An Electricity Generator and a Method for Generating Electricity

Abstract

A method for generating electricity is disclosed. The method comprises: subjecting a fuel, comprising a first and a second fuel component, to input electromagnetic radiation for producing: a nucleus mass reducing isotope shift in the first fuel component, a nucleus mass increasing isotope shift in the second fuel component, and output electromagnetic radiation resulting from the nucleus mass increasing isotope shift; and generating electricity from the output electromagnetic radiation by transforming the output electromagnetic radiation into electricity by photoelectrically transforming the output electromagnetic radiation into electrons at a first electrode (52), and collecting the electrons at a second electrode (22) or by photovoltaically transforming the output electromagnetic radiation into electricity at a photovoltaic cell (70). Also an electricity generator for generating electricity according to the above is disclosed.

Claims

1-17. (canceled)

18. An electricity generator comprising: a fuel container for containing a fuel comprising a first and a second fuel component; a source unit configured to expose the fuel for input electromagnetic radiation for producing a nucleus mass reducing isotope shift in the first fuel component, wherein neutrons emitted from the first fuel component due to the nucleus mass reducing isotope shift in the first fuel component is absorbed by the second fuel component resulting in a nucleus mass increasing isotope shift in the second fuel component, and wherein the mass increasing isotope shift in the second fuel component induces an output of output electromagnetic radiation; and an electricity generator housing surrounding the fuel container, the electricity generator housing supporting a first electrode configured to photoelectrically transform the output electromagnetic radiation into electrons; wherein the fuel container comprises a fuel container housing supporting a second electrode configured to collect the electrons, thereby provide generation of electricity.

19. The electricity generator according to claim 18, wherein the fuel is a solid.

20. The electricity generator according to claim 18, wherein the fuel is TiDx.

21. The electricity generator according to claim 18, wherein the source unit is configured to expose the fuel for electromagnetic radiation input energy in the infrared spectral range.

22. The electricity generator according to claim 18, wherein the source unit comprises an induction coil arrangement.

23. The electricity generator according to claim 18, wherein the fuel container comprises a fuel container housing, wherein the electricity generator housing and the fuel container housing is delimiting a compartment.

24. The electricity generator according to claim 23, wherein the compartment comprises an inlet for an incoming flow of a fluid and an outlet for an outgoing flow of the fluid.

25. The electricity generator according to claim 24, wherein the fluid is an inert gas.

26. The electricity generator according to claim 25, wherein the inert gas is neon.

27. The electricity generator according to claim 18, wherein the electricity generator housing comprises a cooling unit configured to regulate the temperature of the electricity generator.

28. The electricity generator according to claim 18, wherein the electricity generator housing is configured to support the fuel container.

29. The electricity generator according to claim 28, wherein the electricity generator housing is supporting the fuel container at a seal.

30. The electricity generator according to claim 29, wherein the seal electrically isolates the fuel container from the electricity generator housing.

31. The electricity generator according to claim 29, wherein the seal is configured to releasably attach the fuel container to the electricity generator housing.

32. The electricity generator according to claim 18, further comprising one or more support members configured to act as support between the electricity generator housing and the fuel container.

33. The electricity generator according to claim 32, wherein the fuel container comprises a fuel container housing, wherein the electricity generator housing and the fuel container housing is delimiting a compartment and wherein the one or more support members are arranged inside the compartment.

34. The electricity generator according to claim 18, wherein the fuel container is permeable for electromagnetic radiation in the ultra violet spectral range and/or in the soft X-ray range.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0053] The above and other aspects of the present invention will now be described in more detail, with reference to appended drawings showing embodiments of the invention. The figures should not be considered limiting the invention to the specific embodiment; instead they are used for explaining and understanding the invention.

[0054] As illustrated in the figures, the sizes of layers and regions are exaggerated for illustrative purposes and, thus, are provided to illustrate the general structures of embodiments of the present invention. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

[0055] FIG. 1 illustrates a gradient force as a function of /.sub.a.

[0056] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates an electricity generator.

[0057] FIG. 3 is block scheme of a method for generating electricity.

[0058] FIG. 4 schematically illustrates an alternative electricity generator.

[0059] FIG. 5 schematically illustrates yet an alternative electricity generator.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0060] The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which currently preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided for thoroughness and completeness, and to fully convey the scope of the invention to the skilled person.

[0061] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates an electricity generator 10. The electricity generator 10 comprises a fuel container 20, a source unit 30 for input electromagnetic radiation, a first electrode 42 and a second electrode 22. The electricity generator 10 may have a cylindrical shape with an annular cross section. It is however, realized that other shapes may also be used.

[0062] The fuel container 20 may have a cylindrical shape with an annular cross section. It is however, realized that other shapes may also be used. The fuel container 20 comprises a fuel. The fuel comprises a first and a second fuel component. The first and a second fuel component are preferably mixed. The fuel may be a solid before it is subjected to input electromagnetic radiation. Hence, initially before being subjected to input electromagnetic radiation, the fuel is preferably a solid. The fuel may be TiD.sub.x, wherein deuterium, D, is the first fuel component and titanium, Ti, is the second fuel component. TiD.sub.x is a good candidate for the fuel since deuterium has low release energy for neutrons, the end products after the isotope shifts are stable and the resonance frequency is in a range giving an output voltage being practical for many applications. However, it is realized that other fuel mixtures may be used. For example, other metal hydrides wherein H has been exchanged for D.

[0063] Common for the first fuel component is that it may undergo a nucleus mass reducing isotope shift upon being subjected for input electromagnetic radiation. By subjecting the first fuel component for input electromagnetic radiation, energy transfer may be provided by means of the wave-particle acceleration process as was more extensively discussed above in the summary of the invention section. Upon transferring energy to the first fuel component it may assume a high-energy state wherein neutrons of the first fuel component will be affected and a nucleus mass reducing isotope shift may occur.

[0064] Common for the second fuel component is that it shall be chosen such that it may undergo a nucleus mass increasing isotope shift upon absorbing a neutron from the first fuel component upon the first fuel component undergoing the nucleus mass reducing isotope shift. Further, the second fuel component shall be chosen such that the available energy gained by the nucleus mass increasing isotope shift is greater than, the threshold energy for inducing the mass reducing isotope shift in the first fuel component. Moreover, the resulting isotope of the nucleus mass increasing isotope shift in the second fuel component is preferably a stable isotope.

[0065] Hence, the first fuel component may be deuterium. Deuterium is chosen since it may undergo a nucleus mass reducing isotope shift upon being subjected for input electromagnetic radiation. By subjecting deuterium for input electromagnetic radiation, energy transfer may be provided by means of the wave-particle acceleration process as was more extensively discussed above in the summary of the invention section. Upon transferring energy to the deuterium it may assume a high-energy state wherein neutrons of the deuterium will be affected and a nucleus mass reducing isotope shift may occur. The mass reducing isotope shift in deuterium originate from the reaction channel D+W.sub.s.fwdarw.n+1H, where D is deuterium, 2H, and where 1H is protium, i.e. hydrogen with no neutron in the nucleus. Further, Ws is the threshold energy for the mass reducing isotope shift to occur. The threshold energy for inducing a mass reducing isotope shift in D is 2.25 MeV. It is noted that 1H as well as 2H, i.e. D, are stable isotopes per se. It is moreover noted that the reaction above may be induced by irradiation above the threshold energy.

[0066] In order to induce the mass reducing isotope shift in deuterium the fuel container 20 is configured to be subjected to input electromagnetic radiation. Further, by subjecting the fuel to input electromagnetic radiation a plasma of the fuel may be formed. The input electromagnetic radiation is advantageously chosen such that it is below the plasma resonance frequency of the first fuel component. For example, in the example with TiD.sub.x the plasma resonance frequency of deuterium in the lattice structure of TiD.sub.x. The plasma resonance frequency of deuterium in the lattice structure of TiD.sub.x may be expressed as:

[00009]$\begin{array}{cc}{}_{i.Math.o.Math.n}=2.Math..Math.f_{i.Math.o.Math.n}=\sqrt{\frac{n_O.Math.e^2}{m_i.Math.z_0}}& \left(6\right)\end{array}$

wherein c is the speed of light and a is the interatomic distance in the lattice. With an interatomic distance in the lattice of 45 nm, the plasma resonance frequency of deuterium in the lattice structure of TiD.sub.x is 6.7.Math.10.sup.17 rad/s, hence 1.1.Math.10.sup.17 Hz. This gives a wavelength of 2.8 nm, which is within the soft X-ray spectrum. By altering the lattice structure of the fuel the plasma resonance frequency of the first fuel component may be altered. Thus, the input electromagnetic radiation may be chosen in the thermal range, 430 THz-300 GHz. By using a sufficient effect of input electromagnetic radiation the fuel may be transformed into a plasma. Further, the sufficient effect of input electromagnetic radiation may induce the wave-particle acceleration process discussed above in the summary of the invention section such that the mass reducing isotope shift in the first fuel component may occur.

[0067] The source unit 30 is configured to expose the fuel for input electromagnetic radiation. The source unit 30 may comprise an induction coil arrangement 32 and an electrical power source (not shown) for powering the induction coil arrangement 32. The induction coil arrangement 32 may be symmetrically arranged, e.g. in a twisted configuration, around the fuel container 20. Thereby, a geometric focusing onto a centre of the electricity generator 10 is provided. The induction coil arrangement 32 comprises at least one induction coil. In operation of the electricity generator 10, the induction coil arrangement 32 is connected to an electrical power source (not shown) which powers the induction coil arrangement 32. The electrical power source may be arranged to pass an alternating current through the induction coil arrangement 32. The induction coil arrangement 32 may e.g. be a heat wire covered with a ceramic. By powering the induction coil arrangement 32 it act as a generator of electromagnetic radiation in the thermal range of the electromagnetic spectrum.

[0068] As mentioned above the second fuel component may be Ti. Ti comprises a plurality of stable isotopes, namely .sup.46Ti, .sup.74 Ti, .sup.48Ti, .sup.49Ti and .sup.50Ti. Among those .sup.48Ti is the most common one. Ti is a good candidate for the second fuel component since the mass increasing isotope shift will make available the following energies:

.sup.46Ti to .sup.47Ti=8.87 MeV;

.sup.47Ti to .sup.48Ti=11.6 MeV;

.sup.48Ti to .sup.49Ti=8.13 MeV;

.sup.49Ti to .sup.50Ti=10.9 MeV.

Hence, depending on the isotope of titanium, the titanium may undergo different amount of mass increasing isotope shift.

[0069] The output electromagnetic radiation will be radiated as a pulse of electromagnetic radiation. The pulse having a total energy of the energy of the mass increasing isotope shift energy. The pulse comprising a plurality of photons. Each photon of the pulse of output electromagnetic radiation having a frequency above and close to the plasma resonance frequency of the second fuel component. The first and second plasma resonance frequencies are approximately the same in a solid. Hence, for example, approximately 10 MeV of energy will be released at each mass increasing isotope shift from Ti. The energy will be released as a pulse of electromagnetic radiation comprising a number of photons instead of a single photon having approximately 10 MeV.

[0070] The output electromagnetic radiation may be in the ultra violet spectral range and/or in the soft X-ray spectral range.

[0071] As mentioned above, the fuel in the fuel container 20 may be a solid mix of materials. In case the fuel is a solid the first fuel component may be affected by thermal radiation of the same or different frequencies. The thermal radiation act as wave train pulses with virtual wavelength and energy enough to support the nucleus mass reducing isotope shift in the first fuel component. Hence, due to the exposure of the fuel for input electromagnetic radiation the nucleus mass reducing isotope shift in the first fuel component will occur. As a result, neutrons will be available for the nucleus mass increasing isotope shift in the second fuel component. The neutrons may not escape from the solid. However, the neutron may be captured by the solid itself. This in order to not violate the photoelectric effect. Hence, neutrons made available by the mass reducing isotope shift will remain within the fuel. The neutron will hence be available for the nucleus mass increasing isotope shift in the second fuel component. As a result of the nucleus mass increasing isotope shift in the second fuel component, output electromagnetic radiation will be released. The energy of the output electromagnetic radiation will be released as output wave train pulses. The individual photons of an output wave train pulse may be in Ultra Violet, UV, range and/or the soft X-ray range of the electromagnetic spectrum. The photons of the output wave train pulses are then collected at the first electrode 42 for photoelectric transformation of the photons into electrons.

[0072] The fuel container 20 may be closed compartment comprising the fuel. The fuel container 20 may comprise a fuel container housing. The fuel container housing may be sealed under low pressure. This in order to reduce presence of oxygen. The fuel container housing may be made of a metal. The metal may e.g. be tungsten, W, or titanium, Ti. Alternatively, the fuel container housing may be made of glass. Yet alternatively, the fuel container housing may be made of ceramic. The fuel container housing may have an annular cross-section. The fuel container housing contains the fuel. In the example of the fuel being TiD.sub.x the fuel may be in powder form with low porosity. Hence, the fuel may be a solid mix. The powder may be compressed.

[0073] The first electrode 42 is arranged such that the output electromagnetic radiation may interact with it in order to induce photoelectrical transformation of the output electromagnetic radiation into electrons. Hence, electrons may be ejected from the first electrode 42 due to the photoelectric effect. Preferably the first electrode 42 is surrounding the fuel container 20. The first electrode 42 may be arranged as a layer of an electricity generator housing 40. The electricity generator housing 40 may surround the fuel container 20. The layer constituting the first electrode 42 may be the innermost layer of the electricity generator housing 40. The first electrode 42 is preferably made of metal.

[0074] The second electrode 22 is preferably located at a distance from the first electrode 42. The second electrode 22 is configured to collect the electrons ejected from the first electrode 42. Preferably, a space between the first and second electrodes is evacuated. The second electrode 22 may be supported by the fuel container 20, preferably the fuel container housing. The second electrode 22 may be an outermost layer of the fuel container housing. Alternatively, the second electrode 22 may be an electrode being wrapped around the fuel container housing.

[0075] By applying a potential difference between the first and second electrodes an electrical current may be achieved. The electrical current may be used for loading a battery (not shown) or powering an electrical device (not shown). For example, the electricity generator 10 may be used for powering an electric car.

[0076] A space delimited by the electricity generator housing 40 and the fuel container 20 may be considered as a compartment 50. The compartment 50 is preferably evacuated. Since, the compartment may be delimited by the first electrode 42 and the second electrode22, the compartment 50 may act as a photoelectric cell. Hence, in some embodiments the electricity generator housing 40 and the fuel container 20 is delimiting the compartment 50. The compartment 50 may also be considered as acting as a thermos insulator for the electricity generator.

[0077] The compartment 50 may comprise and inlet 52 and an outlet 54. The compartment 50 may be evacuated via the inlet 52 and/or the outlet 54. Further, the electricity generator 10 may be cooled by letting fluid flow through the compartment 50. An example of fluid to be used is an inert gas, for example neon. Hence, the inlet 52 and the outlet 54 together with a source (not shown) of fluid may be part of a primary cooling unit for the electricity generator 10. Letting fluid flow through the compartment 50 may also clean out hydrogen or deuterium leaking from the fuel container 20. If so the inlet 52 and the outlet 54 may be connected to a hydrogen cell (not shown) in order to neutralize the hydrogen and/or deuterium into water. Further, the effect of the electricity generator 10 may be controlled by letting fluid flow through the compartment 50. Moreover, the electricity generator 10 may be stopped by letting fluid flow through the compartment 50. Accordingly, the inlet 52 and the outlet 54 may be part of a control system for the electricity generator 10.

[0078] The electricity generator housing 40 may be configured to support the induction coil arrangement 32. For example, the induction coil arrangement 32 may be wounded around the electricity generator housing 40. The induction coil arrangement 32 may alternatively form part of the electricity generator housing 40.

[0079] The electricity generator housing 40 may further support the fuel container 20. For example, the fuel container 20 may be supported at a seal 44. The seal 44 may electrically isolate the fuel container 20 from the electricity generator housing 40. The seal 44 may e.g. be a ceramic seal. The seal may be used to releasably attach the fuel container 20 to the electricity generator housing 40. Hence, the fuel container 20 may be releasably attachable to the electricity generator 10. Hence, upon the fuel of the fuel container 20 is consumed the fuel container 20 may be exchanged for a new one with fresh fuel.

[0080] The electricity generator 10 may further comprise one or more support members 60. The one or more support members 60 is configured to act as support between the electricity generator housing 40 and the fuel container 20. Hence, the one or more support members 60 may be configured to be inside the compartment 50. The one or more support members 60 may be made of ceramic material.

[0081] The electricity generator housing 40 may further comprise a secondary cooling unit 46. The secondary cooling unit 46 is configured to regulate the temperature of the electricity generator 10. The secondary cooling unit 46 may be a liquid cooling unit configured to let a flow of liquid through one or more cavities of the electricity generator housing 40. The liquid may be water. The secondary cooling unit 46 may be a gas cooling unit configured to let a flow of gas through one or more cavities of the electricity generator housing 40. The gas may e.g. be air. By regulating the temperature of the electricity generator 10 the electricity generating process may be regulated.

[0082] Heat generated in the electricity generator 10 is for the use of supporting electricity production of the electricity generator 10. Upon the electricity generator 10 being in balance, hence, when the outgoing electrical power from the electricity generator 10 is reached, the cooling unit 46 may be used for removing excess heat, just like in a combustion engine. The secondary cooling unit 46 and/or the primary cooling unit may be used to control the electricity generator 10. For example, the secondary cooling unit 46 and/or the primary cooling unit may be used to close down the electricity generator 10.

[0083] Controlling of the source unit 30 may also be used to control the electricity generator 10.

[0084] Depending on an equilibrium temperature for the electricity generator 10 the electricity power output will vary. The process of interaction between the first fuel component and the input electromagnetic radiation and the process of producing output electromagnetic radiation is not governed by plasma resonance in the solid fuel but instead by wave train pulses capacity to contribute to nucleus mass reducing isotope shift in the first fuel component and hence producing slow neutrons from the fuel. This is an effect of the uncertainty principle and acts only within very short distances, approximately the interatomic distance of the atoms of the fuel. This is the reason why the neutrons remain inside the fuel. The source unit 30 may only be used to start-up the electricity generator 10 and for small adjustments of the electricity generator 10.

[0085] With reference to FIG. 3 a method for generating electricity will now be discussed. The method comprises the following acts. It is realized that the acts do not necessarily need to be performed in the order listed below. Subjecting S300 a fuel, comprising a first and a second fuel component, to input electromagnetic radiation such that a nucleus mass reducing isotope shift occur in the first fuel component, a nucleus mass increasing isotope shift occur in the second fuel component, and output electromagnetic radiation resulting from the nucleus mass increasing isotope shift is outputted. Preferably, the nucleus mass reducing isotope shift is less energy requiring than the nucleus mass increasing isotope shift. Transforming S302 the output electromagnetic radiation into electricity. The output electromagnetic radiation may be transformed into electricity by photoelectrically transforming the output electromagnetic radiation into electrons at a first electrode and collecting the electrons at a second electrode. Alternatively, or in combination, the output electromagnetic radiation may be transformed into electricity by photovoltaically transforming the output electromagnetic radiation into electricity at a photovoltaic cell. As a result, electricity may be generated. The method may further comprise, applying a potential difference between the first and second electrodes or applying a potential difference over the photovoltaic cell.

[0086] The first fuel component may be deuterium. The second fuel component may be titanium. The fuel may be a solid, preferably TiD.sub.x. The input electromagnetic radiation may be in the thermal spectral range. The output electromagnetic radiation may be in the ultra violet spectral range or in the soft X-ray range.

[0087] The person skilled in the art realizes that the present invention by no means is limited to the preferred embodiments described above. On the contrary, many modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims.

[0088] For example, the first component may be one or more from the following list of candidates for the first fuel component deuterium or lithium.

[0089] Further, the electricity generator may be physically designed in many different ways. In FIG. 2 one example of a physical design is schematically illustrated. However, the person skilled in the art realizes that the design of the electricity generator may be varied due to many different reasons, such as where it shall be installed for operation.

[0090] In FIG. 4, another example of a physical design is shown. The general design is in many aspects similar to the design in FIG. 2 and reference is made to detailed description related to FIG. 2. However, one difference is that in the design in FIG. 4, the source unit 30 is arranged inside the fuel compartment 20. Thereby, the generator 10 as a whole will act as a heat insulator preventing excessive heat to dissipate into the surroundings. The source unit 30 may e.g. be an induction coil unit 32. The electricity generator 10 is in the design in FIG. 4 also provided with a cooling unit 47 extending along the source unit 30 inside the fuel compartment 20. Thereby it is possible to quickly regulate the temperature of the source unit 30. The cooling unit 47 may e.g. be a tubing for a cooling medium, such as a gas or liquid.

[0091] In FIG. 5, yet another example of a physical design is shown. The general design is in many aspects similar to the design in FIGS. 2 and 4 and reference is made to detailed description related to FIGS. 2 and 4. However, one difference is that in the design in FIG. 5, electricity is not generated by photoelectrical effect at a first electrode and collecting the electrons at a second electrode, instead a photovoltaic cell 70 is used for transforming the output electromagnetic radiation into electricity. The photovoltaic cell 70 is arranged such that the output electromagnetic radiation may interact with it in order to induce photovoltaic transformation of the output electromagnetic radiation into electron-hole pairs. Preferably the photovoltaic cell 70 is surrounding the fuel container 20. The photovoltaic cell 70 may be arranged as a layer of the electricity generator housing 40. The electricity generator housing 40 may surround the fuel container 20. The layer constituting the photovoltaic cell 70 may be the innermost layer of the electricity generator housing 40. By applying a potential difference over two electrodes of the photovoltaic cell 70 an electric current may be induced. The electrical current may be used for loading a battery (not shown) or powering an electrical device (not shown). For example, the electricity generator may be used for powering an electric car. In FIG. 5 the electricity generator 10 has been illustrated as having the source unit 30 arranged as a part of the electricity generator housing 40. It is however understood that the source unit 30 may be arranged inside the fuel compartment 20 just as in the embodiment disclosed in connection with FIG. 4.

[0092] Additionally, variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by the skilled person in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims.