U.S. patent application number 16/497503 was filed with the patent office on 2021-09-09 for triggering exothermic reactions under high hydrogen loading rates.
The applicant listed for this patent is INDUSTRIAL HEAT, LLC. Invention is credited to Julie A. Morris.
Application Number | 20210280326 16/497503 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005668343 |
Filed Date | 2021-09-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210280326 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Morris; Julie A. |
September 9, 2021 |
Triggering Exothermic Reactions Under High Hydrogen Loading
Rates
Abstract
Methods and apparatus are disclosed for triggering an exothermic
reaction under a high hydrogen loading rate. It is generally
understood that a high hydrogen loading ratio is an important
factor. The present application teaches that a high hydrogen
loading rate, that is, achieving a high hydrogen loading ratio in a
short period of time, is another important factor in determining
whether excess heat can be observed in an exothermic reaction. The
present application discloses methods and apparatus for achieving a
high hydrogen loading rate in order to trigger an exothermic
reaction.
Inventors: |
Morris; Julie A.; (Flower
Mound, TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
INDUSTRIAL HEAT, LLC |
Raleigh |
NC |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005668343 |
Appl. No.: |
16/497503 |
Filed: |
March 28, 2018 |
PCT Filed: |
March 28, 2018 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US2018/024790 |
371 Date: |
September 25, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62478080 |
Mar 29, 2017 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C01B 3/0026 20130101;
G21B 1/11 20130101; C25B 11/052 20210101; C25B 9/17 20210101 |
International
Class: |
G21B 1/11 20060101
G21B001/11; C01B 3/00 20060101 C01B003/00; C25B 9/17 20060101
C25B009/17; C25B 11/052 20060101 C25B011/052 |
Claims
1. A method of triggering an exothermic reaction in a reaction
chamber, the reaction chamber comprising a hydrogen absorbing
material, the method comprising: introducing a hydrogen gas into
the chamber; applying a first condition, under which the hydrogen
gas is loaded into the hydrogen absorbing material at a first
hydrogen loading rate during a first time period; applying a second
condition, under which the hydrogen gas is loaded into the hydrogen
absorbing material at a second hydrogen loading rate during a
second time period; and initiating the exothermic reaction in the
reaction chamber under the second condition; wherein the second
hydrogen loading rate is higher than the first hydrogen loading
rate.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein applying the first condition
comprises applying a temperature T1 and a pressure P1.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the reaction chamber further
comprises an electrode and the electrode is plated with the
hydrogen absorbing material, and wherein applying the second
condition comprises applying a high voltage differential between
the reaction chamber and the electrode.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein the high voltage differential
ranges from 3000V to 6000V.
5. The method of claim 2, wherein applying the second condition
comprises increasing the pressure P1 within the reaction chamber
from a vacuum to 100 PSI.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of applying the first
condition is optional.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the first loading ratio or the
second loading ratio is a localized loading ratio.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the first loading ratio or the
second loading ratio is an average loading ratio.
9. A device configured for triggering and sustaining an exothermic
reaction, comprising: a reaction chamber; a hydrogen absorbing
material; and one or more input ports for receiving a gas inlet and
one or more controlling devices, wherein a hydrogen gas is
introduced into the device via the gas inlet, and wherein the one
or more controlling devices are configured to apply a first
condition under which the hydrogen gas is loaded into the hydrogen
absorbing material at a first hydrogen loading ratio within a first
time period, and to apply a second condition under which the
hydrogen gas is loaded into the hydrogen absorbing material at a
second hydrogen loading ratio within a second time period, the
second hydrogen loading ratio being higher than the first hydrogen
loading ratio; wherein the exothermic reaction is initiated under
the second condition.
10. The device of claim 9, wherein the first condition comprises a
temperature T1 and a pressure P1.
11. The device of claim 9, wherein the device further comprises an
electrode and the electrode is plated with a hydrogen absorbing
material, wherein the second condition comprises a high voltage
differential between the device and the electrode.
12. The device of claim 11, wherein the high voltage differential
ranges from 3000V to 6000V.
13. The device of claim 9, wherein the second condition comprises
increasing the pressure P1 within the reaction chamber from a
vacuum to 100 PSI.
14. The device of claim 9, wherein the step of applying the first
condition is optional.
15. The device of claim 9, wherein the first loading ratio or the
second loading ratio is a localized loading ratio.
16. The device of claim 9, wherein the first loading ratio or the
second loading ratio is an average loading ratio.
17. A method of triggering an exothermic reaction in a reaction
chamber, the reaction chamber comprising a hydrogen absorbing
material, the method comprising: introducing a hydrogen gas into
the reaction chamber; applying a condition, under which the
hydrogen gas is loaded into the hydrogen absorbing material to
achieve a high hydrogen loading rate; and initiating the exothermic
reaction in the reaction chamber.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a U.S. National Stage application of
International Application No. PCT/US18/024790, filed on Mar. 28,
2018, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application
No. 62/478,080 filed on Mar. 29, 2017, and the entire contents of
which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates generally to heat generation
in an exothermic reaction, and more specifically, to controlling a
hydrogen or deuterium loading rate to trigger an exothermic
reaction.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Heat generation in an exothermic reaction involving hydrogen
or deuterium atoms loaded in a metal lattice has been observed and
confirmed by independent teams around the world. Examples of metal
lattices include palladium, nickel, alloys etc. However, attempts
to reproduce those exothermic reactions in a consistent manner have
failed.
[0004] Many factors are deemed important in determining whether
excess power will be observed in an exothermic reaction. For
example, when a hydrogen or deuterium gas is loaded into a metal
lattice, a loading ratio higher than 0.8 is considered a necessary
but insufficient condition in triggering an exothermic reaction. A
"rough" surface on the metal lattice is also considered important
because a metal lattice with a rough surface can achieve a higher
hydrogen loading ratio than a smooth surface.
[0005] The present application discloses novel and advantageous
methods and apparatus for triggering an exothermic reaction
consistently.
SUMMARY
[0006] The present disclosure relates to triggering conditions for
an exothermic reaction. In the present disclosure, the term
"hydrogen" is used to refer to a hydrogen gas comprising pure
deuterium, trillium, or any combination of the three isotopes.
[0007] In some embodiments, a device configured for hosting an
exothermic reaction comprises a hydrogen absorbing material and one
or more input ports. The one or more input ports are configured for
receiving a gas inlet and one or more controlling devices. The one
or more controlling devices are configured to apply a condition to
achieve a high hydrogen loading rate, under which an exothermic
reaction is initiated.
[0008] In some embodiments, a method for triggering an exothermic
reaction in a reaction chamber comprises the following steps.
First, a hydrogen gas is introduced into the reaction chamber. The
reaction chamber contains a hydrogen absorbing material. While the
hydrogen gas is loaded into the hydrogen absorbing material, a
condition is applied to achieve a high hydrogen loading rate, under
which an exothermic reaction is initiated.
[0009] In some embodiments, a method of triggering an exothermic
reaction in a reaction chamber is disclosed. A hydrogen gas is
first introduced into the metal container before a first condition
is applied. Under a first condition, the hydrogen gas is loaded
into the hydrogen absorbing material to achieve a first hydrogen
loading ratio within a first time period. Afterwards, a second
condition is applied. Under the second condition, the hydrogen gas
is loaded into the hydrogen absorbing material to achieve a second
hydrogen loading ratio within a second time period. The second
loading ratio is higher than the first loading ratio and the second
time period is shorter than the first time period. An exothermic
reaction may be initiated under the second condition. In some
embodiments, applying the first condition is optional.
[0010] In some embodiments, a device configured for triggering and
sustaining an exothermic reaction is disclosed. The device
comprises a container, one or more electrodes, and one or more
input ports. In one embodiment, the device is configured to host a
type of exothermic reaction that involves a transition metal loaded
with hydrogen. In one embodiment, the metal container is plated
with a hydrogen absorbing material and receives the one or more
electrodes through a port at the end of the metal container. The
one or more input ports are configured to receive one or more
controlling devices. The one or more controlling devices are
configured to apply different conditions under which a hydrogen gas
can be loaded into the hydrogen absorbing material. Under a first
condition, the hydrogen gas is loaded into the hydrogen absorbing
material at a first hydrogen loading ratio within a first time
period. Under a second condition, the hydrogen gas is loaded into
the hydrogen absorbing material at a second hydrogen loading ratio
within a second time period. The second hydrogen loading ratio is
higher than the first hydrogen loading ratio. An exothermic
reaction is triggered under the second condition.
[0011] In yet another embodiment, a device configured for an
exothermic reaction comprises an electrolytic cell. The device
comprises a container filled with an electrolyte. The device
further comprises one or more input ports for receiving a cathode
and an anode. The cathode is plated with a hydrogen absorbing
material and can absorb or adsorb a hydrogen gas. When the hydrogen
gas is loaded into the hydrogen absorbing material at a high
hydrogen loading rate that exceeds a threshold, an exothermic
reaction may be triggered.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary reactor configured for heat
generation.
[0013] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary curve showing a hydrogen
loading process in a metal lattice.
[0014] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary curve showing another
hydrogen loading process in a metal lattice.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary triggering
method of an exothermic reaction under a high hydrogen loading
rate.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary reactor 100 configured for
exothermic reactions. The reactor 100 comprises a container 102,
one or more electrodes 104, and a lid 106. In FIG. 1, the lid 106
is placed at one end of the reactor 100 and is used to accommodate
the one or more electrodes 104, input/output ports 114, and a
removable electrical pass-through 116. The one or more electrodes
104 may be made of tungsten, molybdenum, cobalt, or nickel, or
other rugged metal that can withstand high voltage and high
temperature environment. In some embodiments, the positive
electrode is made of or plated with palladium. In some embodiments,
the negative electrode is platinum. One of the input/output ports
114 can be used to introduce reaction gases into the reactor 100 or
extract resultant gases from the reactor 100. The input/output
ports 114 can also be used to accommodate pressure controlling
devices, which can be used to apply a vacuum, extract gases or
input gases.
[0017] In one type of exothermic reactions, two deuterium atoms or
ions fuse to form helium and release energy in the process. The
reactor 100 shown in FIG. 1 can be configured as follows. In one
exemplary reactor 100, the container 102 is made of metal. The
interior wall of the container 102 is first plated with gold 108 or
another material (e.g., silver). The plated gold or silver
functions as a seal to prevent reaction gasses in the chamber from
escaping through the wall of the reaction chamber 100. On top of
the gold 108, a layer of hydrogen absorbing material is plated.
Outside the reactor 100, a magnet may be optionally placed.
[0018] In some embodiments, the exemplary reactor 100 is configured
as an electrolytic cell. The container 102 may be filled with an
electrolyte. The container 102 further comprises two electrodes, a
cathode and an anode, which are accommodated through the
input/output ports 114. Power lines may be accommodated through the
electrical pass-through 116.
[0019] In certain types of exothermic reactions, the reactor 100
needs to be preconditioned for an exothermic reaction to happen.
One of the prerequisite conditions is that the hydrogen absorbing
material 110 is loaded with hydrogen/deuterium. In some
embodiments, an exothermic reaction can be triggered when the
hydrogen loading ratio exceeds a threshold. A hydrogen loading
ratio describes how much hydrogen or deuterium has been absorbed or
adsorbed into the hydrogen absorbing material, e.g., palladium. For
example, in one exemplary embodiment in which the reaction chamber
100 is an electrolytic cell, the cathode of the electrolytic cell
is plated with palladium. As a hydrogen/deuterium gas is loaded
into the palladium, an exothermic reaction may be triggered when
the loading ratio exceeds a certain threshold.
[0020] It is generally understood that the loading ratio of
hydrogen is important in triggering an exothermic reaction. While a
general correlation between high hydrogen loading ratios and excess
heat generation has been observed, no triggering mechanism that can
be used to consistently initiate an exothermic reaction has been
identified. One postulation is that a high hydrogen loading ratio
is a necessary but insufficient condition for triggering an
exothermic reaction. On the other hand, a high loading rate may
provide a consistent triggering mechanism for excess heat
generation. In some embodiments, an exothermic reaction may be
triggered under a fast hydrogen loading rate. A hydrogen loading
rate describes how fast the hydrogen is being absorbed or adsorbed
into the hydrogen absorbing material.
[0021] In some embodiments, a high hydrogen/deuterium loading rate
triggers an exothermic reaction. For example, when a hydrogen gas
is pressurized into the reaction chamber 100, a large flow of
hydrogen/deuterium gas is introduced into the reaction chamber 100
in a short period of time. When hydrogen/deuterium ions/atoms are
loaded into the lattice quickly, an exothermic reaction can be
induced. The exothermic reaction may be between the
hydrogen/deuterium atoms/ions that are "jammed" into the metal
lattice, which plays a catalytic role in the exothermic
reaction.
[0022] In some embodiments, a high hydrogen/deuterium loading rate
can be achieved by applying a magnetic field or imposing a voltage.
Hydrogen ions are accelerated to a high speed when under the
influence of a strong magnetic field or a high voltage (electric
field). When high speed hydrogen/deuterium ions enter a metal
lattice, an exothermic reaction may be induced, due to the high
kinetic energy of the hydrogen/deuterium ions loaded into the metal
lattice.
[0023] In some embodiments, when a hydrogen/deuterium gas is loaded
quickly into a metal lattice, e.g., palladium, the distribution of
hydrogen atoms/ions inside the metal lattice may be uneven. Within
certain areas, the hydrogen/deuterium loading ratio may be higher
than the average loading ratio. Within certain pockets, the
hydrogen/deuterium loading ratio can exceed the threshold required
for triggering an exothermic reaction.
[0024] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary hydrogen absorbing process
200 in a hydrogen absorbing material such as palladium. In FIG. 2,
the x-axis shows the elapsed time and the y-axis shows the hydrogen
loading ratio measured as the ratio between the hydrogen atoms/ions
loaded into the metal lattice and the palladium atoms of the
hydrogen absorbing material. Initially, when a hydrogen absorbing
material is placed in a hydrogen/deuterium gas, the hydrogen or
deuterium gas is being adsorbed and absorbed quickly. After a
period of time, t, the hydrogen loading process slows down, until
the hydrogen absorbing material is "saturated" with
hydrogen/deuterium. The hydrogen loading ratio remains
substantially stable after t'.
[0025] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary hydrogen loading process
300. During the first stage of the hydrogen loading process 300,
between t.sub.0 and t.sub.1, an optional first loading condition is
applied in the reaction chamber 100. The first loading condition
may include a pressure P.sub.1 and a temperature T.sub.1.
Additionally, the first loading condition may include a voltage
V.sub.1, a magnetic field B.sub.1, etc. As the hydrogen is loaded
into the hydrogen absorbing material, e.g., a palladium lattice,
the hydrogen loading ratio steadily increases from r.sub.0 to
r.sub.1 during the time period between t.sub.0 and t.sub.1. The
loading rate during this time period is:
S 1 = r 1 - r 0 t 1 - t 0 ( 1 ) ##EQU00001##
[0026] During the time period between t.sub.1 and t.sub.2, a second
condition is applied inside the reaction chamber 100. The second
condition may include one or more of the following: a pressure
P.sub.2, a temperature T.sub.2, a voltage V.sub.2, a magnetic field
B.sub.2, etc. Under the second condition, the hydrogen is being
loaded into the hydrogen absorbing material faster than under the
first condition. The loading ratio increases from r.sub.1 to
r.sub.2 during the second time period between t.sub.1 and t.sub.2.
The loading rate under the second condition during the second time
period is:
S 2 = r 2 - r 1 t 2 - t 1 ( 2 ) ##EQU00002##
[0027] When under the second condition, because of the rapid
loading of hydrogen, an exothermic reaction is triggered. In one
embodiment, the device 100 comprises a metal container 102 that is
plated with palladium or nickel. An electrode 104 made of a metal,
such as Molybdenum, is present in the middle of the container.
Hydrogen or deuterium is present in the closed container under
normal pressure conditions (e.g., <2 PSI). A negative voltage or
ground is applied to the hydrogen absorbing lattice while a
positive voltage is applied to the electrode 104. In one
embodiment, the voltage is about 5000V. In another embodiment, the
voltage ranges between 3000V to 6000V. This voltage change creates
a strong electric field that causes the hydrogen or deuterium to
"slam" into the palladium/nickel wall, yielding a loading rate
higher than normal. Under this fast loading rate, loaded hydrogen
atoms/ions are distributed in the metal lattice unevenly and small
areas with high hydrogen loading ratio may be formed.
[0028] In another embodiment, the metal container 102 in the
reaction chamber 100 holds palladium or nickel nanoparticles. The
container 102 is initially set at a vacuum, e.g., 10{circumflex
over ( )}7 Torr or higher. Deuterium or hydrogen is introduced into
the container quickly, causing pressure to increase from a vacuum
to at least 100 PSI within a short period of time. In one
embodiment, the pressure increases from a high vacuum to 100 PSI in
15 seconds. This sudden increase of pressure creates areas of high
concentration hydrogen/deuterium. Within those areas,
hydrogen/deuterium loading ratios are high, and an abnormal heat
generation event can be triggered to promote excess heat
generation.
[0029] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary triggering process 400 of an
exothermic reaction under a high hydrogen loading rate. In the
process 400, a hydrogen gas is first introduced into the metal
container (step 402). During a first time period, a first condition
is applied. Under the first condition, the hydrogen gas is loaded
into the hydrogen absorbing material to reach a first hydrogen
loading ratio within a first time period (step 404). During a
second time period, a second condition is applied. Under the second
condition, the hydrogen gas is loaded into the hydrogen absorbing
material to achieve a second hydrogen loading ratio (step 406). The
second hydrogen loading ratio is higher than the first hydrogen
loading ratio. Under the second condition, an exothermic reaction
is triggered in the reaction chamber 100 (step 408).
[0030] The present invention may be carried out in other specific
ways than those herein set forth without departing from the scope
and essential characteristics of the invention. The present
embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as
illustrative and not restrictive, and all changes coming within the
meaning and equivalency range of the appended claims are intended
to be embraced therein.
* * * * *