Method and apparatus for controlling low energy nuclear reaction

Abstract

To provide a method and an apparatus for stopping a reaction, controlling its output, and extracting useful energy from a device by using the reaction.SOLUTION: An apparatus for controlling a reaction between deuterium gas and a three-dimensional nanostructured carbon material to generate energy and 4He atoms, comprises: a solid reactor vessel having an internal cavity; the three-dimensional nanostructured carbon material located in the internal cavity; a first conduit that is connected to the solid reactor vessel to provide flow communication to the internal cavity; a supply source of combustible gas in flow communication with the first conduit; a second conduit on the solid reactor vessel that provides flow communication to the internal cavity; a supply source of deuterium gas in flow communication with the internal cavity through the second conduit; and an ignition device that is located in the internal cavity and in flow communication with the deuterium gas and the three-dimensional nanostructured carbon material.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatus for terminating cold nuclear reactions, controlling their power, and utilizing the reactions to extract useful energy from devices. [Background technology]

[0002] The environmental impact and cost of energy production have created a long-standing need for efficient, clean, and affordable energy. Many "green" energy processes have been devised, but all have significant drawbacks. Nuclear fission reactors have played a key role in providing affordable electricity but have significant drawbacks. The fission reaction in commercial fission reactors emits levels of radiation that require extensive shielding to make the reactor environment safe. The radiation renders the reactor's metal components inherently radioactive, degrading their properties. Furthermore, the anticipated loss of coolant due to an explosion caused by radioactive contaminants requires significant security measures and expensive system controls. Furthermore, spent nuclear fuel remains dangerously radioactive for thousands of years, and the long-term storage of spent nuclear fuel remains a problem. These drawbacks significantly limit the future of fission reactors for power generation.

[0003] In contrast, reactors based on nuclear fusion reactions can produce abundant electricity without many of the problems of fission reactors, but no commercial fusion-based power source is yet available.

[0004] There are two types of fusion-based power sources. The first is so-called "hot fusion" technology, roughly analogous to a nuclear fission reaction. When theoretically operational, the nuclear reaction generates a large amount of heat when deuterium atoms fuse. In practice, such technologies have not achieved their theoretical potential, and so much energy is input into the system that it is difficult to recognize the excess energy produced. These reactions use either magnetic fields or focused lasers to raise the reactant plasma to temperatures of millions of degrees Kelvin and pressures of millions of newtons, which are necessary to overcome the repulsive Coulomb forces of the deuterium atoms and induce a fusion reaction. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory has such a device. In that device, deuterium / tritium pellets are dropped into a synchronized laser array and fired simultaneously, trapping, compressing, and heating the deuterium to a point where a fusion reaction can occur very briefly. Despite already costing over $400 billion, the device has yet to produce commercially viable amounts of energy.

[0005] The second type of fusion reaction, called a low-energy nuclear reaction (LENR), involves molecular-level nuclear reactions that release energy at relatively low temperatures without dangerous levels of radioactive decay or radioactive by-products.

[0006] Energy produced by controllable cold nuclear reactions (LENR) would have an unprecedented impact on energy generation worldwide. The DIA report states: "Given that LENR can produce nuclear-sourced energy at room temperature, where nuclear reactions produce millions of times more energy than known chemical fuels, DIA assesses with high confidence that this disruptive technology has the potential to revolutionize energy generation and storage." Cheap energy based on controlled nuclear fusion reactions, which produce no environmentally harmful by-products, would have economic and environmental benefits that surpass any known method of energy production.

[0007] U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 089,986, published October 20, 2011, described in paragraph 0022 below, discloses an energy-producing reaction but does not disclose how the reaction is terminated or controlled. The present invention discloses both a method and an apparatus for terminating a reaction, controlling its output, and using the reaction to extract useful energy from a device. Summary of the Invention

[0008] In one embodiment, energy and 4 A method for terminating a reaction that produces He atoms is disclosed. A three-dimensional nanostructured carbon material is contained in a sealable container, and deuterium gas is introduced into the container to react with the three-dimensional nanostructured carbon material. The container is sealed to limit the reaction. The reaction between the three-dimensional nanostructured carbon material and the deuterium gas is terminated by at least partially destroying the three-dimensional periodicity of the three-dimensional nanostructured carbon material within the container. This method may further include the following features (1) to (6): (1) the at least partially destroying the three-dimensional periodicity of the three-dimensional nanostructured carbon material includes inducing combustion of the three-dimensional nanostructured carbon material; (2) the combustion is induced by introducing a material that oxidizes the carbon material into the container; (3) the material that oxidizes the carbon material consists essentially of oxygen gas; (4) the three-dimensional nanostructured carbon material is exposed to combustion; (5) the three-dimensional periodicity of the three-dimensional nanostructured carbon material is substantially destroyed; and (6) the three-dimensional nanostructured carbon material consists essentially of multi-walled carbon nanotubes. In addition, the reaction of three-dimensional nanostructured carbon materials with deuterium gas provides energy and 4 Also disclosed is a method of controlling a combustion reaction used to terminate a reaction producing He atoms, the method comprising introducing an inert gas into a vessel, the method optionally comprising modifying the pressure within the vessel.

[0009] In an embodiment of the apparatus, a solid-state reactor vessel having an internal cavity is used to generate energy and 4The three-dimensional nanostructured carbon material is located in the internal cavity in an amount sufficient to produce He atoms and generate energy when deuterium gas is introduced into the container and reacts with the three-dimensional nanostructured carbon. A conduit on the solid container provides communication into the internal cavity and communicates with a conduit for introducing or extracting gas from the internal cavity, providing a system for terminating the reaction between deuterium and the three-dimensional nanostructured carbon material. This device may further have the following configurations (7) to (20). (7) a system for inducing controlled combustion of the three-dimensional nanostructured carbon material within the interior cavity of the container through the conduit to quench the reaction between the three-dimensional nanostructured carbon material and deuterium gas; (8) a source of deuterium gas in flow communication with the interior cavity through a second interface; (9) a source of oxidant in flow communication with the conduit; (10) the oxidant comprising oxygen gas; (11) a second container surrounding the first container, the second container forming a space between the first container and the second container; (12) further comprising a radiation shielding material in the space; (13) the shielding material comprising an aqueous solution; and (14) a heat exchanger within the space. (15) the apparatus comprises at least one thermopile on the exterior surface of the second vessel; (16) the three-dimensional nanostructured carbon material consists essentially of multi-walled carbon nanotubes; (17) the apparatus further comprises a system for converting the energy from the reaction to another form of energy; (18) the system for converting energy from the reaction comprises at least one thermopile; (19) the generated energy comprises radiation, and the apparatus further comprises a solid-state device for converting radiation directly to electricity; and (20) the apparatus comprises a source of deuterium gas in flow communication with the internal cavity within the reactor vessel. Also, energy and 4 Also disclosed is an apparatus for producing He atoms, the apparatus comprising: a three-dimensional nanostructured carbon material in a quantity sufficient to react with deuterium gas to produce radiation and 4He atoms; and a solid-state device for converting the radiation directly into electricity.

[0010] It is an object of the presently disclosed subject matter to provide a method and apparatus for controlling low energy nuclear reactions. The objects of the presently disclosed subject matter set forth hereinabove and achieved in whole or in part by the presently disclosed subject matter, as well as other objects, will become apparent as the description proceeds in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, best described below.

[0011] A full and enabling disclosure of the present subject matter is set forth more particularly in the remainder of this specification, including reference to the accompanying figures. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT). [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT). [Figure 3] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a device used to extract useful energy from low-energy nuclear reactions. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of multiple thermopiles on the exterior surface of a containment vessel. [Figure 5] 1 is a schematic diagram of a gas supply system for introducing and removing gases into the interior of a nuclear reactor vessel to stop or control reactions occurring within the reactor vessel. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The following definitions are used in this disclosure:

[0014] The term "nanotube" generally refers to a tubular or tube-like molecular structure with an average diameter in the range of 1 to 60 nm and an average length in the range of 0.1 nm to 250 nm.

[0015] The term "carbon nanotube" or any derivative thereof refers to a tubular molecular structure composed primarily of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice (graphene sheets) that closes on itself to form a seamless cylindrical tube wall. These tubular sheets can occur either singly (single-walled) or in many nested layers (multi-walled) to form a cylindrical structure. The term "energy" refers to nuclear, radiant, or thermal energy resulting from the reaction of three-dimensional nanostructured carbon materials with deuterium gas.

[0016] The term "radiation" refers to particles or electromagnetic waves, including alpha particles, beta particles, neutrons, gamma rays, and X-rays.

[0017] The term "nuclear fusion" refers to the process by which two or more atomic nuclei combine, or "fuse," to form a single, heavier atomic nucleus. This is usually accompanied by the release or absorption of a large amount of energy, far in excess of that obtainable by chemical reaction from an equivalent mass.

[0018] The term "local nuclear fusion" is defined as a discrete, localized, transient nuclear fusion event, as opposed to a self-sustaining, high-energy nuclear reaction event.

[0019] The term "nanostructure" refers to a structure or material having elements with a size or dimension in at least one direction of 100 nm or less.

[0020] The term "nanostructured material" refers to a material whose constituent elements have an arrangement with at least one characteristic length scale of 100 nanometers or less.

[0021] The expression "periodicity of the nanostructure structure" refers to the structure formed by the repeating lattice structure of individual nanotubes and concentric carbon nanotubes that form multi-walled carbon nanotubes.

[0022] U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 089,986, published October 20, 2011, which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses a method and apparatus for generating energy from the reaction of three-dimensional nanostructured carbon materials with deuterium. The technique does not involve the electrochemical reaction of rare earth metals with deuterium, but instead uses the unique electrical environment and molecular structure of three-dimensional nanostructured carbon materials, such as carbon nanotubes, to induce localized nuclear reactions between deuterium atoms. The application discloses that the structure of three-dimensional nanostructured carbon materials somehow creates an environment that overcomes the repulsive Coulomb forces that must be overcome to achieve deuterium-deuterium nuclear fusion. The results reported in the application are consistent with known nuclear fusion reactions, which proceed in the order of 2D + 2D → 4 He + 23.8 MeV, producing helium and energy from carbon nanotubes and deuterium. This technology has the potential to revolutionize energy production.

[0023] It also requires no energy inputs, expensive or limited materials, and produces far more energy than can be produced by conventional methods without greenhouse gases or toxic by-products.

[0024] Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have a unique structure with a diameter of approximately 1 nanometer (1 / 10,000,000 centimeter) and have been manufactured with length-to-diameter ratios of up to 132,000,000:1. The structure of SWNTs (single-walled carbon nanotubes) can be conceptualized as a layer of graphite one atom thick wrapped into a seamless cylinder. A diagram of SWNTs is shown in Figure 1. Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) have multiple concentric layers of their tubular structure. A diagram of SWNTs is shown in Figure 2. Both forms of carbon nanotubes are commercially available. Deuterium is a non-radioactive isotope of hydrogen. For every 5,600 water molecules on Earth, there is one molecule of so-called "heavy water," which can be easily and economically separated from regular water. Heavy water (D2O) has a hydrogen isotope (deuterium) instead of hydrogen in the water molecule. Just as hydrogen can exist in the form of molecular H2O or gaseous H2, deuterium can exist as D2O or gaseous D2. Both forms of deuterium are commercially available.

[0025] Device According to the present invention, energy and 4 An apparatus for producing He atoms is provided. The apparatus includes a solid reactor vessel having an internal hollow or cavity. As embodied herein and shown in FIG. 3, there is a solid cylindrical metal reactor vessel 10. In one embodiment, the solid cylindrical metal reactor vessel 10 has a thermal conductivity greater than 100 W / (mK), a density sufficient to mitigate alpha particles emitted from deuterium-deuterium reactions occurring within the reactor vessel, and mechanical strength to confine material within the vessel 10 at pressures generated by the reaction or externally applied pressures as process variables.

[0026] As embodied herein, a solid cylindrical metal reactor vessel 10 includes an interior cavity 12. The volume of the interior cavity 12 is determined by the desired output of the reactor, which in turn is determined by the amount and loading density of carbon nanotubes disposed in the cavity 12.

[0027] According to the present disclosure, there is provided within the interior cavity of the container a three-dimensional nanostructured carbon that reacts with the carbon to generate energy and 4 Three-dimensional nanostructured carbon materials that produce He atoms are provided. In one embodiment, the three-dimensional nanostructured carbon consists essentially of carbon nanotubes, such as multi-walled carbon nanotubes. Double-walled carbon nanotubes, designated "C-grade and M-grade MWMT," available from Nano Tech Labs, Inc., Yadkinville, North Carolina, USA, are known to be operable in such reactions.

[0028] Three-dimensional nanostructured carbon materials can also include other three-dimensional forms of nanostructured carbon, including multi-walled graphite, single-walled carbon nanotubes, multi-walled carbon nanotubes, buckyballs, carbon onions, carbon nanohorns, and combinations thereof. Three-dimensional nanostructured carbon materials can also be modified by adding functional groups to the surface of the carbon structure. The term "functional group" is defined as any atom or chemical group that provides a specific behavior. The term "functionalized" is defined as adding functional groups to the surface of the nanotube and / or additional fibers that may alter the properties of the nanotube.

[0029] Three-dimensional nanostructured carbon materials can also be modified by impregnating or filling the central opening of the structure with other atoms or clusters inside the nanotube. Three-dimensional nanostructured carbon materials can also be modified by substituting non-carbon atoms within the structure or by coating the outside of the structure with a layer of non-carbonaceous material. Three-dimensional nanostructured carbon materials can also be modified by attaching nanoscale particles to the outside of the structure.

[0030] In accordance with the present disclosure, a conduit is provided on a solid container that provides flow communication to an internal cavity. As embodied herein and shown in FIG. 3, container 10 includes a conduit 14 in flow communication with internal cavity 12. Conduit 14 is intended to perform one or more functions selected from introducing material into or removing material from internal cavity 12, or controlling pressure within cavity 12.

[0031] As embodied herein and shown in FIG. 5 , a manifold 18 with at least three openings and a first gas inlet 19 are provided, which in this embodiment are arranged to allow the introduction of deuterium gas into the internal cavity 12 of the pressure vessel 10. Additional valves (not shown) may be included to isolate various components. The first gas inlet 19 may have a first control valve 22 for regulating flow to the manifold 18. The first control valve 22 may be in communication with a control system 24 that controls operation of the valve 22. Other functions of the control system 24 are disclosed below. The conduit 14 may also have a pump 26 in flow communication with or in communication with the conduit 14. The pump 26 is controlled by the control system 24 and can evacuate or regulate the pressure within the internal cavity 12. A second control valve 33 may be positioned between the conduit 14 and the pump 26 to isolate the pump from the first gas supply system 30. The first gas supply system 30 may be comprised of a first pressure regulator 32 optionally connected to the control system 24. The first gas supply system may include a first supply of gas 34. In this embodiment, the first supply of gas 34 is arranged to provide pressurized deuterium gas through the first inlet 19 and ultimately to the interior cavity 12 of the reactor pressure vessel 10.

[0032] According to the present disclosure, a system is provided for inducing controlled combustion of three-dimensional nanostructured carbon material within an internal cavity of a vessel and quenching the reaction between the three-dimensional nanostructured carbon material and deuterium gas. As embodied herein, an oxidizer supply system 36 includes a second gas inlet 20 that may include a third control valve 38 for regulating the flow of oxidizing gas to a manifold 18. The third control valve 38 may be in communication with a control system 24 that controls operation of the valve 38. The second gas supply system 36 may comprise a second pressure regulator 40 that is optionally connected to the control system 24. The second gas supply system 36 may include a second supply of pressurized gas 42. In this embodiment, the second supply of gas 42 is configured to supply oxygen gas via the second inlet 20 and ultimately to the internal cavity 12 of the reactor pressure vessel 10. Preferably, if there is a headspace above the three-dimensional nanostructured carbon material 13, the pressure within the headspace is subatmospheric. As described in more detail below and shown in FIG. 3 , the apparatus may include a heating element 17 within the headspace 13 to induce combustion within the pressure vessel 10. When oxygen within the internal cavity 12 contacts the mixture of three-dimensional nanostructured carbon material and deuterium gas and the igniter 17 is activated, the carbon is oxidized and converted to carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, DO, and DO (heavy water). Excess oxygen ensures that the resulting gas is carbon dioxide. The oxidation of the carbon destroys the periodicity of the nanostructured carbon and stops the reaction between the nanostructured carbon and deuterium. As embodied herein, the apparatus may have a heating element 17 immersed in the deuterium gas within the headspace 13 above the mass of three-dimensional nanostructured carbon material 13 within the internal cavity 12. The heating element 17 may be linked to a control system 24. The heating element 17 is used to induce combustion of the deuterium gas and three-dimensional nanostructured carbon material within the internal cavity 12. The apparatus may further include a blow-off valve 43 in flow communication with the conduit 14. If an undesirable high pressure is created by combustion, the blow-off valve 43 can relieve pressure. As embodied herein, the system includes an optional vessel 45 for receiving combustion gases.As embodied herein and shown in FIG. 3, the apparatus may further include a filter 15 within the conduit 14 to retain any solid material, particularly the three-dimensional nanostructured carbon material 13 within the interior cavity 12.

[0033] As embodied herein and shown in FIG. 5 , the apparatus includes a third opening in the manifold 18, a gas inlet / gas outlet 44, which is used to control the pressure within the interior cavity 12 of the pressure vessel 10. The gas pressure regulator 32 on the first gas inlet 19 for supplying deuterium gas to the cavity 12 is also used to control the pressure within the cavity 12. The apparatus may include a third gas supply system 46 including a third gas supply valve 50 and a pressure regulator 52 controlled by the control system 24. The third gas inlet 44 can be used to introduce gas into the cavity 12 to mitigate reactions occurring therein. For example, an inert gas can be introduced to flush deuterium gas from the cavity 12. While residual deuterium bound to the three-dimensional nanostructured carbon will not flush or flow out of the cavity 12, unbound deuterium gas will be flushed or flowed out, reducing the amount of deuterium gas in the system and affecting the reaction rate. The introduction of an inert gas can also be used to mitigate or control the rate of oxidation of the three-dimensional nanostructured carbon when an oxidizing gas is introduced into the cavity 12 .

[0034] As embodied herein and shown in FIG. 3, the apparatus may include a second vessel 54 surrounding the first vessel, forming a space 56 between the first and second vessels. The function of the space 56 is to receive and contain a material that provides radiation shielding and a thermal conduit to the second vessel. In one embodiment, the material is a slurry or aqueous solution. The composition of the slurry depends on the radiation emitted, and one skilled in the art of radiation shielding can easily select a material that provides shielding for the intended environment of the device. The amount of shielding varies depending on the type and amount of radiation emitted. For example, shielding may include an aqueous borate solution or a slurry of a boron compound in a liquid vehicle. One skilled in the art of radiation shielding can easily select a material sufficient to provide the necessary shielding for the device's environment. If the device is to be used near personnel, radiation levels outside the device must meet known standards. The mass of the shielding material depends on the size of the reactor vessel, the energy emitted, and the material between the reacting material and the exterior of the device. In some applications, the material that constitutes the thermal conduit, combined with the material that constitutes the pressure vessel 10, may be all that is needed.

[0035] The apparatus may further include a heat exchanger within the space 56. As embodied herein and shown in FIG. 3, a series of tubular coils 58 are disposed within the space 56. The function of the tubular coils 58 is to extract heat from the material filling the space 56 by flowing a liquid coolant through the coils 58, thereby maintaining the material within the space 56 at a desired temperature. A schematic temperature control system 60 is shown in FIG. 3. Optionally, the temperature control system 60 can be coupled to the control system 24, or the temperature control system 24 can control the flow of the liquid coolant and therefore the temperature of the material within the space 56.

[0036] In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a system for converting energy released from the reaction of deuterium with three-dimensional nanostructured carbon materials into another form of energy. As currently understood, the reaction produces alpha particles, which, when they gain electrons, form helium and emit gamma rays, X-rays, or both. One embodiment of the present invention may include a solid-state device that directly converts gamma rays and / or X-rays into electricity. Examples of such devices are zinc oxide nanowires in silica aerogel and layered silicon-tin structures with low thermal conductivity. Such structures are disclosed at https: / / phys.org / news / 2014-03-electrical.html#jCp. Yet another example of such a device is layered tiles of carbon nanotubes packed with gold and surrounded by lithium hydride. Radioactive particles collide with the gold, generating high-energy electrons. The electrons pass through the carbon nanotubes, becoming lithium hydride, which then flows to an electrode, generating an electric current. See U.S. Patent Application Published May 16, 2013, incorporated herein by reference. Alternatively, or in addition, another embodiment may include a solid-state thermoelectric device capable of directly converting heat generated by the reaction into electricity. As embodied herein and shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the device has a plurality of thermopiles 62 on the exterior surface 64 of the second vessel 54 that convert heat transferred to the surface 64 into electricity. Each thermopile 62 is conventionally wired to provide a voltage source 66. The thermopiles generate electricity based on the temperature difference between the exterior wall of the surface 64 and the ambient air surrounding it. Therefore, a balance must be maintained between the heat transport of the internal cooling coils and the temperature required for efficient operation of the thermopiles.

[0037] The apparatus of the present invention may also include various sensors that provide information regarding the temperature and pressure of various components of the system. Those skilled in the art of process control will readily be able to conceive of such a system without specific teaching.

[0038] process According to the present invention, energy and hydrogen are generated from the reaction of a three-dimensional nanostructured carbon material with deuterium gas. 4 A method is provided for terminating a reaction that produces He atoms.

[0039] According to the present disclosure, the method includes containing a three-dimensional nanostructured carbon material in a sealable container, hi one embodiment, the three-dimensional nanostructured carbon material is selected from the group consisting of multi-walled carbon nanotubes, multi-walled graphite, single-walled carbon nanotubes, buckyballs, carbon onions, carbon nanohorns, and combinations thereof.

[0040] According to the present disclosure, the method includes introducing deuterium gas into a vessel and reacting the three-dimensional nanostructured carbon material with the deuterium gas, the reaction believed to produce alpha particles and energy in the form of electromagnetic radiation.

[0041] According to the present disclosure, the method includes sealing the vessel to contain the reaction, and the pressure within the vessel can be monitored and controlled by the apparatus described above.

[0042] According to the present disclosure, the method includes terminating the reaction between the three-dimensional nanostructured carbon material and deuterium gas by at least partially destroying the three-dimensional periodicity of the three-dimensional nanostructured carbon material within the container. In one embodiment, an oxidizing gas is introduced into the mixture of the three-dimensional nanostructured carbon material and deuterium gas within the container. In this embodiment, the oxidizing gas induces combustion of the nanostructured carbon material, thereby destroying the three-dimensional periodicity of the three-dimensional nanostructured carbon material and terminating the reaction with deuterium. The rate of addition of the oxidizing material to the container can also be used to control the reaction by preventing the three-dimensional nanostructured carbon material from completely burning with the deuterium gas by at least partially destroying the three-dimensional periodicity of the three-dimensional nanostructured carbon material within the container. In one embodiment, the material used to oxidize the carbon material consists essentially of oxygen gas.

[0043] According to the present disclosure, energy and 4 Also provided is a method for controlling a reaction to produce He atoms. In this method, a three-dimensional nanostructured carbon material is contained in a sealable container, and deuterium gas is introduced into the container to react with the three-dimensional nanostructured carbon material. The container is sealed to limit the reaction. The container is surrounded by a heat extraction medium, and the temperature of the medium is controlled by introducing an inert gas into the container to control the rate of reaction between the three-dimensional nanostructured carbon material and the deuterium gas.

[0044] Operation of an embodiment may include the following steps: The internal cavity 12 of the pressure vessel 10 is pumped to a pressure of less than 1 Torr. The internal cavity is then backfilled or backfilled with dry nitrogen. The pressure in the internal cavity is monitored, and pumping and backfilling are repeated until the rate of pressure increase after pumping indicates that the internal cavity and the three-dimensional nanostructured carbon material therein are sufficiently dehydrated or moisture-free. As used herein, sufficiently dehydrated means less than 3% moisture, e.g., less than 1% moisture, or less than 0.05% moisture by weight. The internal cavity 12 (containing the dried three-dimensional nanostructured carbon material) is backfilled with deuterium gas (D2) to approximately 100 Torr via the deuterium supply 34, first pressure regulator 32, and valves 22, 33, 38, 43, and 50. D2 and the three-dimensional nanostructured carbon material then react to initiate the process.

[0045] As described above, inducing combustion of the three-dimensional nanostructured carbon material can halt the reaction and energy production. As embodied herein, the three-dimensional nanostructured carbon material 13 in the interior cavity 12 is combusted by heating the heating element 17 while controlling the gas composition in the cavity 12 with the oxygen supply 42 and, optionally, the inert gas supply 48. The heating element 17 is immersed in deuterium gas above the mass of the three-dimensional nanostructured carbon material 13. Gas (primarily deuterium gas and helium) not bound to the three-dimensional nanostructured carbon material is pumped out by the pump 26. The heating element 17 is activated, and the valves 33, 38, 50, and 22 are configured to introduce oxygen from the oxidizer supply 42 into the interior 12. The amount of oxygen introduced depends on the mass of the three-dimensional nanostructured carbon material and unbound deuterium gas in the interior 12.

[0046] In one embodiment, there is a stoichiometric excess of oxygen present within. The oxygen mixes with the unbound deuterium gas and permeates the mass of the three-dimensional nanostructured carbon material 13. Induced combustion oxidizes the three-dimensional nanostructured carbon material and the deuterium gas, forming DO (heavy water) and carbon dioxide. These gases can be removed from the system by pump 26. As mentioned above, for safety purposes, a blow-off valve 43 and a reservoir 45 can be used to control the disposition of the high-pressure combustion gases.

[0047] As embodied herein, the inert gas supply 48 and associated regulator 52 and valve 50 may be configured to control the introduction of the inert gas into the interior 12 of the vessel 10 to control the combustion reaction described above. As used herein, the term inert gas may include truly inert gases such as argon and helium, but may also include gases such as nitrogen and carbon dioxide.

[0048] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, reaction conditions, and so forth used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about." Accordingly, unless otherwise indicated, the numerical parameters set forth in the specification and appended claims are approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the present invention.

[0049] Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and embodiments be considered as exemplary only, with the true scope of the invention being indicated by the following claims.

Claims

1. Controlling the reaction between deuterium gas and three-dimensional nanostructured carbon materials to generate energy and ４ 1. An apparatus for producing He atoms, comprising: a solid reactor vessel having an interior cavity; a three-dimensional nanostructured carbon material within the interior cavity; a first conduit connected to the solid-state nuclear reactor vessel providing flow communication to the internal cavity; a source of combustible gas in flow communication with the first conduit; a second conduit on the solid-state nuclear reactor vessel providing flow communication to the internal cavity; a source of deuterium gas in flow communication with the interior cavity via the second conduit; an ignition device within the interior cavity and in flow communication with the deuterium gas and the three-dimensional nanostructured carbon material.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 including a source of oxygen gas in flow communication within the interior cavity of the solid-state nuclear reactor vessel.

3. 10. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a second vessel surrounding the solid-state nuclear reactor vessel, the second vessel defining a space between the solid-state nuclear reactor vessel and the second vessel.

4. The apparatus of claim 3 further comprising radiation shielding in the space.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 , wherein the radiation shielding material comprises an aqueous solution.

6. The apparatus of claim 3 further comprising a heat exchanger within the space.

7. The device of claim 1 , wherein the three-dimensional nanostructured carbon material consists essentially of multi-walled carbon nanotubes.

8. 10. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a system for converting the energy from the reaction to another form of energy.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the generated energy comprises radiation, and the apparatus further comprises a solid-state device for converting radiation directly into electricity.

10. 10. The apparatus of claim 1, including a source of deuterium gas in flow communication with the interior cavity within the solid-state nuclear reactor vessel.

11. 1. An apparatus for controlling energy output, comprising: a solid reactor vessel having an interior cavity; a three-dimensional nanostructured carbon material within the interior cavity; deuterium gas within the internal cavity; a first conduit connected to the solid-state nuclear reactor vessel providing flow communication with the internal cavity; a source of deuterium gas in flow communication with the first conduit; a first flow regulator on the first conduit; a second conduit on the solid-state nuclear reactor vessel providing flow communication to the internal cavity; a second flow regulator on the second conduit; a source of deuterium gas in flow communication with the interior cavity via the second conduit; an ignition device within the solid-state nuclear reactor vessel.

12. The device of claim 11 , wherein the three-dimensional nanostructured carbon material consists essentially of multi-walled carbon nanotubes.

Images