Heat generation device

Abstract

A heat generation device comprises a container having a first end, a second end, and a central axis and containing a working fluid, with a cathode and an anode positioned in the working fluid. The cathode is adapted to split the fluid in response to passing an electric current through the cathode, and a transducer affixed to the container and adapted to generate a wave that moves through the working fluid.

Description

HEAT GENERATION DEVICEThis patent application claims priority benefit of US Provisional Patent application # 63 / 650,633, filed on May 22, 2024.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to devices for generating heat, and more particularly to devices using such heat to generate electricity.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Known attempts at energy generation such as fusion operate at very high temperatures and pressures. For example, with fusion generation systems, the most common design for plasma energy confinement is a tokamak device, a machine that confines plasma using magnetic fields in a donut shape / torus. Such known energy generation designs have many problems, including the cost of construction, the expense of managing waste heat, and cooling the electromagnets needed to hold the fuel in place, for example. It would be desirable to provide a power source / energy generation device that can operate effectively at much lower temperatures and pressures, thereby reducing requirements for both temperature and containment pressure. It would also be desirable to provide a device that can maintain conditions over relatively long periods of time.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION11813-0008 (329)

[0003] In accordance with a first aspect, a heat generation device comprises a container having a first end, a second end, and a central axis; said heat generation device containing a working fluid, a cathode, and an anode positioned in the working fluid. The cathode is adapted to split the fluid in response to passing an electric current through the cathode, and a transducer affixed to the container and adapted to generate a wave that moves through the working fluid.

[0004] From the foregoing disclosure and the following more detailed description of various embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention provides a significant advance in the technology of heat generation devices. Particularly significant in this regard is the potential the invention affords for providing a heat generation device that can operate at much lower containment temperatures and pressures than conventional fusion devices. Additional elements and advantages of various embodiments will be better understood in view of the detailed description provided below.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] Fig. 1 is a simplified schematic of an electrode array splitting a working fluid.

[0006] Fig. 2 is a heat generation device in accordance with one embodiment provided with a container for the electrode array and a transducer for generating a pressure wave on a working fluid.21813-0008 (329)

[0007] Fig. 3 is a simplified schematic of the effect of the pressure wave on the working fluid showing a bubble collapsing.

[0008] Figs. 4-6 show another embodiment of a heat generation device provided with a series of transducers arranged circumferentially around one of the electrodes which in operation creates a detonation wave in the working fluid.

[0009] Figs. 7-8 are views of one embodiment of a heat generation device, showing the anode electrically isolated from the transducer.

[0010] Fig. 9 shows another embodiment where a container geometry is modified to help create a focal point for a pressure wave on the working fluid.

[0011] Fig. 10 shows a transducer model designed for rotation-detonation-like pressure gain compression, where one or more detonations / shockwaves continuously travel around the electrode.

[0012] Fig. 11 is a schematic view of a heat generation device in accordance with another embodiment for the generation of electricity.

[0013] It should be understood that the appended drawings are not necessarily to scale, presenting a somewhat simplified representation of various features illustrative of the basic principles of the invention. The specific design features of the heat generation device as31813-0008 (329)disclosed here, including, for example, the specific dimensions of the container and the electrodes, will be determined in part by the particular intended application and use environment. Certain features of the illustrated embodiments have been enlarged or distorted relative to others to help provide a clear understanding. In particular, thin features may be thickened, for example, for clarity of illustration. All references to direction and position, unless otherwise indicated, refer to the orientation illustrated in the drawings.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS

[0014] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art, that is, to those who have knowledge or experience in this area of technology, that many uses and design variations are possible for the heat generation device disclosed here. The following detailed discussion of various alternate elements and embodiments will illustrate the general principles of the invention with reference to a heat generation device useful for the generation of electricity, including commercial generation of electricity. Other embodiments suitable for other applications will be apparent to those skilled in the art given the benefit of this disclosure.

[0015] Turning now to the drawings, Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of a cathode 50, an anode 60, and a working fluid 90. The working fluid can be water, deuterated water, or an ionic solution such as a salt solution, more particularly a NaCl solution [as Na and Cl have relatively high neutron absorption cross-sections, or MgSCU (Epsom salts). The purpose of the ionic solution is to both improve the conductivity of the solution and increase the density of the working fluid / fuel. This enables more energetic energy transfer to the collapsing cavitation41813-0008 (329)bubble. The cathode and the anode are provided with a current between electrodes. As shown, hydrogen gas can be evolved at the cathode and oxygen can be evolved at the anode. This Fig. helps show how hydrogen gas can be both generated and isolated from oxygen gas. Due to the high atomic mass and binding energy of oxygen, kinetic energy applied may not be effective. Electrolysis can be used to isolate a small bubble for collapse that contains a majority of hydrogen gas. This enhances the formation of a cavitation bubble to lower the inertia needed to accelerate the vapor and thus increases the speed experienced in the toroidal collapse. If the cavitation bubble contained water vapor (as with a regular cavitation bubble) energy would be counterproductively dissipated accelerating a much heavier atom.

[0016] Fig. 2 shows a heat generation device 10 formed with a container 20 having an interior 21, with the working fluid 90 positioned in the interior 21. The substantially cylindrical container 20 can be formed of a corrosive resistant material, and a neutron transparent substance adapted to reduce degradation of the container. Suitable materials for the container 20 can comprise aluminum or zirconium, for example. At least one transducer 30 (shown and discussed in greater detail in Fig. 4) can be affixed to the container containing the working fluid 90 and electrodes 50, and 60 to generate waves within the working fluid 90. In this embodiment, the transducer 30 (Fig. 4) may be affixed at a first end 22 of the container 20. A second end 23 of the container may have a partially parabolic shape or surface 77 to help enhance constructive interference generated by the transducer toward the cathode 50. The cathode 50 (as well as the anode 60) may be positioned along a central axis 66 of the container extending from the first end 22 to the second end 23. The transducer can be, for example, a piezoelectric transducer, w converts electrical signals into mechanical energy (such as pressure or stress) into the working51813-0008 (329)fluid 90. A working fluid supply line, drain / vent lines for the working fluid and power lines to the electrodes can be provided. The transducer can generate sound waves, resulting in ultrasonic cavitation, and can comprise, for example, a 42kHz 700 ml ultrasonic cleaner. As shown the cathode 50 may be positioned in the container at a focal distance 12 from the parabolic shape segment 77 of the second end 23. Preferably the location of the cathode 50 is where the signal generated by one or more transducers is at a local maximum - the local maximum being a function of the cylinder length and a frequency of the transducer(s). In one example a NaCl aqueous solution coupled with a neutron detector (e.g., a Polymaster PM1703MO-1) measured 2.5 neutrons / sec while the transducer was on, concentrating sound on the working fluid, and 0 (zero) when the transducer was shut off.

[0017] Fig. 3 shows a schematic of the working fluid being compressed by the sound energy generated by a piezoelectric transducer. Emphasis can be placed on securing effective compression. Figs. 4-6 show another embodiment of the heat generation device using a substantially cylindrical container 20 having a major axis, and three transducers 30. As shown, the three transducers 30 are positioned equidistantly and circumferentially around the central axis of the container 20 and cooperate to generate a detonation wave W (curved arrow in Fig. 5) that is focused on the working fluid 90 at one of the electrodes, for example, the cathode 50.Shockwave constructive interference can be formed using retroreflectors and parabolic surfaces. The transducers can also be ultrasonic transducers. Constructive interference can also occur when multiple waves combine, such as from each transducer, resulting in an increase in the amplitude of the combined wave, preferably at the anode. A distance between the transducers61813-0008 (329)may be equal, as shown in Figures 4-6, or different, depending on the particular application and magnitude of the waves exiting each transducer.

[0018] Figs. 7-8 show cross section views of the container and transducer of a heat generation device in accordance with one embodiment. The electrodes 50, and 60 are positioned in the container 20 but can be electrically and physically isolated from the transducer 30 in the working fluid. The transducer may be threadably connected to the container via a threaded bolt 33 for position adjustment as needed. The cathode 50 where a current is applied is typically also positioned in the container but remote from the anode. Openings in the container are also provided to allow for fluid lines, power lines, and other operationally important components. Due to imperfections in manufacturing, resonance can be somewhat hard to predict. This can be advantageously overcome by tuning the cathode 50 or anode 60. To tune either electrode, the position of both electrodes may be adjustable with respect to the rest of the container 20. Gases produced in the container that could either poison the reaction and / or act as an unwanted barrier between the working fluid and the transducers can be bled out via a vent hole ##? outside and away from the interior of the container. Working fluids get pumped in through the bottom and out the top of the container. Near a base of each chamber fresh cold working fluid can be smoothly [i.e., with not quite laminar flow] introduced through the base and up through a fluid line output (shown in Figs. 9-10). Gases trapped in the pumped fluid can be off gassed while in the holding / cooling reservoir, that is, they are routed away from the chamber. The path of the fluids is channeled radially along through gaps 57 in an O-ring 58 of the container. This allows for bubbles to immediately rise above the transducer’s water level and be vented out.71813-0008 (329)

[0019] Fig. 9 shows a schematic isometric view of another embodiment of a heat generation device 10 with a container 20 having a first segment 28 and a second segment 29 affixed to the first segment, wherein the container is configured with a parabolic segment or section 77 at one end 23 to help concentrate waves at a focal point (again with the cathode 60 generally at or adjacent to the focal point) on the working fluid. A fluid line input 51 is shown along with a fluid line output 52, along with a transducer power source 53. Fig. 10 shows a schematic isometric view of a heat exchanger which can be adapted to keep the fluid below the maximum operating temperature. The fluid input line 51 and fluid output line 52 are shown.Advantageously the heat generation devices disclosed herein can run at relatively low temperatures and pressures. For example, the heat generation device may have an operating temperature of about 0°C - 100°C (where fluid is in a liquid state), and an operating pressure can be in the range of 1 atm to 10 atm. The container can comprise a relatively strong and corrosion resistant material, such as stainless steel.

[0020] Heat generated by the device 10 can come from one or more of several sources, such as a result of neutron discharge and absorption from the heat generation device. The heat generation device disclosed herein can be used for electricity generation. Fig. 11 shows a schematic of how this occurs. A saltwater working solution 90 is used to generate fuel, heat is captured in a heat exchange medium 76 and routed to a conventional turbine 93 to transfer heat to steam, rotate a turbine, and generate electricity. The heat exchange medium 76 can flow in a channel 86 and be physically isolated from both the steam 75 (which flows in a steam tube 85) and the working fluid 90 (which is delivered to the heat exchange medium via conduit 91) so that the several different liquids flow in isolated tubing for relative heat transfer as shown. The heat exchange81813-0008 (329)medium 76 may also operate to transfer heat away from the working fluid independently of the transfer of heat to the steam tube and thereby keep a temperature of the working fluid below a maximum operating temperature. A condenser 92 cools the steam which is returned to be heated by the heat exchange medium 76 (which is in turn heated by the working fluid and the heated heat generation device 10). Any kind of agent that produces heat (such as thermal convection or conduction transferred to the shielding of the device 10, or neutron radiation discharged from the device and absorbed by the shielding) is converted to heat the conduit 91. The working fluid and the heat transfer fluid are separate to maintain proper temperature and densities for each.

[0021] From the foregoing disclosure and detailed description of certain embodiments, it will be apparent that various modifications, additions, and other alternative embodiments are possible without departing from the true scope of the invention. The embodiments discussed were chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to use the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the invention as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally, and equitably entitled.91813-0008 (329)

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A heat generation device comprising, in combination:a container having a first end, a second end, and a central axis and containing a working fluid, with a cathode and an anode positioned in the working fluid;wherein the cathode is adapted to split the fluid in response to passing an electric current through the cathode; anda transducer affixed to the container and adapted to generate a wave that moves through the working fluid.

2. The heat generation device of claim 1 where the transducer generates a pressure wave in the working fluid.

3. The heat generation device of claim 2 wherein the anode is electrically isolated from the transducer.

4. The heat generation device of claim 2 wherein the transducer comprises a plurality of transducers surrounding a central axis of the container.

5. The heat generation device of claim 1 configured to operate within an operating temperature in the range of 0°C - 100°C.101813-0008 (329)6. The heat generation device of claim 4 configured to operate at a pressure in the range of 1 atm to 10 atm.

7. The heat generation device of claim 1 wherein the working fluid comprises one of water, deuterated water, an ionic solution of water, and an ionic solution of deuterated water.

8. The heat generation device of claim 1 wherein the container is cylindrical and the transducer comprises one or more piezoelectric transducers positioned equidistantly and circumferentially around a central axis of the container.

9. The heat generation device of claim 1 wherein the container has a parabolic surface at the second end.

10. The heat generation device of claim 9 further comprising an adjustable thread positioned at the first end, wherein the transducer is adjustable by movement of the adjustable thread.

11. The heat generation device of claim 1 wherein heat is generated, and the heat is used to generate electricity.

12. The heat generation device of claim 11 further comprisinga conduit carrying the working fluid;a channel carrying a heat exchange medium;111813-0008 (329)a turbine provided with a steam tube carrying steam;wherein heat is transferred from the conduit to the channel to the steam tube in the turbine, and operation of the turbine generates electricity.

13. The heat generation device of claim 12 further comprising a condenser at the steam tube adapted to cool steam in the steam tube.

14. The heat generation device of claim 13 wherein the heat exchange medium is physically isolated from the working fluid and the steam.

15. The heat generation device of claim 12 wherein the heat exchange medium operatively is connected to the working fluid and adapted to keep the working fluid below a maximum operating temperature.

16. The heat generation device of claim 1 wherein the container comprises a corrosive resistant material.

17. The heat generation device of claim 1 wherein the container is formed of a neutron transparent substance adapted to reduce degradation of the chamber.121813-0008 (329)

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