Apparatus for producing energy, and method for using the apparatus

Description

[0001] “Apparatus for producing energy, and method for using the apparatus”

[0002] *****

[0003] Field of invention

[0004] The invention relates to an apparatus and a method of operating the same for the production of electrical energy and cogeneration of heat from nuclear fusion reactions in a LANR (Lattice Assisted Nuclear Reactions) regime. In particular, elements suitable for use in a hybrid technique (at the intersection of ExB, plasmaionic, thermionic, and thermoelectric fields) are provided thermoelectric) without the use of thermal cycle engines, including a chamber capable of maintaining degrees of vacuum or positive relative pressure, a controllable heat exchanger, sensors for monitoring and controlling pressure and temperature, gas accesses and accesses isolated from the chamber for the transmission of electrical potentials, high-voltage electrical pulse generators from 1 to 40 KV and with a steepness of at least 109V / sec, a potential regulator between the electrodes, nanofractal sponge-structured electrodes with open pores of self-progressing dimensions d> 2.4 in operation, in the presence of agglomerates of excited Rydberg matter of hydrogen isotopes and alkali elements capable of lowering the working function of materials, in the presence of negative charge agglomerates that shield the Coulomb repulsion between nuclei to promote synergy between fusion and ionisation reactions, layers of different materials deposited on the surface of the electrode matrix with the function of promoting both reaction and conversion yields, electrodes with asymmetrical faces, in the presence of ionised gas plasma, in the presence of rapidly varying electric fields capable of inducing anharmonic oscillations and energy localisations, in the presence of coherent stationary electron waves in nanocavities, in the presence of a temperature field, pressure gradients, materials suitable for nuclear fusion, in the presence of Rydberg matter compression phenomena in cavities to extract energy from the quantum vacuum, in the presence of positive ions to reduce the spatial charge concentration and the consequent improvement of the conversion yield, magnetic expansions for the generation of a magnetic field, two electrodes for collecting separate charges, partitions to compartmentalise the chamber and create paths for plasma and gas / vapours, in the presence of a modular arrangement of pairs of charge emitter / collector electrodes suitable for capillary extraction of the energy produced by LANR (Lattice Assisted Nuclear Reactions) reactions, formerly known as LENR (acronym for Low Energy Nuclear Reactions) in the form of thermal energy and kinetic energy of the emitted charges to allow scalability to larger sizes without loss of functionality, external circulation pump, junction electrodes for thermoelectric conversion. Cooperation in energy production between LANR and other energy production processes is also envisaged.

[0005] State of the art

[0006] The usefulness of the present invention can be deduced from the analysis of the considerable efforts that researchers around the world have made to obtain clean energy production from a virtually unlimited source, although it is not yet usable on an industrial scale.

[0007] Energy production, the driving force behind economic and social development, presents significant problems ranging from the exhaustibility of resources, pollution from production by-products (e.g. CO2, radioactive residues, harmful dust), the difficulty of widespread distribution, the difficulty of on-demand production, and the difficulty of storage. The present invention provides an innovative solution, as detailed in the following paragraphs. Research into 'hot' nuclear fusion, which is a candidate for solving these problems, is still far from its goal, despite the considerable human and economic resources committed to it, due to dramatic technical difficulties well known to experts in the field, such as operating at temperatures similar to those in the core of the Sun. Therefore, for more than thirty years, studies have been underway on an alternative path, known as 'LANR' (Latex-Assisted Nuclear Reactions), which are showing the possibility of obtaining energy from nuclear reactions already at temperatures currently used in industry. Extensive scientific literature and numerous patents present solutions that are still insufficient for immediate industrial application, but which explore the specific aspects that need to be resolved. These are concrete demonstrations of nuclear reactions at laboratory temperatures, also applied in widely used equipment, such as portable neutron generators for research and medical purposes, and neutron detection instruments. In the former, fusion reactions between hydrogen isotopes emit neutrons from the nuclei; in detectors, neutron capture by the nuclei of light elements (e.g. isotopes of helium, lithium, boron) causes capture signals, which can be used to count the incident neutrons. Advances in obtaining increasingly higher densities of energy (since these are surface reactions, measurable in watts / cm2of reactant) have recently led to values (Iwamura) of up to 0.9 W / cm2, which are certainly subject to desirable and foreseeable improvements. At the same time, techniques for the direct conversion of the thermal energy produced into more flexible electrical energy are the subject of intensive research, which is advancing yields towards theoretical maximums, although these are still a long way off. Problems of scalability, i.e. maintaining efficiency when moving from laboratory scale to application scale, and those relating to the extractability of high energy concentrations on a large scale, are also currently unresolved. It is therefore clear that the present invention, which shows how to overcome these obstacles to industrial applicability, makes the invention useful and novel.

[0008] The purpose of the invention is to propose an apparatus and a method that allow energy to be extracted efficiently.

[0009] Another purpose of the invention is to propose an apparatus and a method that can be implemented using known elements.

[0010] Another purpose of the invention is to propose an apparatus and a method that exploit the potential of recent scientific innovations.

[0011] Another purpose of the invention is to propose a device and method that are alternative and / or improvements on known solutions.

[0012] Another purpose of the invention is to propose an apparatus and method that efficiently exploit fractal matter.

[0013] Another purpose of the invention is to propose an apparatus and a method that allow the use of innovative electrodes.

[0014] Another purpose of the invention is to propose an apparatus and a method that allow efficient electrical and thermal energy to be obtained in the same step.

[0015] All these purposes, and others that will become clear from the description, are achieved by means of an apparatus having the characteristics described in claim 1 , and a method having the characteristics described in claim 6.

[0016] Other structural and functional features of the present invention and the relative advantages over the known technique will become even clearer and more evident from an examination of the following description, which refers to an exemplary and preferred, but not limiting, embodiment of the apparatus that is the subject of the present invention, and from the accompanying drawings, where: Figure 1 a shows a schematic view of the fields in which the present invention is applied,

[0017] Figure 1 b shows the projections for thermionic conversion efficiencies,

[0018] Figures 2a-c show examples of fractal structures, in particular Figure 2a shows a Koch curve, Figure 2b shows a Sierpinsky carpet, and Figure 2c shows a Menger sponge.

[0019] Figure 3a shows a graph of the association kinetics coefficient in the binding phase K2 against the fractal dimension Df2,

[0020] Figure 3b shows a graph of the dissociation kinetics coefficients Kd and Kdi against the fractal dimensions Dfd or Dfd1 , respectively for models with one-step and two-step mechanisms.

[0021] Figure 3c shows a graph of the delta d coefficient (increase in fractal dimension) vs. 3-d dimension (complement to 3 of the starting dimension d),

[0022] Figure 4 shows a graph of the atomic volume of alkali metals against atomic number.

[0023] Figures 5a-c show, respectively: the roughness (a), the dispersion of roughness (b) and the efficiency (c) of a Casimir structure,

[0024] Figure 6a shows, in schematic view, a work cycle in a Casimir cavity,

[0025] Figure 6b shows the results of experiments for different electrodes and gases in a graph,

[0026] Figure 7 shows, in schematic view, a recurring module of the SFPC,

[0027] Figure 8 shows an apparatus according to the invention in a first embodiment in which the reaction chamber is shown open for simplicity of illustration,

[0028] Figure 9 shows it in a second embodiment in which the reaction chamber is shown open for simplicity of presentation,

[0029] Figure 10 shows it in a third embodiment in which the reaction chamber is shown open for simplicity of illustration.

[0030] The search for solutions for extracting electrical energy from nuclear fusion processes can essentially be carried out by applying the method of functional isomorphism with respect to the usual fuel cell. That is, it involves returning to the main steps, which consist of the presence of two electrodes, to the first of which a reaction-sustained ionisation is conducted, an internal path of charges towards the other electrode, an external path that closes back on the first electrode through a load, a method for promoting reaction yield and a method for promoting conversion efficiency, these methods being capable of working in synergy thanks to the identification of the operating conditions and the geometric and material composition conditions that are optimal for both.

[0031] Despite the simple explanation, the coordination of the many parameters involved justifies the novelty and usefulness of the present invention.

[0032] In particular, the invention relates to an apparatus for the direct production of electrical energy from nuclear fusion comprising: a sealed chamber containing at least one of the following:

[0033] • a heater and heat exchanger-extractor for temperature control;

[0034] • external thermal and electrical insulation;

[0035] • a set of sensors for monitoring temperature and pressure;

[0036] • gas inlets and outlets;

[0037] • access points for transferring solid materials;

[0038] • electrically insulated access points from the chamber for the entry and exit of live conductors;

[0039] • access for any electromagnetic and / or solitonic excitation;

[0040] • insulating supports for the electrodes;

[0041] • means for generating thermal, concentration, pressure, electrical and magnetic fields;

[0042] • at least a first and a second electrode;

[0043] • one or more collector electrodes for collecting charges, different from the other electrodes by at least one constituent on at least one of their faces;

[0044] • one or more partitions made of electrically insulating material to force the plasma, vapours and gases to follow preferential paths; a programmable temperature controller capable of managing the heater and cooler; a programmable pressure controller configured to control the pressure inside the sealed chamber; a high-voltage electrical pulse generator (typically 1 to 40 KV) with a steep rise, at least 109V / sec, and a connection system to transfer them to the chamber conductors; a system for regulating the potential between the electrodes; wherein the at least one first electrode comprising on at least one of its faces:

[0045] • a conductive layer;

[0046] • a substrate;

[0047] • a spongy matrix with an open-pore fractal structure, with self-progressing fractality up to a fractal dimension d > 2.4 in operation,

[0048] • one or more layers, deposited on the surface of the matrix, consisting of one or more components from the group of metal oxides, transition elements, semiconductors (of one or more types between p and n), alkali metals and their compounds, metals and their compounds;

[0049] • one or more layers of catalysts for the formation of condensed Rydberg matter;

[0050] • one or more layers of pairs of materials with different work functions;

[0051] • materials with differentiated response to electrical stimuli the at least one second electrode comprising a composition that makes it suitable for supporting fusion reactions in a different manner on each face.

[0052] An apparatus as described above, characterised in that it comprises at least one of the following: an electromagnetic wave generator; a soliton wave generator; and further comprising at least two metal electrodes placed inside the chamber, in order to generate an electric field, placed perpendicular to the magnetic field, controlled by an electric potential; at least one metal electrode collector of positive charges, placed parallel to the magnetic field, and configured to allow the flow of negative charges towards the spongy material, said collector electrodes being equipped with output conductors electrically insulated from the chamber; one or more partitions for dividing the chamber into separate regions isolated from each other; and further characterised in that the at least one first and one second electrodes comprise:

[0053] • the conductive layer comprises a metal or alloy resistant to high temperatures, preferably above 1000°C, and a good electrical conductor; • the substrate is made of a high-temperature brazing alloy; the matrix consists of high-temperature resistant materials, e.g. Ni, Fe, W, Ti, Mo, Pd and their alloys, Carbon in the form of graphite, and / or graphene and / or fullerene, with a diffuse structure, specific surface area of at least 400 m2 / g, density of 10 mg / cm3or less, pore diameter of less than 100 nm, and surface structures of approximately 10 nm in size; and in which the temperature controller is configured to control the conduction of heat to the environment outside the chamber and a flow of refrigerant brought inside the chamber in order to control the temperature of the electrodes.

[0054] An apparatus as described above, characterised in that the chamber also comprises: an inductive element configured to collect rapid emission events of energetic electrons from LANR reactions, recovering the kinetic energy of these in the form of pulsed current; at least a third electrode configured to allow the potential between the emitter and collector to be adjusted and to limit the accumulation of spatial charge; at least a fourth electrode equipped with junctions between two materials with different working functions, placed at a higher temperature than a corresponding h I element housing the other junctions according to the criteria of thermoelectric converters, means for controlling the temperature of the fourth electrode.

[0055] A method for using an apparatus as described above, characterised in that it comprises an operating phase in which: inside the chamber there is a plasma of ionised gas present in the space between the electrode surfaces, maintained at a pressure compatible with the reactions and conversion; inside the chamber there are one or more rapidly variable electric potential fields, each polarised in a single direction, affecting the region housing the electrodes and configured to induce anharmonic oscillations of the plasma in the interstices of the matrix and of the latex of said matrix, characterised by energy localisation phenomena; inside the chamber there are one or more rapidly variable electric potential fields, each polarised in a single direction, configured to induce both the formation of free agglomerates of predominantly negative charges, which bring the positive nuclei closer together, shielding their Coulomb repulsion to promote fusion reactions, the formation of agglomerates of electrons trapped in nano-cavities in the form of coherent stationary electron waves with nanometric wavelengths and therefore high frequency and energy in sites with high curvature of the sponge matrix, as well as configured to promote, through induced magnetic fields, the condensation of Rydberg matter; there is a non-uniform temperature field inside the chamber; there is a pressure gradient of the gas contained within the chamber, the average pressure in the chamber being between 10’5mbar and 20,000 mbar, preferably between 0.1 mbar and 200 mbar; inside the chamber there is a partial pressure gradient of the species contained in the gaseous phase, generated by the evolution of thermal energy, configured to cause the components constituting the gas to flow through Casimir cavities, allowing both the compression of said species into ultra-dense Rydberg matter and the extraction of energy from the quantum vacuum and its transformation into ionisation energy, which in turn generates additive electrons in the interelectrode region; inside the chamber there are rapidly variable electric potential fields, each polarised in one direction, capable of pushing the positive charges of the plasma to travel both through the cavities of the sponge and the interelectrode space to limit the accumulation of space charge; inside the chamber, positive charges are emitted to neutralise the accumulation of electronic space charge by means of at least one of the following solutions: ionisation energy in positive ions obtained through nuclear fusion reactions, and / or direct emission of positive ions from said reactions; inside the chamber there is a gas flow whose preferred direction is through the channels of an open-pore nanofractal sponge containing micro and nano cavities, with the synergistic purpose of creating ultra-dense Rydberg matter, extracting energy from the quantum vacuum, lowering the space charge in thermionic conversion, and promoting the dynamics of fusion reactions.

[0056] A method for generating electricity using an apparatus as described above, characterised in that it comprises, preferably in sequence, the following steps: introducing into the chamber and causing to react materials capable of producing heat and ions from nuclear fusion reactions, by absorption on support surfaces, use of catalysts and stimuli as described below; stimulating the materials in their specific manner, pyroelectric materials with electrical pulses and temperature gradients, piezoelectric materials with electrical and pressure pulses, and thermoelectric materials with temperature gradients; promote the formation of Rydberg matter condensates both to increase reaction yields and to make them interact with Casimir micro and nano cavities for the extraction of energy from the quantum vacuum; supplying fractal structures with materials from the gaseous phase to increase their fractal dimension; application of steeply rising electrical pulses, and the consequent presence of strong magnetic fields, both to promote concentration by electromigration of ions in materials, to induce dynamic conditions that trigger nuclear reactions, and to induce the production of EVOs capable of shielding the Coulomb repulsion between nuclei; application of steeply rising electrical pulses designed to create energy localisation thanks to pyroelectric, piezoelectric and thermoelectric materials; application of a pressure gradient designed to cause gaseous species to flow into the cavities of the fractal matrix maintaining a plasma flow and introducing positive charges into the interelectrode space to limit the formation of space charge in order to promote electrical energy conversion yields; introduction of alkali metal vapours in order to lower the work function of the materials placed in the interelectrode space; regulation of the inter-electrode potential to adjust the ratio between electrical and thermal energy extraction; regulating the pressure in the chamber between 10’5mbar and 20,000 mbar, preferably between 0.1 mbar and 200 mbar; regulating the temperature in the chamber to the optimum values for the different zones; coupling of the emitting and collecting surfaces, separated by an interelectrode space in order to obtain the thermionic conversion effect, with the consequent extraction of electric current; excitation of Rydberg matter in the inter-electrode space by means of electric and magnetic fields, in addition to pressure and temperature gradients; extraction of heat from the modules by collecting thermal kinetic energy, or directed ionic kinetic energy, in the form of orderly electric current;

[0057] A method as described above comprising: applying perpendicular magnetic and electric fields, with charge collection electrodes perpendicular to both directions, according to plasma current extraction methods, allowing the negative charges to flow towards the next spongy material; the use of partitions to delimit areas of the chamber with different functions; the application of at least one type of electromagnetic and / or solitonic waves to stimulate reaction and conversion behaviours; cooling of the parts from which heat is to be extracted, by means of at least one of thermal conduction transport, refrigerant flow, thermoelectric cooling with collection of electrical energy from thermoelectric conversion; pulsed production of charges in the chamber and collection of the kinetic energy of said charges by means of a toroidal winding coaxial to the flow of the charges, for the direct extraction of pulsed current to be used on an external load.

[0058] In particular, the apparatus contains a chamber, preferably airtight, which therefore defines an internal environment and an external environment, which are substantially separate. The chamber may suitably provide a plurality of connections to ensure the inflow and outflow of gas and electrical connections to the components of the apparatus located inside it.

[0059] As will be clear below, there are a plurality of electrodes inside the chamber, which define an inter-electrode space.

[0060] Advantageously, the inter-electrode space contains species capable of enabling both reactions and the conversion of the energy generated into electrical energy. Thus, there are typically elements capable of fusion, such as hydrogen, deuterium, lithium and the like, as well as vapours to lower the electronic extraction work functions. Conveniently, the electrodes have a substantially fractal surface, preferably nanofractal, and more preferably open-pored to ensure adequate working function.

[0061] A variable high-frequency electric field can be generated inside the chamber.

[0062] In particular, the rapidly variable electric field is used for various tasks, from the production of charge agglomerates for shielding Coulomb repulsion, to the regulation of conversion yields, to the maintenance of plasma, to the transport of charges.

[0063] If needed, a magnetic field can be generated inside the chamber, which can be fixed or variable, or a combination of the two.

[0064] The magnetic field contributes to the densification of charges and, in different parts of the chamber, to the separation of charge signs by means of plasma current extraction techniques.

[0065] Temperature gradients can be generated inside the chamber as required.

[0066] The temperature gradients help to sustain the thermionic and pressure effects, which, together with the shape of the chamber with pre-established paths, help to make the gases flow in preferred directions for the extraction of energy from the quantum vacuum.

[0067] The electrodes may have a multilayer configuration and, more specifically, may include:

[0068] - a substrate, preferably with a fractal sponge configuration;

[0069] - a coating layer made of a material configured to catalyse the formation of atomic hydrogen, such as palladium, platinum, ruthenium, rhodium, indium, nickel, cobalt or iron, preferably for the formation of ultra-dense atomic hydrogen.

[0070] The electrodes may have a shape suitable for facilitating the formation of Rydberg matter, in particular they may influence the density of the electromagnetic field lines in order to facilitate the formation of Rydberg matter.

[0071] The electrodes may conveniently comprise at least one, and preferably a plurality of Casimir cavities.

[0072] The electrodes are shaped with nanofractal open-pore sponge support conductors with high fractal dimensions, which act as antennas for receiving any electromagnetic and / or solitonic wave stimuli. This sponge is coated with layers capable of forming atomic hydrogen, catalytic properties for the formation of ultra- dense hydrogen (to facilitate the ignition of fusions), catalytic properties for the formation of excited Rydberg matter (easily ionisable), dimensions suitable for the presence of Casimir cavities suitable both for the extraction of energy from the quantum vacuum and for the formation of coherent stationary electronic waves between the ends of the cavities (also for shielding the Coulomb repulsion between nuclei), these layers, with high gas absorption characteristics in the latex and equipped with imperfections and vacancies promoted by the fractality at a very high surface area, produce high local electric fields and are responsible for maintaining conditions suitable for promoting both fusion and thermionic conversion yields.

[0073] In the outward radial direction of the collector envelope with respect to the axis of the containment chamber, further thermoelectric energy recovery can be achieved by means of material junctions.

[0074] Modularity ensures capillary heat extraction, allowing for scaling up without compromising reaction or conversion efficiency.

[0075] The nanofractal nature of the surfaces, combined with the steepness of the electrical pulses, promotes the localisation of energy to overcome the ignition thresholds of the reactions.

[0076] The motion of positive plasma charges, also created by fusion reactions, directed into the interelectrode space, helps to limit the space charge, an important factor for conversion efficiency.

[0077] The invention offers a high degree of flexibility in terms of adaptation to different choices of reaction modes currently known, and even to modes that may prove innovative and preferable in the future.

[0078] Therefore, three typical embodiments of the present invention are briefly described below, for explanatory purposes only and in no way limiting, but with the aim, now that the inventors have identified and presented the synergy, of providing explanations and instructions that enable those skilled in the art to carry out the invention, including by using the embodiments as guidelines.

[0079] In moving from embodiment 1 to 2 and 3, the efficiency of the apparatus's volume increases, thus increasing the specific power in W / m3. Although it may be thought, as in the current state of research, to coat wires or surfaces with nanostructures, or even to use nanopowders in a volume, beyond the high surface area, it cannot be hoped that for phenomena that occur essentially on the surface, it is not possible to exceed the dimension d=2 unless, as indicated in the present invention, fractal structures are adopted, capable of bringing the behaviour of the surfaces close to the value d=3 of three-dimensionality, while increasing both the absolute and specific yields (reaction and conversion).

[0080] 1stembodiment

[0081] In the first embodiment (FIG. 8), it is possible to simply coat the reacting wire wound around itself with a nanofractal deposition that brings the fractal dimension to values d > 1 , or, preferably use a metal sponge as described below.

[0082] With reference to FIG. 8, which shows the "in-line" application (essentially longitudinal with respect to the transverse dimension), the following are present: the "wire" and the cylindrical collector with a spongy nanofractal surface 810 (mechanically supported by electrical insulating supports 814) with a very high specific area, coated as described above, is crossed by a natural or forced flow of gas, plasma and vapours 820; it is subjected to steep electrical pulses with high peak voltages, which enter the system through a high-voltage electrical feed- through 840 suitable for both high and low pressures (as described in the descriptions and claims) through the use of suitable metal gaskets 842 placed between the flange of the bushing 844 and that of the containment chamber 852 (flanges 854 and 856 are also present in antipodal positions and the relative metal gasket 858); these pulses return to the pulse generator via a cylindrical connection 815 electrically insulated from the rest of the system by means of an electrical insulator bushing 817. The series of thermionic collectors is connected to an external load by means of insulated electrical bushings 812.

[0083] The containment chamber 850 has an area 830 in which the conductors 832 are spaced apart by a special distance control mechanism 834 and are also a possible target for the positive ions accelerated by the voltage pulse, so as to trigger repeated discharges with the formation of plasma, the temperature of which is maintained by the LANR reactions that take place in the chamber, with the contribution of a dielectric insulating tube 836 that contributes to the discharge, and from which current is extracted by means of permanent magnetic expansions and / or electromagnets 860 (the latter equipped with electrically insulated power supply conductors 862 from the chamber), placed to generate a magnetic field in the chamber, perpendicular to the electric field produced by metal electrodes 870, managed by an electric potential, independent from the rest of the potentials by means of electrical passers 872; at least one metal electrode collector of positive charges 880, placed parallel to the magnetic field according to the principles of so- called 'ExB converters', with the difference that the negative charges are not collected but allowed to flow towards the next spongy material; these electrodes are equipped with output conductors electrically insulated from the chamber.

[0084] The fusion reactions that take place thanks to the presence of catalysts for the formation of ultra-dense hydrogen / deuterium, easily ionisable excited Rydberg matter, extraction of energy from the quantum vacuum) cause an emission of heat and charged radiation; the thermal part is converted, to a certain extent, into ionisation energy which allows electrons and other ionising particles to be emitted towards the cylindrical collector coaxial with the sponge 'wire'. This, superficially shaped as described and claimed, is placed at an interelectrode distance from the emitter. In this space, the plasma, gases and vapours referred to in the descriptions and claims play the roles described and claimed as optimal for increasing the efficiency of conversion from nuclear to electrical energy.

[0085] In the direction radially outward from the collector envelope with respect to the axis, further thermoelectric energy recovery can be achieved by means of junctions of materials with a suitable Seebeck coefficient difference 890, connected to the external electrical load via electrical insulating bushings 892.

[0086] The chamber itself has access points for heat exchange pipes 853 and gas access and extraction pipes 855 and 857.

[0087] Naturally, the chamber is equipped with the accessories and components described and claimed.

[0088] 2ndembodiment

[0089] In the second embodiment (FIG. 9), it is possible to simply coat the reacting surface with a nanofractal deposition that brings the fractal dimension to values d > 2, or preferably use a metal sponge as described below, in particular by using a plurality of elements 910 having a spongy surface, preferably nanofractal, preferably with a 'bellows' geometry, i.e. comprising a plurality of laminar elements placed in succession.

[0090] With reference to FIG. 9, which shows the "surface" application (with a development that is comparatively longitudinal with respect to the transverse two- dimensionality), the following are present: the cartridge of nanofractal spongy surface modules 910 (mechanically supported by electrical insulating supports 914) with a very high specific area (bellows-shaped), is traversed by a natural or forced flow of gas, plasma and vapours 920; it is subjected to steep electrical pulses with high peak voltages, which enter the system through a high-voltage electrical feed- through 940 suitable for both high and low pressures through the use of suitable metal gaskets 942 placed between the feed-through flange 944 and that of the containment chamber 952 (flanges 954 and 956 are also present in antipodal positions and the relative metal gasket 958); these pulses return to the pulse generator via a cylindrical connection 915 electrically insulated from the rest of the system by means of an electrical insulator 917. The series of thermionic collectors is connected to an external load via insulated electrical bushings 912.

[0091] The containment chamber 950 has an area 930 in which the conductors 932 are spaced apart by a special distance control mechanism 934 and are also a possible target for the positive ions accelerated by the voltage pulse, so as to trigger repeated discharges with the formation of plasma, the temperature of which is maintained by the LANR reactions that take place in the chamber, with the contribution of a dielectric insulating tube 936 that contributes to the discharge, and from which current is extracted by means of permanent magnetic expansions and / or electromagnets 960 (the latter equipped with electrically insulated power supply conductors 962 from the chamber), placed to generate a magnetic field in the chamber, perpendicular to the electric field produced by metal electrodes 970, managed by an electric potential, independent from the rest of the potentials by means of electrical passers 972; at least one metal electrode collector of positive charges 980, placed parallel to the magnetic field according to the principles of the so-called "ExB Converters", with the difference that the negative charges are not collected but allowed to flow towards the next spongy material; these electrodes are equipped with output conductors electrically insulated from the chamber.

[0092] The fusion reactions that take place there thanks to the presence of catalysts for the formation of ultra-dense hydrogen / deuterium, easily ionisable excited Rydberg matter, extraction of energy from the quantum vacuum) cause an emission of heat and charged radiation; the thermal part is converted, to a certain extent, into ionisation energy which allows electrons and other ionising particles to be emitted towards the bellows collector which follows the same shape as the emitting surfaces. This, superficially shaped as described and claimed, is placed at an interelectrode distance from the emitter. In this space, the plasma, gases and vapours referred to in the descriptions and claims play the roles described and claimed as optimal for increasing the efficiency of conversion from nuclear to electrical energy.

[0093] In the direction radially outward from the collector envelope with respect to the axis, further thermoelectric energy recovery can be achieved by means of thermoelectric junctions 991 made of materials with a suitable Seebeck coefficient difference, connected to the external electrical load via electrical insulating bushings 992.

[0094] The chamber itself has access points for heat exchange pipes 953 and for gas access and extraction 955 and 957.

[0095] Naturally, the chamber is equipped with the apparatus and accessory components described in the descriptions and claims.

[0096] 3rdembodiment

[0097] In the third embodiment (FIG. 10), it is possible to simply coat the three- dimensional labyrinth of surfaces with a nanofractal deposition that brings the fractal dimension to values d > 2, or preferably use a three-dimensional metal sponge with d » 2 (with values close to d = 3), as described below (repeating module schematically shown in FIG. 7).

[0098] With reference to FIG. 7, the following are present: emitter support 710; emitter sponge 720; gas, vapours, plasma 730; electron clouds, ion clouds, Rydberg matter 740; collector support 750, electrically connected in parallel to the respective supports of the collectors of the other modules; collector sponge 760; thermoelectric converter 770 with pairs of materials A and B; thermoelectric converter load 780; thermionic converter load 785; pulse generator apparatus 790; interelectrode space for discharge 792; electrical connection in series (geometrically S-shaped) between the emitters 794. This schematic representation is also perfectly adaptable in concept to embodiments 1 & 2.

[0099] With reference to FIG. 10, which shows the "volume" application (essentially a three-dimensional labyrinthine structure), the following are present: the cartridge of spongy nanofractal surface modules 1010 (mechanically supported by electrical insulating supports 1014) with a very high specific area (shaped to essentially fill the volume), coated with layers of the materials described and claimed, is traversed by a natural or forced flow of gas, plasma and vapours 1020; it is subjected to steep electrical pulses with high peak voltages, which enter the system via a high-voltage electrical feed-through 1040 suitable for both high and low pressures (as described in the descriptions and claims) through the use of suitable metal gaskets 1042 placed between the flange of the bushing 1044 and that of the containment chamber 1052 (flanges 1054 and 1056 are also present in antipodal position and the relative metal gasket 1058); these pulses return to the pulse generator via a cylindrical connection 1015 electrically insulated from the rest of the system by means of an electrical insulator bushing 1017. The series of thermionic collectors is connected to an external load by means of insulated electrical bushings 1012.

[0100] The containment chamber 1050 has an area 1030 in which the conductors 1032 are spaced apart by a special distance control mechanism 1034 and are also a possible target for the positive ions accelerated by the voltage pulse, so as to trigger repeated discharges with the formation of plasma, the temperature of which is maintained by the LANR reactions that take place in the chamber, with the contribution of a dielectric insulating tube 1036 that contributes to the discharge, and from which current is extracted by means of permanent magnetic expansions and / or electromagnets 1060 (the latter equipped with electrically insulated power supply conductors 1062 from the chamber), placed to generate a magnetic field in the chamber, perpendicular to the electric field, produced by metal electrodes 1070, managed by an electric potential, independent from the rest of the potentials by means of electric passers 1072; at least one metal electrode collector of positive charges 1080, placed parallel to the magnetic field according to the principles of the so-called "ExB Converters", with the difference that the negative charges are not collected but allowed to flow towards the next spongy material; these electrodes are equipped with output conductors electrically insulated from the chamber.

[0101] The fusion reactions that take place thanks to the presence of catalysts for the formation of ultra-dense hydrogen / deuterium, easily ionisable excited Rydberg matter, extraction of energy from the quantum vacuum) cause an emission of heat and charged radiation; the thermal part is converted, to a certain extent, into ionisation energy which allows electrons and other ionising particles to be emitted towards the collector which follows the emitting surfaces with a similar shape. This, superficially shaped as described and claimed, is placed at an inter-electrode distance from the emitter. In this space, the plasma, gases and vapours referred to in the descriptions and claims play the roles described and claimed as optimal for increasing the efficiency of conversion from nuclear to electrical energy. In the direction radially outward from the collector envelope with respect to the axis, further thermoelectric energy recovery can be achieved by means of thermoelectric junctions made of materials with a suitable Seebeck coefficient difference 1090, connected to the external electrical load via electrical insulating bushings 1092.

[0102] The chamber itself has access points for heat exchange pipes 1053 and for gas access and extraction 1055 and 1057.

[0103] Naturally, the chamber is equipped with the accessories and components described in the specifications and claims.

[0104] Example of calculation of expected performance (in the two cases: D - D and Li - H(0))

[0105] The calculations are provided solely as examples, are not intended to be limiting, and are intended to highlight the potential of the present invention with regard to the possible consumption of D and / or7Li and the fraction of electrical energy extractable from the reactor.

[0106] It is assumed that production yields similar to those obtained in Iwamura's experiments of approximately 0.96 W / cm2and 96 W / cm3will be obtained, both referring respectively to the surface area and volume of the active material; by analysing the structure of Embodiment 3, fractal sponge layers with sides of 10 cm x 10 cm (100 cm2)and an active thickness of 2 mm are assumed; the gap between the cathodic and anodic sponge (with a thickness of approximately 0.5 mm) is set at 1 mm; finally, assuming a distance of 1.5 mm between one module and another, the module thickness is 5 mm. The volume occupied by each individual module is 50 cm3Assuming 100 layers, this gives a total active volume of 2000 cm3and an overall volume of 5000 cm3and a total overall length of 50 cm. Taking into account the above-mentioned yield of 0.96 W / cm2the total power produced is 9.6 kW. With a theoretical thermionic conversion efficiency of approximately 30%, an electrical power of 2.88 kWe and a residual thermal power of 6.72 kWt could be extracted.

[0107] The possible deuterium consumption for the production of the above power is now reported. It is assumed that only the following D-D reactions take place:

[0108] D + D — ►T + p + 4.03 MeV

[0109] D + D3— ►He + n + 3.27 MeV with Q average value of Qv= 3.65 MeV. To obtain a power density of 96 W / cm3an interaction rate of R = 1 .642 x 1014interactions / cm3s and a consumed reactant rate of R(m) = 5.479 x 10’10g / cm3s are required.

[0110] GENERAL DATA

[0111] Assuming that the reactor operates at a capacity factor of 80%, the deuterium consumption is 28 g / year. The total energy produced would be 67 MWh and, again with a theoretical thermionic conversion efficiency of approximately 30%, it would be possible to supply 20 MWh(e)Of electrical energy and 47 MWh(t)Of residual thermal energy.

[0112] In order to supply the required amount of reagent and maintain the power production efficiency at a constant level due to the probability of nuclear interaction, it is assumed that the device is supplied with 10 times the required amount, i.e. 280 g of D. With a density of approximately 1 .72 x 10’4g / cm3at an ambient temperature of 15 °C and a pressure of 1 atm, the volume of gas would be approximately 1610 dm3Assuming that this volume is confined in a 100 bar cylinder, a volume of 16.1 dm3would be required. However, suppose that the deuterium is transported in the form of deuteride, for example in lithium deuteride LiD, with a density P(UD) = 0.883 g / cm3and AUD = 8.96 g / mol. The atomic density of deuterium is n(o,uD) = 5.935 x 10(22) atoms / cm3and the density of deuterium is P(D,UD) = 0.198 g / cm3The volume of LiD required would therefore be just 1 .4 dm3in solid form.

[0113] DEUTERIUM CONSUMPTION

[0114] The possible consumption of lithium-7 for the production of the above power is now reported. It is assumed that only reaction7Li-n occurs, with lithium-7 reacting with ultra-dense hydrogen H(0), which could simulate the behaviour of the neutron, and the subsequent reactions, reported below: Based on the above reactions, the following energy flows are hypothesised:

[0115] - P' and Y ionise matter along their path, creating electron-ion pairs; the electric charges separated directly in the anode can be collected and sent to a load; therefore, part of the energy will be converted into electrical energy, part will escape from the system and the remainder will be converted into heat; - the a particles ionise matter as they travel, but release their energy in a much more restricted range; for simplicity and conservatism, it is assumed that all their kinetic energy is converted into heat;

[0116] - v neutrinos carry energy away from the system without interacting with matter.

[0117] The calculation is performed on a cathode sponge composed mainly of nickel (Ni), with a bulk density of 8.85g / cm3and a porosity of approximately 95%, therefore with an apparent density of approximately 0.443g / cm3. The sponge-coated anode will have a mainly solid support; for simplicity, it is considered to be made of solid nickel, therefore with the characteristics described above. A lead shield with a density of 11 .3g / cm3is also taken into account placed outside the reactor to capture the fraction of gamma rays leaving the reactor. Given these assumptions, the estimated conversion factor into electrical energy is reported below.

[0118] As regards the 6.25 MeV [3’particles, the stopping power in nickel is approximately S = 1.8 MeV cm2 / g. The interaction field is divided, assuming emission from the centre of the group of modules, into two solid angle portions; the first encompasses the two solid angles that start from the centre and reach the ends of the first and last sheets of cathode sponge, representing approximately 10% of the entire solid angle; the second is the remaining part of the solid angles, therefore approximately 90% of the entire solid angle. In the first case, in the initial interactions, [3- will lose approximately 0.160 MeV of energy in the cathode sponge and 0.753 MeV in the anode; for simplicity, it is assumed that the total fraction of energy released in the anode sheets is the ratio r = 0.7531 (0.753 + 0.160) = 82.5%. In the second case, since [3- is emitted radially towards the modules, the fraction of energy released has been conservatively chosen as 50%, since if [3- were to pass perfectly through the 5 cm of sheet, it would be completely slowed down in the anode and largely in the cathode. In purely statistical terms, in the radial emission model, [3- would pass through the anode entirely 50% of the time and through the cathode 50% of the time. To conclude, multiplying the fractions of energy converted in the anode with 100% efficiency into electric charges by the solid angle fractions in the two cases above, we would obtain an overall conversion efficiency of the kinetic energy of the [3- particles into electrical energy of approximately 45%.

[0119] As regards y rays of 2.03 MeV, the mass attenuation coefficient in nickel is approximately p / p = 0.0439 cm2 / g; the same assumptions apply to s regards the distribution of the interaction space. In the first case, in the initial interactions, y rays are attenuated by 0.4% in the cathode sponge and 1.9% in the anode; considering 100 layers, an overall longitudinal attenuation of approximately 67% is obtained. For simplicity, it is assumed that the total fraction of energy released in the anodic sheets is the ratio r = 1 .9% I (0.4% + 1 .9%) = 83%, so a conservative estimate of the amount of energy released in the anodic sheets can be considered to be approximately 55.5%. In the second case, since y is emitted radially to the modules, the fraction of energy released is approximately 85.6% passing through the 5 cm of anodic sheet. In purely statistical terms, in the radial emission model, y would pass through the anode entirely 50% of the time and through the cathode 50% of the time. To conclude, multiplying the fractions of energy converted in the anode with 100% efficiency into electric charges by the solid angle fractions in the two cases mentioned above, we would obtain an overall conversion efficiency of y energy into electrical energy of approximately 44%. The gamma rays emerging from the group of sheets, especially from the cathode sponge in both the axial and radial directions, could be attenuated by a layer of lead approximately 5 cm thick with p / p (2.03 MeV) = 0.0461 cm2 / g, thus recovering approximately 93% of the energy lost by the system in the form of heat. Taking into account the above assumptions and the simplified and conservative calculations reported above, an electrical conversion efficiency of approximately 55% would be obtained with respect to the available energy of the reaction (7)Li - n (H(0)), equal on average to approximately 11.3 MeV, as the remainder is carried away by the neutrino.

[0120] REACTIONS & QVALUE q electrical conversion. - overall

[0121] The following calculations show how electrical conversion yields can be increased simply by inserting a screen around the module group, which can capture part of the [3’ and y energy escaping from the active zone of nuclear reactions and convert it into electrical energy, as happens in anodic sheets. Furthermore, a different geometric arrangement and / or dimensions of the reactor, as well as the use of other materials, in accordance with thermoelectric, thermohydraulic, mechanical, etc. design, can lead to an increase in electrical conversion efficiency.

[0122] To obtain a power density of 96 W / cm3, taking into account that the energy available from nuclear reactions is approximately 11.3 MeV as explained above, an interaction rate R = 5.315 x 1013interactions / cm3s and a reactant rate7Li consumed of R(m) = 6.192 x 10’10g / cm2s. Assuming the use of hydrogen for the formation of ultra-dense hydrogen H(0) and subsequent reaction with7Li instead of the neutron, we would have a consumed H reactant rate of R(m) = 8.914 x 10’11g / cm2s.

[0123] GENERAL DATA

[0124] NAV[# / mol] 6.022 x 1023e [J / eV] 1.602 x 10’19

[0125] A 07 7.02

[0126] AH 1.01

[0127] REACTOR p'" [W / cm3] 96

[0128] Vut., 100 mod. [cm3] 20

[0129] RESULTS

[0130] R [# / cm3s] 5.315 x 1013

[0131] Rm, 07 [g / cm3s] 6.192 x I O’10

[0132] Rm,H [g / cm3s] 8.914 x 10’11

[0133] Assuming that the reactor always operates at a capacity factor of 80%, lithium-7 consumption is 31 g / year and hydrogen consumption is 4 g / year (if the nuclear reactions take place with ultra-dense hydrogen). The total energy produced would be 67 MWh and, with the previously calculated theoretical conversion efficiency of approximately 55%, approximately 37 MWhr of electrical energy and approximately 30 MWht of thermal energy could be supplied. In order to supply the required amount of lithium-7 and, if necessary, hydrogen, and to maintain the power production efficiency at a constant level due to the probability of nuclear interaction, it is assumed that the device will be supplied with 10 times the required amount, i.e. 310 g of7Li and 40 g of H.

[0134] Two cases are assumed for the transport of lithium-7 and any hydrogen required. In the first case, considering the transport of lithium-7 in metallic form with a density of pLi7= 0.537 g / cm3, the volume required would be just about 0.58 dm3in solid form; in which case, if the hydrogen were transported in gaseous form, with a density of approximately 8.9 x 10(’5)g / cm2atan ambient temperature of 15 °C and a pressure of 1 atm, it would have a gas volume of approximately 505 dm2 Assuming that this volume is confined in a 100 bar cylinder, a volume of 5.05 dm2W0Uldbe required.

[0135] In the second case, however, lithium-7 is assumed to be transported in the form of hydride, for example in lithium hydride LiH with the natural isotopic composition of lithium (n%Li7 = 92.4% and n%Li6 = 7.6%), with density PUH = 0.780 g / cm3and AUD = 7.95 g / mol. The atomic density of lithium-7 is nu7,uH = 5.909 x 1022atoms / cm2and the density of lithium-7 is pu7,uH = 0.636 g / cm2The volume of LiH required would therefore be just about 0.49 dm2 in solid form.

[0136] The use of the LiH compound would allow both reactants to be transported in the same quantities required, making maximum use of the material as a nuclear fuel.

[0137] DEUTERIUM CONSUMPTION

[0138] The calculation examples given above, which are not intended to be exhaustive, do not show the consumption fractions in the event that both deuterium and lithium-7 nuclear reactions occur. The possible use of the deuteride compound LiD would allow both lithium-7 and deuterium to be transported, leading to the development of both mechanisms based on the above reactions, as well as possible intermediate and / or alternative reactions such as D-7l_i, D-6l_i, D-3He, D-T and several others.

Claims

1.CLAIMS1 . Apparatus for the direct production of electrical energy from nuclear fusion comprising: a sealed chamber containing the following components:• heater and heat exchanger-extractor for temperature control;• external thermal and electrical insulation;• a set of sensors for monitoring temperature and pressure;• gas inlets and outlets;• access points for transferring solid materials;• electrically insulated accesses from the chamber for the entry and exit of live conductors;• insulating supports for electrodes;• means for generating thermal, concentration, pressure, electrical and magnetic fields;• at least one first and one second electrode;• one or more collector electrodes for collecting charges, different from the other electrodes by at least one constituent on at least one of their faces;• one or more partitions made of electrically insulating material to force the plasma, vapours and gases to follow preferential paths; a programmable temperature controller capable of managing the heater and cooler; a programmable pressure controller configured to control the pressure inside the sealed chamber; a high-voltage electrical pulse generator (e.g. from 1 to 40 KV) with a steep rise, at least 109V / sec, and a connection system for transferring them to the chamber conductors; a system for regulating the potential between the electrodes; where the at least one first electrode comprising on at least one of its faces:• a conductive layer;• a substrate;• a spongy matrix with a fractal structure, preferably nanofractal with open pores that form Casimir cavities, with self-progressing fractality up to a fractal dimension d > 2.4 in operation,• one or more layers, deposited on the surface of the matrix, consisting of one or more components from the group of metal oxides, transition elements, semiconductors (of one or more types between p and n), alkali metals and their compounds, metals and their compounds;• one or more layers of catalysts for the formation of condensed Rydberg matter;• one or more layers of pairs of materials with different work functions;• materials with differentiated response to electrical stimuli2 . Apparatus according to claim 1 , characterised in that the at least one second electrode comprises a composition that makes it suitable for supporting fusion reactions differently on each face.3 . Apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises at least one of an electromagnetic wave generator; a soliton wave generator; and further comprising at least two metal electrodes placed inside the chamber, in order to generate an electric field, placed perpendicular to the magnetic field, controlled by an electric potential; at least one metal electrode collector of positive charges, placed parallel to the magnetic field, and configured to allow the flow of negative charges towards the spongy material, said collector electrodes being equipped with output conductors electrically insulated from the chamber; one or more partitions for dividing the chamber into separate regions isolated from each other; and further characterised in that the at least one first and second electrodes comprise:• the conductive layer comprising a metal or alloy resistant to high temperatures, preferably above 1000 °C, and a good electrical conductor;• the substrate is made of a high-temperature brazing alloy; the matrix is made of high-temperature resistant materials, e.g. Ni, Fe, W, Ti, Mo, Pd and their alloys, carbon in the form of graphite, and / or graphene and / or fullerene, with a diffuse structure, specific surface area of at least 400 m2 / g, density of 10mg / cm3°rless pore diameter of less than 100 nm, and surface structures of approximately 10 nm in size; and in which the temperature controller is configured to control the conduction of heat to the environment outside the chamber and a flow of refrigerant brought inside the chamber in order to control the temperature of the electrodes.4 . Apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that the chamber also has an access for electromagnetic and / or solitonic excitation.5 . Apparatus according to one or more of the previous claims, characterised in that the chamber also has: an inductive element configured to collect rapid electron emission events from LANR reactions, recovering the kinetic energy of these in the form of pulsed current; at least one third electrode configured to allow the potential between the emitter and collector to be adjusted and to limit the accumulation of spatial charge; at least a fourth electrode equipped with junctions between two materials with different working functions, placed at a higher temperature than a corresponding element housing the other junctions according to the criteria of thermoelectric converters, means for controlling the temperature of the fourth electrode.6 . Apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one electrode has one of the following configurations: a plurality of elements having a spongy surface, preferably nanofractal, preferably with a 'bellows' geometry; a wire coated with at least one sponge-like fractal surface collector;a substrate coated with a powder in order to obtain a fractal and / or spongy surface, preferably a plurality of substrates, more preferably coated with a powder in order to obtain a fractal and / or spongy surface inserted in a cartridge.7 . Method for using an apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises an operating phase in which: inside the chamber there is an ionised gas plasma present in the space between the electrode surfaces, maintained at a pressure compatible with the reactions and conversion; one or more rapidly variable electric potential fields, each polarised in a single direction, are present inside the chamber, affecting the region housing the electrodes and configured to induce anharmonic oscillations of the plasma in the interstices of the matrix and of the latex of said matrix, characterised by energy localisation phenomena; inside the chamber there are one or more rapidly variable electric potential fields, each polarised in a single direction, configured to induce both the formation of free agglomerates of predominantly negative charges, which bring the positive nuclei closer together, shielding their Coulomb repulsion to promote fusion reactions, the formation of agglomerates of electrons trapped in nano-cavities in the form of coherent stationary electron waves with nanometre wavelengths and therefore high frequency and energy in sites with high curvature of the sponge matrix, as well as configured to promote, through induced magnetic fields, the condensation of Rydberg matter; there is a non-uniform temperature field inside the chamber; there is a pressure gradient of the gas contained within the chamber, the average pressure in the chamber being between 10’5mbar and 20,000 mbar, preferably between 0.1 mbar and 200 mbar; inside the chamber there is a partial pressure gradient of the species contained in the gaseous phase, generated by the evolution of thermal energy, configured to cause the components constituting the gas to flow through the Casimir cavities present in the electrodes, allowing both the compression of said species into ultra-dense Rydberg matter and the extraction of energy from the quantumvacuum and its transformation into ionisation energy, which in turn generates additive electrons in the interelectrode region; inside the chamber there are rapidly varying electric potential fields, each polarised in one direction, capable of pushing the positive charges of the plasma to travel both through the cavities of the sponge and the inter-electrode space to limit the accumulation of space charge; inside the chamber, positive charges are emitted to neutralise the accumulation of electronic space charge by means of at least one of the following solutions: ionisation energy in positive ions obtained through nuclear fusion reactions, and / or direct emission of positive ions from said reactions; inside the chamber there is a gas flow whose preferred direction is through the channels of an open-pore nanofractal sponge containing micro and nano cavities, with the synergistic purpose of creating ultra-dense Rydberg matter, extracting energy from the quantum vacuum, lowering the space charge in thermionic conversion, and promoting the dynamics of fusion reactions.8 . Method for generating electrical energy using an apparatus according to one or more of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that it comprises, preferably in sequence, the following steps: introducing into the chamber and reacting materials capable of producing heat and ions from nuclear fusion reactions, by absorption on support surfaces, use of catalysts and stimuli as described below; stimulating the materials in their specific manner, pyroelectric materials with electrical pulses and temperature gradients, piezoelectric materials with electrical and pressure pulses, and thermoelectric materials with temperature gradients; promote the formation of Rydberg matter condensates both to increase reaction yields and to make them interact with Casimir micro and nano cavities for the extraction of energy from the quantum vacuum; supplying fractal structures with materials from the gaseous phase to increase their fractal dimension; application of steeply rising electrical pulses, and the consequent presence of strong magnetic fields, both to promote concentration by electromigration of ions in materials, to induce dynamic conditions that trigger nuclear reactions, and toinduce the production of EVOs capable of shielding the Coulomb repulsion between nuclei; application of steeply rising electrical pulses designed to create energy localisation thanks to pyroelectric, piezoelectric and thermoelectric materials; application of a pressure gradient designed to cause gaseous species to flow into the cavities of the fractal matrix maintaining a plasma flow and introducing positive charges into the interelectrode space to limit the formation of space charge in order to promote electrical energy conversion yields; introduction of alkali metal vapours in order to lower the work function of the materials placed in the interelectrode space; regulation of the inter-electrode potential to adjust the ratio between electrical and thermal energy extraction; regulating the pressure in the chamber between 10’5mbar and 20,000 mbar, preferably between 0.1 mbar and 200 mbar; regulating the temperature in the chamber to the optimum values for the different zones; coupling of the emitting and collecting surfaces, separated by an interelectrode space in order to obtain the thermionic conversion effect, with the consequent extraction of electric current; excitation of Rydberg matter in the inter-electrode space by means of electric and magnetic fields, in addition to pressure and temperature gradients; extraction of heat from the modules by collecting thermal kinetic energy, or directed ionic kinetic energy, in the form of orderly electric current;9. A method according to one or more of claims 7-8, characterised in that it comprises: an application of magnetic and electric fields perpendicular to each other, with charge collection electrodes perpendicular to both directions, according to the methods of extracting current from plasma by allowing the negative charges to flow towards the next spongy material; use of partitions to delimit areas of the chamber with different functions;the application of at least one type of electromagnetic and / or solitonic waves to stimulate reaction and conversion behaviours; cooling of the parts from which heat is to be extracted, by means of at least one of the following: thermal conduction, refrigerant flow, thermoelectric cooling with collection of electrical energy from thermoelectric conversion; pulsed production of charges in the chamber and collection of the kinetic energy of said charges by means of a toroidal winding coaxial to the flow of charges, for the direct extraction of pulsed current to be used on an external load.

Images