of the cathode element and an exterior of the anode element.

Preferably, the accelerator. exhaust tube, by providing a hermetic fluid communication between an interior of the cathode element and an exterior of the anode, defines a substantially closed internal cavity there between. More preferably, the accelerator exhaust tube comprises a plurality of dielectric rings and conducting rings, that together form a hermetic cylinder; the conducting rings being connected by a series of resistors; wherein, when a potential voltage is applied across the first and the last conducting ring, the accelerator exhaust tube comprises a voltage gradient between the first and the last conducting ring. Most preferably, the accelerator exhaust tube is a substantially dielectric tube with suitable hermetic seals.

Preferably, the cathode defines a substantially closed shell.

Preferably, an internal closed cavity is defined between the cathode and anode.

Preferably, the anode element is resistively electrically coupled to the cathode element. More preferably, the anode element is resistively electrically coupled to the cathode element by a variable resistor element. Most preferably, the internal cavity between the anode element and the cathode element contains a dielectric substance, thereby providing electrical isolation between the anode and the cathode.

Preferably, the fusion fuel is one or more fusion reactive gases selected from the set comprising: Hydrogen; Deuterium; Tritium; Helium3; Boronl 1 ; and Lithium. More preferably, the fusion fuel is pure Deuterium gas.

Preferably, the electrical means includes an electrical circuit and one or more electrical insulation elements integrated to the anode element for enabling a high voltage direct current potential to be applied through the anode element to the cathode element. Preferably, the dielectric medium is a liquid dielectric material. More preferably, the cathode element is insulated from the anode element by way of any one or more dielectric medium selected from the set : vacuum, air, PTFE,

polypropylene, transformer oil, rubber, wood, silicones, bakelite, quartz, glass, castor oil, mica, porcelain, alumina, distilled water, barium-titanite, strontium- titanite.

Most preferably, the dielectric medium, in use, occupies the cavity between the anode and the cathode, moderates neutrons .

Preferably, the apparatus further comprises: a vacuum system adapted to evacuate the accelerator exhaust tube and cathode reaction chamber to a sufficiently low pressure, thereby to provide ions of fusion reactive fuel a sufficiently long mean free path for reaching fusion energies within the length of the accelerator tube.

Preferably, the apparatus further comprises: an external high voltage power supply, connected by electrical means to the anode and cathode respectively for creating a high voltage potential between the anode and the cathode to allow ions of fusion reactive fuel within the accelerator exhaust tube to reach fusion capable energy.

Preferably, the apparatus, in use, produces heat. More preferably, the dielectric medium, in use, is circulated through a heat exchange system, in order to extract useful energy.

Preferably, the apparatus, in use, produces neutrons.

Preferably, the apparatus, in use, produces an electric current.

Preferably, the apparatus, in use, produces thrust.

Preferably, the apparatus, in use, enables transmutation of elements by neutron capture.

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a method of producing nuclear fusion, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) providing an apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 1 7; (b) providing a relative electrostatic direct current potential between the cathode element and anode element, thereby defining an electrostatic field of sufficient strength to ionise and accelerate ions of fusion reactive fuel, to fusion energies;

(c) providing a source of fusion reactive fuel;

(d) maintaining the supply of fusion reactive fuel at an electrical potential with respect to the cathode element, such that the space-charge within the reaction chamber is regulated, or where the electrical potential is the same as the cathode element such that confinement time and reaction rates are optimised;

(e) allowing a controlled amount of fusion reactive fuel to enter the cathode reaction chamber and accelerator exhaust tube ;

(f) allowing molecules of fusion reactive fuel, to build up in the

cathode reaction chamber and accelerator exhaust tube, until natural ionisation causes Paschen breakdown, thereby creating positive ions accelerating towards and into the cathode reaction chamber;

(g) allowing positive ions of fusion reactive fuel to enter the cathode reaction chamber, and cause more molecules of fusion reactive fuel inside the cathode, to become ionised;

wherein the particles that become ionised within the cathode reaction chamber, lack the energy to escape the electrostatic field, and so are retained by the field, and therefore substantially confined to the cathode reaction chamber;

wherein one or more ionised particles have sufficient energy to collide and undergo a process of nuclear fusion, whereby the process of nuclear fusion releases energy in the form of a fast moving atomic particles.

Preferably, charged particles produced by nuclear fusion contribute to further ionisation of the fusion reactive fuel. Preferably, some positively charged fast fusion products have sufficient energy and suitable direction to escape confinement of the cathode, thereby carrying positive charges to ground.

Preferably, thermal energy generated from the process of nuclear fusion is converted into a suitable energy source using known methods.

Preferably, electric current is generated by this process of fusion induced charge separation.

Preferably, neutrons are produced.

Preferably, fast particles produced in the fusion reactions provide forward thrust.

Preferably, fast positively charged particles produced in the fusion reactions are directed through a solenoid for the purpose of generating an electric current.

It will be appreciated that nuclear fusion can be used to provide heat, electricity, directional thrust, and/or producing neutrons.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a fusion reactor embodiment, shown adapted for use with a vacuum system in atmospheric conditions;

FIG. 2 is a sectional schematic view of the fusion reactor of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged schematic sectional view of the accelerator exhaust tube of the fusion reactor of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of an embodiment fusion reactor according to the invention, shown adapted for use as a thruster in outer-space;

FIG. 5 is a sectional schematic view of the fusion reactor of FIG. 4; and

FIG. 6 is a flow chart of a method of providing controlled nuclear fusion according to the invention/ PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

A method and apparatus is disclosed for producing steady state nuclear fusion. It will be appreciated that released nuclear fusion energy can be converted into electrical energy, thrust and/or heat.

FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 show a nuclear fusion reactor 1 00 for producing electricity and heat from nuclear fusion.

Referring to FIG. 2, the nuclear fusion reactor includes a capacitor 21 0 having an anode element 220 and a respective cathode element 230. The cathode element 230 being a hollow substantially spherical shell cathode 232 with one or more apertures (234, 235). The cathode element has an inner lining 236 comprising suitable heat resistant material with matching apertures. The cathode element is further operatively associated with a fuel receptacle 240, a connecting tube 242 and a fuel pressure regulator 244. A dielectric control rod 246 can be rotated by a handle 248 to control the fuel pressure

regulator 244. The hollow substantially spherical shell cathode 232 defines a nuclear reaction chamber 238.

In this embodiment aperture 234 defines the fuel inlet and aperture 235 defines an cathode exhaust outlet.

In this embodiment, the nuclear fusion reactor 1 00 includes an accelerator exhaust tube 250 constructed as a layered stack of dielectric elements 252 separated by metal plates 254, wherein metal plates are inter connected via a high value resistors 256, thereby forming a multi stage voltage divider between the anode element 220 and the cathode element 230 (as best shown in FIG. 3).

In an alternative embodiment, a nuclear fusion reactor can include a simpler accelerator exhaust tube constructed of a solid dielectric.

In this embodiment, the accelerator exhaust tube 250 terminates in a suitable flange 258 for enabling a hermetic connection to a high vacuum system and thereby defining an internal cavity 222 between the interior of the anode element 220 and the exterior of the cathode element 230. The fuel receptacle 240 is located in the internal cavity 222. A dielectric medium 260 is provided to substantially fill the otherwise vacant or unoccupied internal cavity 222.

A high vacuum pump 270 is coupled to the accelerator exhaust tube flange to maintain a low pressure environment within the cathode. A valve 272 can be provided for adjusting the vacuum pressure within the cathode.

A DC electrical supply 280 is provided to supply a direct current (DC) voltage potential between the anode element 220 and the cathode element 230. In this embodiment, the cathode element 230, fuel receptacle 240, connecting tube 242 and fuel pressure regulator 244 are electrically coupled such that each have the substantially the same negative DC voltage potential with respect to the anode element. A variable resistor 282 and optionally a high voltage capacitor 284 can be connected in parallel between the anode and the cathode, for the purpose of regulating and stabilizing the electrical potential between the anode 220 and the cathode 230.

In this embodiment, the apparatus comprises a hollow cathode 230 with one or more accelerator exhaust tubes 250 extending from an internal cathode 230 to the anode 220. An external high voltage DC power supply 280 is connected to the anode and cathode, with the fusion receptacle fuel being maintained at cathode potential. A controlled amount of fusion fuel flows from the fuel receptacle 240 into the cathode reaction chamber 238, where the molecules of the fusion fuel become ionised and thereby confined by the electrostatic field. Once a steady state fusion reaction is established, the apparatus may run in a self sustained mode, and produce excess heat, thrust, electrical power and neutrons for science and industry and space exploration. The dielectric medium can be circulated through a heat exchange system (not shown) to extract heat produced.

Typically, nuclear fusion fuel is selected from any one or more of the set comprising Hydrogen; Deuterium; Tritium; Helium 3; and Boron 1 1 ; Lithium. It would be appreciated that, when using deuterium (D) as a nuclear fusion fuel, the resultant D+D fusion reactions releases neutrons that are moderated to thermal velocities in the dielectric substance 260 that occupies the internal cavity 222, thereby enabling the neutrons to permeate the fuel receptacle. In this example, deuterium atoms can capture some thermal neutrons and transmute to the isotope tritium. Further, the fuel receptacle can be enclosed in beryllium foil, thereby increasing the neutron flux and transmutation rate.

In this example the method and apparatus can utilize the neutron flux from the reactor to enable transmutation of deuterium (D) into tritium (T). It will be appreciated that a resultant D+T reaction yields greater energy than a D+D reaction, and is therefore beneficial to the objective.

By way of example only, using the nuclear fusion reactor 100 in atmospheric conditions requires the exhaust outlet associated with aperture 235 to be hermetically connected to a high vacuum system. The vacuum pressure in the cathode chamber 238 and accelerator exhaust tube 250 is typically reduced to between 1 to! 0 millitorr.

The fuel receptacle 240 is typically filled with pure deuterium gas haying a higher pressure than atmospheric pressure, and is sealed and located within the anode element 220. The anode element 220 also defines a sealed vacant internal cavity 222 that is filled with a dielectric medium 260. The dielectric medium is typically transformer oil, but may be any medium with a dielectric constant higher than 1 , where one is the permittivity of empty space. The anode element 220 is connected to ground potential, by electrical means.

The optional variable resistor 282 is installed to give the operator control of the apparatus, for restricting a potential uncontrolled runaway reaction.

During the start up phase of the reactor, the variable resistor 282, can be set to' the lowest resistance, and the fuel pressure regulator 244 may be adjusted to a low flow setting, typically lower than 1 seem, and the vacuum system valve 272 partially closed, to allow a pressure build up of fusion reactive fuel in the cathode reaction chamber and accelerator exhaust tube. To initiate a fusion reaction a high voltage power supply is coupled by electrical means, with its positive terminal to ground, and the negative terminal to the cathode connection 286. Using the said external power supply to increase the potential of the cathode 230 to between neg. 40 to neg. 60 KV., while gradually increasing the deuterium gas flow into the reaction chamber 238, until such, time that the pressure in the accelerator exhaust tube (Fig 5) increases to a point where Paschen breakdown occurs in the gas, thereby creating a cascade of ions, wherein the negative ions go to ground, and the positive ions of fusion reactive fuel, accelerate down the accelerator port 230, and enter the cathode reaction chamber witlvfusion capable energies.

There is a probability that one of the following events take place; the ion collides with the inside of the cathode; the ion scatters off another molecule; the ion collides with another ion and undergoes fusion. At least two of the above events will result in further ionisation of the fuel inside the cathode reaction chamber 238, the constant maintenance of the ionised state of the molecules is essential for the reaction to self sustain.

Those collisions resulting in a fusion event, release energy in the form of a fast alpha particle, a fast tritium nucleus, a fast proton or a fast neutron. As three of these fusion products are physically confined to the cathode, their energy is most likely to be deposited in the cathode walls, causing a centrally focused reflection of beta gamma and x-rays, sometimes referred to as a holraum effect, all of which contribute to further ionisation of the gas inside the cathode chamber. The ionised gas, becomes a plasma with a near Maxwellian

distribution. In this environment electrons, due to their lower mass, must move faster than the much heavier ions, and thereby come into contact with the cathode lining more frequently. The cathode lining, will in an attempt to reach charge equilibrium with the plasma, typically absorb electrons, thereby leaving the plasma with a positive charge relative to the cathode. Further, the fast moving fusion products which are ejected in the direction of the exhaust aperture in the cathode, may escape through the accelerator exhaust tube, and so, deposit their positive charges to ground, thereby allowing negative charge to build up on the cathode.

At this point, the fusion reaction may become self-sustaining, and the High Voltage power supply can be disconnected. The fusion reaction rate may now be controlled by, by adjusting the variable resistor 282. However, it will be appreciated that there are three variable adjustments that can effect the^' steady state operation of the reactor, these being:

a) . the fuel flow rate; and

b) the electrical resistance between the anode and cathode; and c) the vacuum pressure. .

It will be appreciated that, adjustment of one or all of these variables can be automated, and that feedback control of the variables can reduce the need for human intervention during operation.

Once the apparatus is running in a steady state, fusion reactions in the cathode chamber 222 can maintain the heat in the cathode, thereby triggering more reactions, which in turn are responsible for further charge separation. The charge separation occurs because fast fusion products with positive charges (for example a proton and 3He nucleus), are ejected through the aperture in the cathode, with such velocity, that they travel up through the accelerator exhaust tube, and deposit their charges to ground. This causes a charge difference between the cathode and ground, it will be further appreciated that the charge difference can now be exploited by creating a closed electrical circuit - thereby generating electrical power.

When using substantially deuterium as the reactor fuel, the fusion reaction D+D=>T+p, and D+D=>3He+n occur with approximately 50/50 probability, therefore around half of the fusion products are fast neutrons. These fast neutrons easily permeate the cathode walls, and deposit their kinetic energy in the dielectric moderating substance contained in the anode/cathode inter cavity. Once the neutrons have lost their kinetic energy, they are referred to as thermal, and due to the positioning of the fuel receptacle 240 within the anode 220, the neutrons can also permeate the fuel. As noted, the reactor fuel is initially and substantially pure deuterium gas under pressure. The neutron capture cross section of deuterium is relatively high and an amount of deuterium can capture a neutron and transmute to tritium. The neutron flux around the fuel receptacle can be increased by enclosing the fuel receptacle in beryllium. This would be considered a benefit, as the D+T reaction and the T+T reaction yields significantly more energy, as can be seen from the listed reactions outlined below.

D+D => T + p (4.03 MeV)

D+D => 3He + n (3.27 MeV)

D+T => He4 + n (1 7.6 MeV)

D+3He => He4 (1 8.3 MeV)

T+T => He4 + 2n (1 1 .3 MeV)

Therefore, the stored fuel may become enriched over extended periods of operation.

Fusion reactors can confine ions, using one or more of the following techniques: mechanical confinement; and

> magnetic confinement; and

> electrostatic confinement.

It has been identified that storing the fusion fuel below ground potential and allowing it to ionise at low potential, can extend confinement time. By allowing the fusion fuel to ionise inside the cathode, at cathode potential, the ions are both mechanically and electrostatically confined, lacking the necessary kinetic energy to escape the electrostatic field. This innovation substantially addresses the first aspect of the "Lawson criterion", leaving only aspects of time and temperature.

The "Lawson criterion" temperature aspect can be substantially met by physically confining the fusion reactions inside a hollow spherical cathode, thereby focusing a significant proportion of the fusion energy back into the plasma. It will be appreciated that the properties of the improved nuclear fusion reactor include:

> a substantially closed hollow cathode, providing physical plasma

confinement;

> a dielectric medium electrically insulating the anode cathode interspace, substantially eliminating current leakage from cathode to anode;

> a fuel receptacle electrically floating at cathode potential, thereby

allowing molecules of fusion fuel to enter the cathode without excessive kinetic energy.

In an embodiment, fusion energy can be converted directly into electrical energy, through fusion induced charge separation. In a fusion event, fast protons and alpha particles pass through the exhaust aperture, and become separated from their respective electrons. This fusion induced charge separation can be incorporated in an electrical circuit and consequently used as an electrical energy source.

In an embodiment, fusion energy is converted into heat, through the process of moderating and converting the kinetic energy of fast fusion products, into heat,- and then converting the heat into useful energy by known methods.

In an embodiment, fusion energy can be converted directly into forward thrust by passing the fast moving fusion products through a unidirectional exhaust tube or nozzle, and into space. Thereby utilizing the resulting force imbalance, to generate forward thrust.

It will be appreciated that the illustrated apparatus and method initiates a controlled nuclear fusion reaction. It will be further appreciated that the apparatus enables suitable confinement of fusion fuel ions.

The apparatus described herein, is a nuclear fusion reactor, and any attempts to build or operate this apparatus should only be made by a person or persons skilled in the art, and in particular such person should understand the dangers and health effects of radiation, as well as the dangers of electrocution, as well as the dangers of explosion, from combustible gas kept under pressure. This apparatus emits alpha, beta and gamma and X-ray radiation and must be operated in a shielded environment. In the case of a runaway reaction, grounding of the cathode can immediately shut down this reactor.

Referring to FIG. 6, a method 600 of producing controlled nuclear fusion, can comprise the steps of:

STEP 610. providing an apparatus as herein described;

STEP 620. providing an amount of pressurised reactor fuel gas, such as substantially pure deuterium gas pressurized in the fuel receptacle;

STEP 630. providing a relative electrostatic direct current potential

between the cathode element and anode element, thereby defining an electrostatic field;

STEP 640 if operating the reactor in atmospheric environment, evacuating the accelerator exhaust tube and hollow cathode chamber to a high vacuum;

STEP 650 directing particles of fusion reactive fuel through the fuel

assembly of conductive conduits, by setting the fuel pressure regulator to a suitable leak rate, thereby allowing a small steady flow of fusion reactive fuel into the cathode chamber and accelerator exhaust tube;

STEP 660 once fusion reactive fuel is allowed to build up inside the

electrostatic field of the accelerator exhaust tube, the gaseous fuel will, due to an electrostatic field gradient becomes ionised and propagates to a central region of the electrostatic field, which in this case is the cathode reaction chamber;

STEP 670. ions of fusion reactive fuel entering the cathode at fusion

capable energies, collide with inertial nuclei of gas molecules inside the cathode reaction chamber and fuse;

STEP 680. energetic particles, such as gamma rays and x-rays released by the fusion reactions inside the cathode, reflect off the interior reaction chamber walls and cause further ionisation of the gas within the cathode, which in turn reinforces the fusion cycle;

It will be appreciated that, wherein molecules of fusion reactive fuel in the accelerator exhaust tube ionise, accelerate inwards and collide with other molecules inside the cathode, thereby enabling a fusion event. A single fusion event inside the cathode chamber, can enable further ionisation of the fusion fuel inside the cathode. The ions created at cathode potential are confined to the cathode by the electrostatic forces, and lack the necessary energy to escape up through the accelerator exhaust tube.

The interior surface of the cathode element, absorbs negative charge in an attempt to reach charge equilibrium with the plasma, thereby rendering the plasma positively charged, this is sometimes referred to as the Hollow Cathode Effect. The positive charge potential inside the cathode increases rapidly, as more fuel is admitted. Due to the electrostatic field gradient being in the order of 1 00 Kv, the positive charges are unable to escape, confinement, unless two nuclei undergo fusion, and create new particles with energy of around 1 Mev., more than enough to escape confinement. Inevitably the confined ions of fusion reactive fuel, will attempt this only available route to escape, and fusion will therefore take place. Those fusion products, with a spatial direction towards the exhaust aperture of the cathode, are able to escape. Charged fusion products travelling in other directions, inevitably collide with the walls of the cathode chamber, thereby reflecting some of their energy back into the plasma, further promoting the reaction cycle.

Positive particles escaping the cathode chamber, carry their charges to ground, thereby reinforcing the electrical potential difference between the anode and the cathode. During a continuous chain of fusion reactions, positive charges may flow from cathode to anode, thereby reducing the need for external power input, and in the extreme case providing a useful flow of electric current.

The fusion reaction rate may be controlled by adjusting the space charge within the reaction volume by regulating the voltage potential between the anode element and the cathode element, by using a variable resistor electrically connected there between.

The fusion reaction rate may be controlled by adjusting the flow rate of fusion reactive fuel entering the cathode.

The fusion reaction rate may be controlled by adjusting the vacuum pressure applied to the interior cavity of the cathode.

Heat and Electricity Nuclear Fusion Generator

FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 show an embodiment 1 00, by way of example only, of an experimental apparatus for producing electricity and heat from nuclear fusion. The apparatus can comprise a capacitor assembly 21 0 having an anode element 220 and a respective cathode element 230. The cathode element being substantially a spherical hollow cathode element having one or more apertures (2-34, 235). The cathode element being operatively associated with a plurality of components including a fuel receptacle 240, a connecting fuel conduit 242, a fuel pressure regulator 244. A cathode element can include a lining of heat resistant material 236 with matching apertures.

The anode element 220 defines a substantially closed shell, sized to surround the cathode element 230. The cathode element is a substantially closed hollow spherical shell, being a smaller diameter than the anode element. The cathode element is located within the anode element thereby defining an internal cavity 222 between the anode and the cathode assembly. A dielectric medium 260 can be used to occupy the internal cavity.

The cathode element defines at least one small aperture in fluid communication with the fuel conduit, thereby enabling fuel to enter the hollow cathode chamber 238.

The cathode element further defines a larger exhaust aperture 235, for an ion beam produced by the fusion reaction to exit. The fuel receptacle 240, is in fluid communication with the cathode

element 230, wherein fuel flow is adjusted by a mass flow controller 244. This mass flow controller can be a fixed flow controller or a variable flow controller. The mass flow controller may be adjusted by a dielectric rod and a rotatable handle 246. Typically the mass flow controller can be adjusted from outside the anode element, by way of a dielectric connection.

An electrical supply element 280 can provide a direct current voltage potential between the anode element 220 and the cathode element 230. In this embodiment, the cathode assembly - comprising the cathode element 230, the fuel receptacle 240, the connecting conduit 242 and the fuel pressure regulator 244 - has a negative potential with respect to the anode element. Typically, the cathode assembly is located within the anode.

The electrical supply element can be connected to a terminal external 286 to the anode element 220 for applying a negative DC voltage potential to the cathode element 230. The anode element is typically connected to a ground potential. A switch 288 is included to disconnect the DC electrical supply once the reactor starts up.

A high vacuum pump can be coupled to the accelerator exhaust tube flange 258. A valve 272 can be used to adjust the vacuum pressure in the cathode.

A high impedance variable resistor 282 can be connected between the anode element and the cathode element for regulating the potential voltage difference there between A high voltage capacitor 284 may be connected between the anode and the cathode in parallel with the variable resistor, to stabilise the electrostatic field potential.

As best shown in FIG. 3, an accelerator exhaust tube 250 is constructed from a layered stack of dielectric elements 252 divided by metal plates 254. Each metal plate is interconnected within a series of high value resistors 256, thereby forming a multi stage voltage divider between the anode element 220 and the cathode element 230. Alternatively, a simpler accelerator exhaust tube can be constructed from a solid dielectric material.

The accelerator exhaust tube 250 further forms a hermetic connection between the anode element 220 and the cathode element 230, thereby defining a closed internal cavity 222 there between. The accelerator exhaust tube terminates in a suitable flange 258 for enabling a hermetic connection to a high vacuum system. The high vacuum system 270 has a valve 272 for controlling the vacuum pressure within the accelerator exhaust tube and the cathode chamber. A dielectric medium 260 can be used to occupies the closed internal

cavity 222. .

The reactor fuel is deuterium gas (D). Neutrons from the D+D fusion reactions are moderated to thermal velocities in the dielectric substance that occupies the internal cavity. Neutrons having thermal velocities may permeate the fuel receptacle, whereby enabling deuterium atoms to capture some thermal neutrons and transmute to the isotope tritium. The fuel receptacle can be enclosed in beryllium foil for increasing the neutron flux and transmutation rate. Thermalisation of neutrons in the dielectric substance may also produce heat.

A number of fast fusion products having a positive charge, for example protons and alpha particles, may be ejected in the direction of the cathode exhaust aperture 235 defined by the hollow cathode element 230. These fusion products may traverse the accelerator exhaust tube 250 and carry their positive charges to ground, thereby increasing the potential voltage difference between the anode and the cathode.

Nuclear Fusion Thrust Engine

FIG. 4 and FIG 5 show, by way of example only, an embodiment thrust engine apparatus for providing trust from nuclear fusion. The apparatus can comprise a capacitor assembly 21 0 having an anode element 220 and a respective cathode element 230. The cathode element being substantially a spherical hollow cathode element having one or more apertures (234, 235). The cathode element being operatively associated with a plurality of components including a fuel receptacle 240, a connecting conduit 242, a fuel pressure regulator 244. A cathode element can include a lining of heat resistant material 236 with matching apertures.

The anode element 220 defines a substantially closed shell, sized to surround the cathode assembly. The cathode element 230 is a substantially closed hollow spherical shell, being a smaller diameter than the anode element. The cathode element is located within the anode element thereby defining an internal cavity 222 between the anode element and the cathode assembly.

The cathode element 230 defines at least one small aperture 234 in fluid communication with the fuel conduit, thereby enabling fuel to enter the hollow cathode chamber 238.

The cathode element 230 further defines a larger exhaust aperture 235, for an ion beam produced by the fusion reaction to exit. An accelerator exhaust tube 250, as described above, is included to provide a closed internal cavity 222. A dielectric medium 260 can be used to occupy the closed internal cavity.

The thrust engine apparatus 400 includes an electrical supply element 280 which is configured as described above. A high impedance resistor 282 and/or capacitor 284 can be connected between the anode element 220 and the cathode element 230 for regulating the potential voltage difference there between - as described above. The fuel receptacle 240, is in fluid

communication with the cathode element, wherein fuel flow can be

automatically (or manually) adjusted by a mass flow controller 244 - as described above.

The anode element 220 can extend partially over the accelerator exhaust tube 250, thereby partially closing the port, but leaving a reduced aperture for the ion beam to exit. The size of the exhaust aperture can be adjustable. It will be appreciated that, as this apparatus is designed to be used in outer- space, no vacuum system is required.

In this embodiment, fast fusion products, are ejected in the direction of the cathode exhaust aperture 235 and traverse the accelerator exhaust tube 250, thereby enabling fast neutral and charged particles, to exit into outer-space. This increases the relative negative potential of the cathode.

One or more ion neutralizing antennae 41 0 are electrically coupled to the cathode. These neutralizing antennae are configured to face rearwards for at least partially neutralizing fusion products in the positive ion exhaust.^'

Alternately one or more cathode ray guns (not shown) can be used to expel electrons into the exhaust ions for at least partially neutralizing fusion products. By way of example only, the cathode voltage potential can provide a source of negative charge, for the purpose of neutralizing fusion products in the positive ion exhaust.

It will be appreciated that the ion beam exhaust, comprising fast fusion products, can create forward thrust.

Interpretation

Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an

embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments. ln the claims below and the description herein, any one of the terms comprising,, comprised of or which comprises is an open term that means including at least the elements/features that follow, but not excluding others. Thus, the term comprising, when used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being limitative to the means or elements or steps listed thereafter. For example, the scope of the expression a device comprising A and B should not be limited to devices consisting only of elements A and B. Any one of the terms including or which includes or that includes as used herein is also an open term that also means including at least the elements/features that follow the term, but not excluding others. Thus, including is synonymous with and means comprising.

Similarly, it is to be noticed that the term coupled, when used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being limitative to direct connections only. The terms "coupled" and "connected", along with their derivatives, may be used. It should be understood that these terms are not intended as synonyms for each other. Thus, the scope of the expression a device A coupled to a device B should not be limited to devices or systems wherein an output of device A is directly connected to an input of device B. It means that there exists a path between an output of A and an input of B which may be a path including other devices or means. "Coupled" may mean that two or more elements are either in direct physical, or that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other but yet still co-operate or interact with each other.

As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of the ordinal adjectives "first", "second", "third", etc., to describe a common object, merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner.

As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of terms "horizontal", "vertical", "left", "right", "up" and "down", as well as adjectival and adverbial derivatives thereof (e.g., "horizontally", "rightwardly", "upwardly", etc.), simply refer to the orientation of the illustrated structure as the particular drawing figure faces the reader, or with reference to the orientation of the structure during nominal use, as appropriate. Similarly, the terms "inwardly" and

"outwardly" generally refer to the orientation of a surface relative to its axis of elongation, or axis of rotation, as appropriate.

Similarly it should be appreciated that in the above description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose, of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention.

Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth.

However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description.

Thus, while there has been described what are believed to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the invention. For example, any formulas given above are merely representative of procedures that may be used. Functionality may be added or deleted from the block diagrams and operations may be interchanged among functional blocks. Steps may be added or deleted to methods described within the scope of the present invention.

It will be appreciated that an embodiment of the invention can consist essentially of features disclosed herein. Alternatively, an embodiment of the invention can consist of features disclosed herein. The invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed herein.

Claims

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1 . An apparatus for producing nuclear fusion, the apparatus comprising:

a capacitor assembly comprising an anode element and a respective cathode element, the cathode element defining a hollow cavity reaction chamber, the anode element substantially surrounding the cathode element, thereby defining an internal cavity there between;

a fuel supply assembly operatively associated with the cathode element for providing controlled flow of fusion reactive fuel into the reaction chamber, wherein the fuel supply system includes a fuel receptacle electrically coupled to the cathode thereby acquiring the negative electrical potential of the cathode; and

a medium having a high dielectric constant, that occupies the internal cavity;

wherein, in use, fusion reactive fuel flows into the reaction chamber having the negative electric potential of the cathode element.

2. The apparatus according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the fuel receptacle is maintained at cathode potential, and located within the internal cavity.

3. The apparatus according to any one of the previous claims, the apparatus further comprising: a mass flow controller in fluid communication with a fuel supply system for enabling a controlled flow of fusion reactive fuel into the cathode reaction chamber.

4. The apparatus according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the apparatus further comprises:

an accelerator exhaust tube;

wherein the cathode reaction chamber includes a reaction chamber exhaust aperture and the anode includes an anode exhaust aperture; and wherein an accelerator exhaust tube is operatively coupled between the reaction chamber exhaust aperture and the anode exhaust aperture for providing a hermetic fluid communication between an interior of the cathode element and an exterior of the anode element.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the accelerator exhaust tube, by providing a hermetic fluid communication between an interior of the cathode element and an exterior of the anode, defines a substantially closed internal cavity there between.

6. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein;

the accelerator exhaust tube comprises a plurality of dielectric rings and conducting rings, that together form a hermetic accelerator tube;

the conducting rings being connected by a series of resistors;

wherein, when a potential voltage is applied across the first and the last conducting ring, the accelerator tube comprises a voltage gradient between the first and the last conducting ring.

7. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cathode defines a substantially closed shell having an internal cavity.

8. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein an internal closed cavity is defined between the cathode and anode. .

9. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the anode element is resistively electrically coupled to the cathode element.

10. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the anode element is resistively electrically coupled to the cathode element by a variable resistor element.

1 1 . The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fusion fuel is one or more fusion reactive gases selected from the set comprising: Hydrogen; Deuterium; Tritium; Helium3; Boronl 1 ; and Lithium.

1 2. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fusion fuel is Deuterium gas.

1 3. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the •dielectric medium is a liquid dielectric material.

1 4. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cathode element is insulated from the anode element by way of any one or more dielectric medium selected from the set : vacuum, air, PTFE, polypropylene, transformer oil, rubber, wood, silicones, bakelite, quartz, glass, castor oil, mica, porcelain, alumina, distilled water, barium-titanite, strontium-titanite.

1 5. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, in use, the dielectric medium occupying the cavity between the anode and the cathode, moderates neutrons .

1 6. The apparatus according to any one of the previous claims, the

apparatus further comprising:

a vacuum system adapted to evacuate the accelerator exhaust tube and cathode reaction chamber to a sufficiently low pressure, thereby to provide ions of fusion reactive fuel a sufficiently long mean free path for reaching fusion energies within the length of the accelerator port.

7. An apparatus for producing nuclear fusion, substantially, as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 8. A method of producing steady state nuclear fusion, the method

comprising the steps of:

(a) providing an apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 1 7;

(b) providing a relative electrostatic direct current potential between the cathode element and anode element, thereby defining an electrostatic field of sufficient strength to accelerate ions of fusion reactive fuel, to fusion energies;

(c) providing a source of fusion reactive fuel;

(d) maintaining the source of fusion reactive fuel at the same

electrical potential as the cathode element;

(f) allowing molecules of fusion reactive fuel, to build up in the

cathode reaction chamber and accelerator exhaust tube, until natural ionisation causes Paschen breakdown, thereby accelerating positive ions towards and into the cathode reaction chamber;

wherein the particles that become ionised within the cathode reaction chamber, lack the energy to escape the electrostatic field, and so are confined by the field, and therefore substantially confined to the cathode reaction chamber;

wherein one or more ionised particles have sufficient energy to collide and undergo a process of nuclear fusion, whereby the process of nuclear fusion releases energy in the form of a fast moving atomic particle; wherein fast positively charged fusion products such as protons and alpha particles escape the electrostatic confinement of the cathode and carry their charges to ground;

wherein gamma rays and x-rays reflect off the interior of the hollow cathode chamber, thereby maintaining the plasma temperature.

1 9. A method according to claim 1 8, wherein the potential voltage difference between the anode and the cathode increases such that the reaction becomes self sustaining.

20. A method of producing steady state nuclear fusion, substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.