GB2510435A - Electrical energy generation by inducing current from a flow of ionised matter which is ionised by focused radiation - Google Patents

Abstract

An electrical energy generating unit includes a radiating body (4, figs 13 to 15) for emitting thermal radiation harvested from a source such as solar energy, a collimating means to direct the radiation from the body into a beam, a focusing means to focus the radiation onto a target 19 of smaller area than said radiating body 4. The target is a macroscopic particle which when irradiated creates an ionised gas or plasma, an induction means is used to induce an electric current in an induction coil from the moving ionised gas. The ionised gas in contained in a conduit system having magnetic coils 21 and induction coils 22 surrounding the conduits through which the ionised gas or plasma flows.

Description

Generator Backoround This invention relates to a device for transforming heat energy into electrical energy at unprecedented Carnot efficiencies or the transformation of the kinetic energy of matter into electrical energy without the relative motion of its condensed-matter members.

When a heat-source of any type transfers heat to its environment, said heat energy may be converted into the kinetic energy of a working fluid which subsequently may be used to generate electrical power.

However, the use of conventional generators can lead to a number of difficulties. If much energy released by the heat-source is being absorbed for molecular vibration or rotation within the working fluid, less translational kinetic energy is available to be converted into electricity.

Furthermore, the typical maximum temperature of the working fluid as well as the temperature tolerances and inertia of condensed-matter turbine-blades inhibits the maximum theoretical efficiency of conventional power-plants.

Statement of Invention

To overcome the previously outlined problems, the present invention proposes an electrical generation system with heat-exchange means for cooling a heat-source by heat-transfer to the coolant, radiating-means for radiating the acquired heat-energy from the coolant in a radiation-field of suitable geometry, collimating means for collimating the radiation-field geometry into a beam for efficient energy-transport, focusing means for increasing the radiated heat-flux intensity to a maximum at a focus, at least one macroscopic particle target at said fccus to be irradiated and accelerated and transformed into an ionised gas, and generating means such that kinetic energy of the macroscopic particle remnant and the internal energy of the ionised gas can be transformed into electrical energy.

Advantages The heat-exchange means is preferably provided by a hydraulic coolant-circuit, although the heat-exchange means may also be provided by other means, such as a pneumatic coolant-circuit or by enclosing the heat-source within a cavity to approach thermodynamic equilibrium such that the exterior of said cavity radiates heat-energy to its surroundings at a sustainable rate comparable to the sustainable heat-transfer rate frcm the heat-source itself.

The heat-exchange means may be adaptable so that the method of heat-transfer from the heat-source to the coolant may be modified to suit different types of available heat-sources and the user' s requiremets.

The radiating means is preferably provided by a coolant-fed radiator with exterior circular cross-section, althcugh the radiating means may also be provided by other means, such as a heat source-containing cavity with exterior circular cross-section.

The radiating means may be adjustable so that the integrated power of its radiated heat can be modified by the coolant flow-rate to suit the power of an available heat-source and the user' s requirement.

The radiating means may be adaptable so that the intensity of its radiated heat can be modified to suit the operating temperature of an available heat-source and the user' s requirements.

The radiating means may be adaptable so that the geometry of its radiating surface can be selected to enclose end accommodate the volume and geometry of an available heat-source to minimise the escape of heat from the heat-source to its surroundings.

The collimating means is preferably provided by a reflecting-surface of parabolic cross-section whose focus ccincides with the centre of the radiating means' exterior circular cross-section, &though the collimating means may also be provided by other means, such as at least one lens on the collimating-axis or at least one reflector of curved cross-section or a plurality of reflectors of linear cross-section or at least one object with a gradient in its refractive index.

The collimating means may be adjustable so that at different temperatures of the radiating means, the corresponding different wavelengths at peak-intensity of radiated photons with their corresponding wave-vectors may be refracted towards the collimation axis by modifying the refractive-index gradient of a refractive-object or by modifying lens-geometry to suit the user' s varying requirements.

The focusing means is preferably provided by a plurality of staggered reflective surfaces of linear cross-section and at least one reflective surface of parabolic cross-section, although the focusing means may also be provided by other means, such as at least one reflector of curved cross-section or at least one lens or at least one object with a gradient in its refractive index.

The focusing means may be adjustable so that the degree of focusing or curvature of the curved-reflector can be adjusted to modify focused beam convergence-angle to coincide with the macrosoopic particle target' s ablation and disintegration rate in-flight such that the focused beam profile dimensions shrink at a comparable rate to said particle remnant' s dimensions down-range, thereby increasing the duration of maximum irradiation, maximum ablation or maximum disintegration, maximum impulse, maximum acceleration and therefore; maximum terminal-ballistic kinetic energy of the particle remnant resulting in maximum internal energy of the vaporised and ionioed macroscopic particle remnant.

The focusing means may be adjustable so that the separation between its staggered planar reflectors can be modified to admit the focused beam reflected from the curved reflector through said separation, to enable the macroscopic particle target to be irradiated with the maximum focusable radiated flux from the collimation means.

The generating means is preferably provided by a plurality of electromagnets and a plurality of inductors arranged in close-proximity to an evacuated vessel capable of dispensing macroscopic particles into its volume, although the generating means may also be provided by other means, such as at least one permanent magnet and at least one inductor arranged in close-proximity to an evacuated vessel capable of dispensing macroscopic particles into its volume or any other generator capable of being subjected to temperatures greatly exceeding the maximum operating limits of conventional thermal power-plants and transforming the heat-energy into electrical energy at high Carnot efficiencies.

The generating means is preferably provided by a sheet comprising a sandwioh-arrangement of alternate layers of dielectric and electrically-conducting materials rolled about an axis into helical-geometry to resemble a single cylindrical cable; the thickness of each electrically-conducting layer is related to the electromagnetic skin-depth, the width of the sheet prior to being rolled is related to the circumference of the single cylindrical cable, the length of the sheet is related to the length of the single cylindrical cable and the single cylindrical cable itself may be wound about an alternative axis orthogonai to the afcreraentioned axis to form a single coiled cable or single coiled conduit or singie inductor, however, a plurality of inductors may be used so that total impedance will be minimised in the event of electromagnetic induction occurring over short-duration pulses.

The generating means may aiso be provided by other means such as a centra] cylinder with alternating dielectric and eiectrically-conducting hollow coaxiai cylinders of successively-increasing diameter resembling the annua] growth rings of timber as studied in dendrochronology; the radiai thickness of each electrically-conducting hollow-cylinder is related to the electromagnetic skin-depth, the single cylindrical cabJe itseii may be wound about an alternative axis orthogonal to the aforementioned axis to form a single coiled cable or single coiled conduit or single ±nductor, however, a plur&Jity of inductors may be used so that total impedance will be minimised in the event of electromagnetic induct±on occurring over short-duration pulses.

The generating means' evacuated volume nay be dischargab]e so that electrons ejected from the irradiated macroscopic particle that have reached the interior surface of the evacuated volume, or gaseous ions expanding from the irradiated macroscopic particle that have reached the interior surface of the evacuated volume, alter the electrical potential of said surface and the potentiai difference and impedance between the surface and a distinct reference potential can be modified to suit the generat±ng process and the user' s requirements.

The generating means may be excitable so that the application of direct-current electricity to the electromagnets, will magnetise the evacuated volume, causing the gyration of charged-particle species within the ionised gas and their subsequent magnetic-flux generation will induce eiectricity in the inductors to suit the requirements of the user.

The generating means may be adaptable so that the orientations of magnetisation of its evacuated volume cRay be selected o transform the k±net±c energy of charged-species with veioo±ty parallei to a particular magnetic field, by ca-ising said species to move through a distinct, non-paralJeJ magnetic fieJd and gyrate to induce electricaJ energy in the inductors to suit the requirements of the user.

The generating means may be electrifiable so that its electromagnets, its inductors or its electrodes and its permanent magnets or its electrodes and its electromagnets may generate magnetised ionised gas within its evacuated volume so that the passage of un-ionised matter through the magnetised lonised gas results in momentum-transfer to the charged-particle species within the ionised gas, subsequent gyration of oaid charged particles, circulating electrical current, associated magnetic flux-change and the induction of electrical energy in the inductors to suit the requirements of the user.

The generating means may be excitable by the induction of electrical energy by brief electromagnetic pulses caused by detonation of the macroscopic particle and interaction of the resultant ionised gas with the generating means' magnetic fields; conduits exporting electric power are of low-impedance and mitigate a damped and sluggish-response by the generating means thereby allowing induced electrical energy to meet the user' s requirements.

The generating means may be adaptable so that the energy lost as heat from the generating process is absorbed by its condensed-matter members, an increase in temperature and the internal energy of its condensed matter members is anticipated and the waste-heat may be removed by a hydraulic or pneumatic coolant-circuit which may in turn, supplement the heat transferred from the heat-source to the radiating means; thereby renewing the operation cycle.

The generating means, to the exclusion of the other components of the invention may be adaptable so that it solely may be fitted to a conventional power-plant' s exhaust-stream or heated ooolant-strea or a vessel, vehicle or more commonly to an aircraft or spacecraft; the kinetic energy of the medium flowing over the generating means' surfaces as intake-mtter or exhaust-matter or drag, is transformed into electrical energy or used to cool down exhaust-matter or provide a retarding-force for the vessel, vehicle, aircraft or spacecraft to suit the conditions of the surrounding-medium and the user' s, driver' s or pilot' s requirements.

Introduction to Drawings

The invention will now be described sclely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which; Figure 1 shows an external view of the generator as seen from above or below with its horizontal and vertical armatures, Figure 2 shows an external view of the generator rotated by ninety degrees about its vertical armature axis as depicted in figure 1, Figure 3 shows an external view of the generator rotated by one-hundred and eighty degrees about its vertical armature axis as depicted in figure 2, Figure 4 shows an external view of the generator rotated by forty-five degrees about the observation axis which is mutually orthogonal to the horizontal armature axis and the vertical armature axis as depicted in figure 1, Figure 5 shows the generator as depicted in figure 4 bisected by the plane whose area-vector is parallel to the observation axis so that the upper or lower half of the generator' s interior is dpicted and the generator' s hollow core is revealed, Figure 6 shows the generator as depicted in figure 5 with stealth arrows to indicate hollow core inner surface position-vector and its angular co-ordinate, primary magnetising coil position-vector and its angular co-ordinate, primary induction coil position-vector and its angular co-ordinate, secondary magnetising coil position-vector and its angular position co-ordinate, secondary inductor coil position-vector and its angular co-ordinate, Figure 7 shows a representation of circulating electrical current flowing through the primary magnetising coil and generating a labelled magnetic field as described by the right-hand rule known in the art, Figure 8 is the secondary radiation source or ERS drawn as depicted from the front or left or rear or right and shows its labelled cylindrical coolant-transport shaft, its spherical radiator support-structure and piping, SF5 is symmetric about the observed axis of symmetry, Figure 9 shows a simplified depiction of the SRS with die spherical support-structure of the radiator and nine loops of piping equivalent to nine windings of piping around said support structure, Figure 10 shows the SIRS depicted in figure 9 as observed from below with four visible loops of piping around the spherical support-structure, cylindrical coolant-transport shaft, the outer coolant-pipe and its inner insulated co-axial coolant-pipe, Figure 11 shows the SIRS further simplified from its depiction in figure 9 with coolant-transport shaft and spherical support-structure bisected to reveal parallel but not coaxial coolant-pipes, the central coolant-pipe adjoins the pipe coil-end near the zenith ot the SRS, the pipe coil winds downward towards the nadir of the spherical support-structure were it adjoins the outermost coolant-pipe, tigure 11 therefore depicts part of a hydraulic or pneumatic ci r c u it, Figure 12 shows the SIRS further simplified from its depiction in figure 11, tigure 12 depicts the SIRS as a thin slice made by a cutting-action perpendicular to the axis of observation, central coolant-pipe, thermally-insulating coolant-transport shaft, visible adjoining pipe coil winding' s circular cross-section, outer coolab-pipe, Figure 13 shows a symbolised depiction of the sun and a solar collector system comprising two parabolic troughs, hydraulic or pneumatic coolant circuit pipe-element co-axial with the parabolic trough focal axes, fluid heated at the trough focal axes and pumped counter-clockwise as is depicted by the closed arrow-heads, pipe entering central coolant-pipe inlet of SRS and delivering heated fluid to pipe-coil of SIRS, SIRS radiating heat away from fluid within pipe-coil depicted by open arrow-headed lines, cooled fluid returning through coolant circuit towards parabolic trough to be reheated by retlected sunlight absorbed through coolant-pipe on focal axes, Figure 14 shows a symbolised depiction ot a geothermal system comprising hydraulic or pneumatic coolant circuit with coolant-pipe embedded in the ground, tluid heated within the subterranean coolant pipe-element and pumped upwards counter-clockwise as is depicted by the closed arrow-heads, pipe adjoining central coolant-pipe inlet of SRS and delivering heated fluid to pipe-coil of SIRS, SIRS radiating heat away from fluid within pipe-coil depicted by open arrow-headed lines, cooled tluid returning through coolant circuit down towards the ground to be reheated by geothermal source transferring heat which is to be absorbed through coolant-pipe in subterranean housing, Figure 15 shows a symbolised depiction of a nuclear fission reactor system comprising fuel-rods, hydraulic or pneumatic coolant circuit with coolant-pipe passing through the moderator or acting as moderator, fluid heated within the coolant-pipe and pumped counter-clockwise as is depicted by the closed arrow-heads, pipe adjoining central coolant-pipe inlet of SRS and delivering heated fluid to pipe-coil of SRS, SRS radiating heat away from fluid within pipe-coil depicted by open arrow-headed lines, cooled fluid returning through coolant circuit towards the nuclear fission reactor to be reheated by nuclear fission reactions transferring heat which is to be absorbed through coolant-pipe, Figure 16 shows a symbolised depiction of a fossil-fuel or coal-burning system comprising hydraulic or pneumatic coolant circuit with coolant-pipe above the flames, fluid heated within the coolant-pipe and pumped counter-clockwise as is depicted by the closed arrow-heads, pipe adjoining central coolant-pipe inlet of SES and delivering heated fluid to pipe-coil of SRS, SRS radiating heat away from fluid within pipe-coil depicted by open arrow-headed lines, cooled fluid returning through coolant circuit towards the burning fuel to be reheated by chemical reactions transferring heat which is to be absorbed through coolant-pipe, Figure 17 is the second embodiment of the secondary radiation source or SRS Mark TI drawn as depicted from the front or left or rear or right and shows its spherical geometry, Figure 18 shows a simplified depiction of the SRS Mark II with the spherical support-structure of the radiator and nine loops of piping symbolising nine windings of piping around said support structure, Figure 19 shows the SS Mark II depicted in figure 18 as observed from below or above with the spherical support-structure of the radiator and four loops cf piping around said support structure, SES Mark I with identical appearance as seen from above as the SF5 Mark II as seen from above cr below, Figure 20 shows the SkS Mark II depicted in figure 20 and is a sliced-view analogous to figure 12 depicting the SRS Mark I, figure 20 as observed from the front with the heat-source or nuclear fission reactor, fuel rod, moderator, spherical support-structure and four loops of piping around said support structure labelled, Figure 21 shows the SF5 Mark II further simplified from its depiction in figure 18, figure 20 depicts the SF5 Mark II as a thin slice made by a cutting-action perpendicular to the axis of observation, central coolant-pipe woven in a rotated s-shape through the reactor, adjoining pipe coil winding' s circular cross-sectionvisible, Figure 21 shows the collimator comprising the SRS Mark II concentric with the focus of a parabolic dish-reflector, a graded refractive cylinder above and below the SF5 Mark II with axis of rotational symmetry coaxial with the parabolic dish' s axis of rotation& symmetry, conical reflective surfaces, Figure 21 is rotationally-symmetric about the observed axis of symmetry depicted in the drawing, Figure 22 follows on from figure 21 and shows the SF5 Mark II radius, parabolic dish surface position-vector, refractive cylinder inner surface position-vector, refractive cylinder outer surface position-vector, inner conical surface position-vector, outer conical surface position-vector, Figure 23 shows the SF5 Mark II radiate as an isotropic blackbody point-source despite its finite radius and internal structure as depicted in figure 20, the radial Poynting-vectors reflected to become parallel rays of radiation, isotropic radiation from the SF5 Mark TI refracted or bent by the graded refractive cylinders to become parallel rays of radiation, inner conical reflector reflecting radiation outwards towards the outer conical reflector, outer-conical reflector reflects radiation to become parallel rays of radiation, all six rays of radiation isotropically radiated by the SF5 Mark II as radial vectors in spherical co-ordinate geometry ultimately are reflected or refracted or refracted and refracted to become parallel rays of radiation moving in the axial direction of cylindrical co-ordinate geometry, Figure 24 follows on from figure 23 and shows the six rays of radiation collimated by the collimator in figure 23, the intensifier comprising offset or staggered planar reflectors for re-directing the six rays of radiation depicted, opposing parabolic reflector for reflecting the six depicted rays of radiation towards a spot between the staggered planar reflectors, the spot of focus situated within the generator, Figure 25 follows on from figure 24 and shows the six rays of radiation converge towards the spot of focus situated within the generator, the spot of focus is the rightmost surface of the macroscopic particle labelled within the generator, Figure 26 follows on from figure 25 and shown the six converging radiated rays depicted by the open-arrowed headed lines depicted in figure 25 panning through the generator aperture and impinge upon the particle within the hollow generator, the particle undergoes acceleration mostly due to ablation and photon pressure, acceleration depicted by double closed arrow-headed line, Figure 27 follows on from figure 26 and shows the macroscopic particle remnant subsequent to its irradiation, its change in position due to its acceleration, its ionisation and its vaporisation forming three small concentric exploding shells populated by different particle species, Figure 28 follows on from figure 27 and shows the irradiated particle' s electrons rapidly expand making contact with the hollow generator' s interior wall thereby decreasing the electrical potential of the generator, the generator' s subsequent electric field isdepicted by the open-arrowed line, figure 28 also shown the ablated ion-gas in the wake of the accelerated particle remnant, the particle remnant approaching the inner-surface of the hollow generator, Figure 29 follows on from figure 28 and shows the electrons gyrate in the presence of the primary magnetic field and the subsequent induction of electrical current in the primary induction coils depicted by the smaller white circles, the impact of the particle remnant with the hollow generator inner surface, the wake of ablated ions from the irradiated particle depicted in figure 26, Figure 30 follows on from figure 29 and shows the electrons travel through the hollow generator toward the presently-energised secondary magnetising coils where they gyrate and induce electrical current in the secondary inductor coils depicted by the smaller white squares, the impacting particle remnant undergoes contact and compression, the particle remnant' s kinetic energy is subsequenty transformed into internal energy, the particle remnant vaporises and ionises further, Figure 31 follows on from figure 30, is analogous to figure 28 and shows the vaporised and ionised particle remnant rebound towards the generator aperture, the ion cloud expands away from the neutral matter and makes contact with the hollow generator inner surface thereby increasing the generator' s electrical potential andproducing an

electric field,

Figure 32 follows on from figure 31, is analogous to figure 29 and shows the ions gyrate in the presence of the primary magnetic field and that there is subsequent induction of electrical current in the primary induction coils, the labelled neutral matter cloud expand at a slower rate, Figure 33 follows on from figure 32, is analogous to figure 30 and shows the ions travel though the hollow generator toward the secondary magnetising coils where they gyrate and induce electrical current in the secondary inductor coils, Figure 34 follows on from figure 33 and shows two inductively coupled discharges and two streams ot particles of neutral species rapidly moving towards them as indicated by the diagonal arrowed lines, Figure 35 follows on from figure 34 and shows that each of the two streams of particles of neutral species collide and distort and pass through an inductively coupled discharge as well as transferring momentum to the charged particles within the discharge and causing them to gyrate in the region of magnetic flux, electrical current is induced within the secondary induction coil and depicted by the white square, Figure 36 follows on from figure 35 and shows the retarded neutral gas leave the generator, heat is removed from the generator' s slid components by a coolant to be recycled in the processes depicted from figure 23 to figure 35 inclusive, the recycled heat may contribute to the heat-transfer depicted in figure 13 to figure 16 inclusive, coolant flux depicted by the solid arrow-headed lines, Figure 37 shows a cross-sectional view of the inductor conduit' s components such as the spiralled conduit sheet, the spiralled spacer-sheet, the conduit casing, figure 37 also shows dimensions such as sheet thickness, spacer thickness, casing diameter, Figure 38 shows a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the inductor or inductor Mark II inductor conduit' s compoents such as the concentric conduit tubes, the concentric spacer-tubes, the conduit casing, figure 38 also shows the eguivalent dimensions introduced in figure 37, Figure 39 shows the perspective view of the inductor conduit bent into a circular arc giving it toroidal geometry, Figure 40 shows the third embodiment cf the SRS or SF5 Mark III support structure, the SF5 Mark III is not spherical as the SF3 Mark I depicted in figure 8 but toroidal in geometry, the SF3 Mark III depicted in figure 40 as seen from the side, Figure 41 shows the arrangement of the geometry of the collimator introduced in figure 21 adapted for the SF3 Mark III, figure 41 is drawn as a though a thin slice was made by cutting actions of the SRS Mark III and the second embodiment of the collimator or collimator Mark II perpendicular to the viewing axis, observation of figure 41 reveals a horizontal and vertical axis of symmetry, the SF3 Mark III and collimator Mark II are rotationally-symmetric about the vertical axis of symmetry, viewing axis mutually orthogonal to horizontal and vertical axes, black circles represent the circular cross-sections of the SRS Mark III torus, Figure 42 shows the support structure of the SRS Mark III introduced in figure 40 as seen from above or below, Figure 43 shows the arrangement of the geometry of the collimator introduced in figure 21 adapted for the SF3 Mark III, figure 41 is drawn as a though a thin slice was made by cutting actions of the SRS Mark III and the third embodiment of the collimator or collimator Mark III perpendicular to the viewing axis, observation of figure 43 reveals a vertical axis of symmetry, the SF3 Mark III and collimator Mark III are rotationally-symmetric about the vertical axis of symmetry, black circles represent the circular cross-sections of the SRS Mark III torus, Figure 44 shows the cigar-shaped, fourth embodiment of the SRS support structure or SF3 Mark IV as seen from the side, observation of figure 44 reveals a horizontal and vertical axis of symmetry, SF5 Mark IV is rotationally symmetric about the horizontal axis of symmetry, Figure 45 shows the SPS Mark IV and its adapted oollimator, the fourth embodiment of the collimator or collimator Mark IV has the same rotational symmetry described for the CRC Mark IV of figure 44, depioted planar reflectors are conical In practice, depicted parabolic reflectors are dish-shaped in practice, one pair of refractors due to the combined hemispherical and cylindrical geometry of SF3 Mark IV, figure 45 is drawn as a though a thin slice was made by cutting actions of the CBS Mark IV and the collimator Mark IV perpendicular to the viewing axis, black region represents the cigar-shaped cross-sections of the CBS Mark IV depicted in figure 44, Figure 46 shows the sipport structure of the CRC Mark IV introduced in figure 44 as seen from the front or rear, Figure 47 shows the CRC Mark IV and its adapted collimator, the fifth embodiment of the collimator or collimator Mark V is not rotational symmetric, depicted planar reflectcrs are prism-like cr wedge-shaped in practice, depicted parabolic reflector is trough-shaped in practice, the refractors are of cuboid-geometry, figure 45 is drawn as though bisected, the black circle represents the circular cross-sections nf the cigar-shaped CRC Mark IV.

Detailed Description

The following section will describe the present invention in detail and elaborate on the accompanying drawings. In general, the drawings are arranged in a sequence so as to illustrate the present invention' s operation in chronological order. Prior to describing the invention, the following paragraphs aim to introduce the reader to the formalities and conventions used in the drawings.

Components are geometrically described by lines without arrows. Components are not necessarily drawn to scale due to the great variation in component sizes throughout the invention. A scale drawing of the entire invention would not show the critical features and the invention' soverview simultaneously. A blue-print or engineering-type drawing would not concisely illustrate the operating principle of the invention. Rather, a symbolic representation is provided in the drawings in order to readily confer understanding of the invention to the reader. To indicate the required sizes, dimensions, angles, mechanical and electromagnetic or EM quantities and properties, arrows are used in the drawings to highlight important features and requirements to carry out the invention which are to be explained in the present detailed description section. The reader is not to confuse arrows with those seen in engineering-type drawings explicitly showing construction lines, materials or dimensions.

Materials are not identified for the invention however the requirements the components must fulfil to carry out the invention are explained. The arrows in the accompanying drawings of the present invention are to indicate quantities of mechanical and EM relevance which may be calculated by following the guiding physical principles in the present specification document.

Components and quantities are labelled and described qualitatively and are essential or at least preferable to carry out the present invention. For example, component 22 is the primary inductor, and component 22, quantity 1 or 22ql is the inductor displacement-vector from the origin as depicted in figure 6 and appears to be the radius of curvature in figure 39. There is a tenuous connection related to radius.

Although no component' s actual dimensions in metre inches or any other unit of measure is specified, it is required that 2Oqi and 20q2 for example describe the geometry of the interior of the hollow generator to be of sufficient dimensions to allow the electrons, if not the ions to gyrate within the generator when an electric current circulates through the magnetising coil 21 and generates a magnetic field.

Cpen arrows indicate M fields. The relevant field manifestation represented will be elaborated upon.

Closed arrows indicate force or the mcvement of matter, material components, material particles or material fluids. The relevant physical quantity represented will be elaborated upon.

The straight stealth arrows of figure 6, figure 22, figure 37, figure 38 and figure 39 represent spatial quantities such as length, radius, range, position-vector and other related measurements or values unspecified in the present document. The curved stealth arrow of figure 22 represents angular quantities or cc-ordinates. The combination of range depicted by the straight stealth arrow and angle depicted by the curved stealth arrow can also represent a position vector, displacement vector or even points on a line, plane or physical surfaces. Several geometries are possible if radial co-ordinate 12q1 varies with angle 12q2 for example. However, in the drawings, the outer conical reflector 12 has a forty-five degree angle from the collimation axis.

Figure 1 shows what resembles and what will be referred to as the negative x-axis and negative y-axis of the generator. The reader is asked to visualise the z-axis pointing 0-it of the page. Figure 1 to figure 4 inclusive are drawn as though viewed externally and considered to be the best anticipated depictions of the generator component of the invention. From figure 4 onwards, the generator is drawn as though rotated by forty-five degrees about the z-axis. Figure 5 to fig-ire 7 inclusive and figure 24 to figure 36 inclusive are drawn as though the generator is sliced into a thin layer by cutting actions perpendicular to the z-axis or axis of observation.

The remainder of the detailed description section is dedicated to the chronologically-sequenced descriptive narrative explaining the operation of the invention.

For the first application of the invention, figure 13 shows that the sun or Sd 1 acts as a source of heat. The radiated heat may be transferred 2 mainly by reflecting and focusing the radiation onto a pumped hydraulic coolant circuit 3.

For the second application of the invention, figure 14 shows that the earth' s interior 1 acts as a source of heat. The subterranean heat may be transferred 2 nearer to the earth' s surface mainly by convectionand conduction. The heat can then be transferred by conduction to a pumped hydraulic coolant circuit 3.

For the third application of the invention, figure 15 shows that a nuclear fusion reactor 1 acts as a source of heat. The fuel rods undergoing nuclear fission increase in temperature and can transfer 2 theIr heat mainly by conduction to a moderator 3. The coolant may also function as a moderator.

The heat can then be transferred by conduction and convection to a pumped hydraulic coolant circuit 3.

For the fourth application of the invention, figure 16 shows that a chemical reactor or fossil-fuel burner 1 may act as a source of heat. The chemical reactions feed hot gases into the fire and can transfer 2 heat mainly by convection and conduction to a pumped hydraulic coolant circuit 3.

What is common in the previous four paragraphs is that a source of heat increases the temperature of coolant pumped around a hydraulic circuit. The present invention is carried out when a secondary radiation souroe 4 or SRS is connected and completes the hydraulic or pneumatic circuit via the coolant transfer shaft 5. The coolant transfer shaft is fitted to a support structure 6 around which the coolant-piping 7 is wound. The coolant circuit therefore comprises coolant-carrying pipes and at least one pump or mechanism to induce movement of the coolant. Gravity and convection could be envisaged as a pumping or fluid-moving mechanism.

The SRS is a radiator. Preferably, the SRS assumes spherical geometry as is the case for the SRS first and second embodiments or Mark I and Mark II respectively. It may also be preferable for the SRS to assume the geometry of a torus as is the case for the SRS third embodiment or Mark III which is depicted in figure 40 and figure 42. Alternatively, it may preferable for the SRS to assume the cylindrical-hemispherical geometry that resembles a cigar.

The cigar-shaped SES fourth embodiment or Mark IV is depicted in figure 44 and figure 46.

What is common about all the SRS embodiments mentioned in the previous paragraph is that all SRS embodiments have circular cross-sections. Whether spherical, toroidal or cigar-shaped, the collimation of their radiated rays can therefore occur as depicted by figure 23 with or without slight modification.

The collimator as depicted in figure 23 shows that a circle that emits lines radially from its centre, and whose centre is at the focal point of a parabola is equivalent to a point that radiates lines from the focus of a parabola. The result is a collimated set of lines, reflected from the parabola and parallel with the parabola' s axis of spmetry.

Practically, and in the case of SRS Mark II depicted in figure 20, a nuclear fission reactor is contained within a sphere and cooled by a pumped coolant-circuit. The coolant-circuit passes coolant through the reactor 1 to cool the fuel rods 2 directly or indirectly by conduction to the moderator 3. The coolant, depicted by the thick arrowed undulating curve is pumped upwards towards the SRS 4 surface. The coolant does not require the thermal insulation of the coolant-transport shaft 5 for the SRS Mark I but may require its mechanical support. The coolant-transport shaft 5 is featured within the SRS support structure 6 for the SRS Mark II. The coolant is then circulated around the SRS support structure through the helical coolant piping 7 wound around the SRS support structure. The flow of coolant out of the page is depicted by the white circle within the coolant-pipe cross sections. The flow of coolant into the page is depicted by the white x-shaped region within the coolant-pipe cross sections. The coolant mass flux circulates according to the right-hand rule documented in prior-art.

In figure 20, as the circulating coolant 7 reaches the nadir of the SRS Mark II support structure 6, it is cooled. The cooling occurs due to the conduction of heat from the coolant nearer the zenith of the 3RD to the coolant-piping material. The coolant-piping material then radiates heat from its surface into the outer environment.

In figure 20, the cooled coolant 7 reaches the nadir and is pumped up again towards the nuclear reactor 1 for re-heating. The cycle continues as described in the previous two paragraphs.

The nuclear reactor 1 may conduct heat directly and naturally to the 3RD Mark II surface 6 without pumping. The nuclear reactor may also transfer heat by convection directly and naturally to the 3RD Mark II surface without pumping.

These natural processes are not discouraged because they cause the 3RD Mark II to reach thermodynamic equilibrium. Despite the usefulness of these natural processes, and the tendency of all isolated hot objects 1 to radiate heat into colder surroundings, the radiation pattern or averaged Poynting-vector flux is not guaranteed to be isotropic or radial or similar to the heat flux of a small hot sphere suspended in a cool, evacuated volume. To obtain a radial heat-flux field, the nuclear reactor is housed within the 3RD Mark II as depicted in figure 20 because it is proposed in the present invention that a large, warm, quasi-isothermal sphere is equivalent to a small, spherical and hot point. Therefore, the radial field of heat-flux of the 3RD 4 Mark II at the focus of a parabolic dish reflector is equivalent to a small hot spherical point at the focus of a parabolic dish reflector. The proposal is introduced in figure 21 and illustrated in figure 23.

Figure 23 also shows the collimator 8, by which the invention proposes to utilise most of the radiated heat-flux from the 3RD Mark II. For this, axially-graded and radially-graded refractive cylinders are employed to bend the near-axial radial heat flux like lenses. The near axial heat-fluxes are those rays of radiation that are radiated at angles close to the axis of intended propagation. The intended axis of propagation is depicted by vertically-downward-pointing arrows of figure 23. The rays emitted from the 3RD that are closest in angle to the axis of intended propagation are depicted by the two downwards-pointing central rays emanating from the 3RD.

These two rays are not projected or anticipated to meet the parabolic dish 9 surface or be reflected within the ccnfines of figure 23. The refractive cylinders 10 bend the rays to even closer angles to the axis of intended propagation or collimation axis.

Figure 23 shows the 528 Mark II with a primary conical reflector 11. In cylindrical polar co-ordinates, if the 525 is the origin, then conical reflector is displaced from the z-axis by a distance related to liqi as depicted in figure 22. Collimated and upwardly-moving rays moving parallel to the z-axis are reflected radially in the radial-azimuthal angle plane. These rays, moving radially-outwards as is described for cylindrical polar co-ordinates impinge upon the secondary conical reflectcr 12. The rays are subsequently reflected downwards as depicted in figure 23.

Figure 24 shows the intensifier 13. The intensifier comprises staggered planar reflectors 14 as depicted in figure 24. The staggered planar reflectors are arranged to reflect most of the rays leaving the collimator B whilst still allowing the collimated rays to be focused by a parabolic reflector 15 in the direction 16 of a target 17. The staggered planar reflector separation and curvature of the parabolic reflector may be modified to optimise the shape of the beam for the user' s reqirements.

A focused beam with a low beam-convergence angle and a small beam-diameter could be used to propel macroscopic particles 17 for relatively prolonged periods of time along the axis of heart-propagation. Intense infra-red and optical radiation focised on a macroscopic particle or grain may heat said particle or grain' s irradiated surface. Localised hating will produce plasma in the wake of the particle or grain and the plasma may absorb the focused infra-red and optical beam and re-radiate as a blackbody-radiator. Since the pcwer flux incident cn the particle cr grain' s dene plasma is related to the area on which the beam is focused, and the blackbody temperature of the plasma is related tc the power-flux, it is possible tc generate very hot and dense plasma in close proximity to the particle or grain. Blackbody re-radiated radiation peak wavelength is related to blackbody temperature so the plasma can absorb a beam of intense infra-red and optical radiation and re-emit less-intense ultraviolet-light or Dy-light and x-rays.

Although less-intense, the UV-iight and x-ray plasma-wake source in close proximity to its parent particle or grain 17 will irradiate said particle or grain with a spectrum of wavelengths including UV-light and X-ray wavelengths.

Different wavelengths have different ionisation-cross-sections for a given material and therefore UV-light and X-rays will have different mean free paths or absorption depths within the particle or grain. This implies that atomic or molecular layers with a variation of depths within the particle or grain will be ionised. lonisation will occur within the volume of the irradiated particle or grain rather than exclusively on its surface.

Electrostatic potential of the irradiated volume of the particle or grain will increase dramatically and result in a deep-rooted Coulomb-explosion from within the particle or grain' o bulk. The reaction-frce of the Coulomb-explosion will propel the remnant of the particle or grain.

If required, a focused IR and optical beam leaving the intensifier 13 with a low beam-convergence angle and a small beam-diameter could be used to propel the particle or grain 17 for relatively prolonged periods of time along the axis of beam-propagation. The propulsion of the particle or grain will cause its acceleration to hyper-velocities. The heat-source, SEE, collimator and intensifier could be -ised as a macro-particle hyper-velocity accelerator in its own right for the purpose of terminal ballistics research. The present invention uses the heat-source, collimator and intensifier to accelerate macro-particles rather than laser-drivers as is suggested in the art. The reason for this is because the highly-specialioed properties of a laser such as its coherence and low-enthalpy as a light-source or photon-gas are not necessarily required when heating matter to re-radiate incoherently and as a hiqh1-entropic blackbody. The special features of a laser are wasted and may be wasteful as far as macro-particle acceleration is concerned. The present invention utilises a spectrum of photcns and this inclusivity allows the present invention to be an efficient irradiator. The present invention can therefore utilise the macro-particle' s hyper-velocit acceleration for power-generation.

The acceleration-physics is not depicted in detail in rise accompanying drawings. The macroscopic particle 17 first depicted in figure 25 is the focus of the six rays of IR and optical light that are shown leaving the intensifier 13, passing the primary induction tubes inlet flange 18 and entering the primary induction tube aperture 19. Its acceleration, although depicted in figure 26 and described in previous three paragraphs could also arise through photon-pressure. If the plurality of reflections or refractions or reflections and refractiono subjected to the JR and optical radiation emitted from the ERS 4 from figure 23 to figure 26 inclusive somewhat polarise the focused beam, then Lorenz-force acceleration of the macroscopic particle are also expected. Lorenz-forces may occur if the electric field of the beam induces a current-density in the particle that has non-zero components perpendicular to the magnetic field of the beam. Additionally, polarization of the electric field-vector of an EM wave can accelerate electrons ejected from the irradiation of the macro-particle. This effect can enhance Coulomb-explosion because electrons being carried away by an applied electric field will iflcrease the electrostatic potentia] of the ionisecl macro-particle. Enhanced Coulomb-explosion would result in a greater reaction-force and acceieration propelling the macro-particie remnant. The remnant' s terminal ballistic velocity would also beenhanced in magnitude.

Figure 27 depicts the irradiated macrc-particle 17 partially-vaporised and ionised to form three concentric shells of an expanding e]ectron-gas i7ql, and expanding ion-gas 7q2 and maoro-particie remnant 17gB that may or may not be gaseous and may or may not be ionised. As well as the formation of plasma which implies that beam-energy has been transfer to internal energy of the macro-particle, the focused beam a]so does mechanica] work on the particie as is depicted by the particle' s change inpositien shown in figure 27 in comparison to figure 26.

Figure 28 shows the eJectron-gas 17q1 make contact with the primary induction tube' s 20 inner surface and decrease the tube' s eerical potential. The potentiai induces current flow in nearby conductive materiais and the associated energy may be exported for precessing. It is antcpated that the generator' hollow core may require at Jeast parti& construction from dielectric material. This anticipation will be justified in the following paragraphs. What shoujd be mentioned as a consequence of the aforementioned anticipation in the present paragraph is that the rapid change in the generator' s potentiaJ after particle 17 is detonated ad accelerated gives rise to a time-varying eiectric field. The change in eJectric field flux causes a displacement current. With the addition of dielectrio materials, the hollow generator is therefore somewhat capacitive in nature and a conductive current may be observed if a conduit is in eiectrical contact with a conductive surface in close-proximity to the hollow generator' s exterior surface. Although the current or electric fieid is depicted by the open-arrowed line shown leading towards the primary induction tube' s 20 outer surface, it could in practice lead to other components a]sc. The ion-gas l7q2 of the piasma-wake from the irradiated macro-particle is depicted in figure 28 also.

Figure 29 shows the macro-particle remnant 17q3 make contact with the ±nter±or surface of the pr±marv induct±on tube 20. At hyper-veioc±t±es Thwer than is required to iflitiate thermonuc]ear fusion upon impact, the macro-particie remnant kinetic energy is transformed into internai energy. In this way, heat energy from the nuclear fission reactor in figure 20 has been transformed via the collimator S and intensifier 13 into macro-particle 17 kinetic energy. Macro-particle kinetic energy is transformed to macro-particle internal energy which is related to the kinetic energy of the electron 17q1 and ions l7g2 liberated by the impact of the macro-particle.

Figure 29 shows the macro-particle remnant l7q3 make contact with the interior surface of the primary induction tube 20. At hyper-velocities equal to or greater than is required to initiate thermonuclear fusion upon impact, the macro-particle remnant kinetic energy is transformed into internal energy and the internal energy is further increased by the release of nuclear fusion sub-atomic particles into the ensuing contacted and compressed macro-particle remnant plasma. The plasma produced by contact and compression of the macro-particle 17 is depicted in figure 30, emanating from the impacted material that once formed the induction tube' s inner surfaoe.The contact and compression plasma differs from the plasma formed by irradiating the macro-particle with the beam of IR and optical radiation as depicted in figure 27.

Figure 29 shows the ion-wake 17q2 of the plasma formed by irradiation of the macro-particle 17 as well as the plasma formed from impact, contact and compression of the macro-particle remnant l7q3. Therefore, to oummarise the processes so fart heat energy from the nuclear fission reactor 1 in figure 20 has been transformed via the collimator 8 and intensifier 13 to macro-particle kinetic energy. Macro-particle kinetic energy is transformed to macro-particle internal energy which is related to the kinetic energy of the electron and ions liberated by the impact of the macro-particle remnant l7q3.

Figure 29 also shows that in the presence of the primary magnetic field 2lq3 depicted in figure 7 and generated by the primary magnetising coils 21, the electrons will gyrate if they have velocity components that are not parallel to the magnetic field. The electrons were released from macro-particle 17 in a rapid pulse-like fashion so their transit time through the primary magnetic field is brief, as is their gyration. Gyration is depicted by the arrowed helix. The upwardly-moving electrons gyrate about the presently diagonal x- axis. The downwardly-moving electrons gyrate about the presently diagonal y-axis. They form a pulsed circulating electrical current and generate magnetic flux that passes through the primary induction coils 22. These are drawn white to indicate their activation. Since electron transit is brief, the magnetic flux exists only briefly and its variation with time induces an electric field and current in the inductor coils. The energy may be exported for processing. It should be noted as indicated four paragraphs earlier than the present paragraph, that if the generator core is a good conductor of electricity, the energy intended for export for human consumption will in fact be wasted as heat within the conducting hollow generator core' s surface.

The wastage would be due to the induction of current in the hollow generator core as well as within the primary induction coil 22. Therefore dielectric materials are anticipated for the generator core' sconstruction.

Alternatively, in the second embodiment of the generator or generator Mark II, the generator' s core 20,23,24 may be a mixture of coductive and dielectric members making it e useful inductor capable of negating the requirement of the inductors 22 depicted in the first embodiment or generator Mark I. For example, if the generator' c core 20,23,24 hac c-chapd or arc-like cross-section of conductive material rather than circular cross-section of conductive material, and the open, c-shaped arc straight edges are connected by dielectric material, wastage may be avoided. The previous sentence alludes to a generator core formed by long curved sheets of conductive material with a seam or strip of dielectric material along its entire length. An electromotive force may be induced across the dielectric strip due to the gyrations of charged-particles within the hollow-generator core. To re-iterate, the reader is asked to visualise the cylindrically-arced curved sheet of metal with an insulating strip of material connecting the edges to form the cylindrical secondary induction tube 24. Such a structure would negate the requirement of induction ccii 22 in particular.

Figure 30 shows no plasma wake is depicted from the accelerating macro-particle 17 in figure 30. Therefore there is no further distinction between electrons originating from the macro-particle remnant after YR and optical-beam irradiation and the free electrons originating from the macro-particle remnant after impact, contact and compression. A similar argument is made for the lack of distinguishability between post-irradiation ions and post-impact ions. A similar argument is made for a lack of distinguishability between post-irradiation neutral atoms and molecules and post-impact neutral atoms and molecules. All electrons liberated from their parent atoms will undergo processes depicted by figure 27 to figure 30 inclusive.

Figure 30 shows the electrons gyrate about axes perpendicular to the axes they were previously gyrating about. This phenomenon may occur naturally if the electron velocity vector has compcnents that are non parallel to the magnetic field near the generator outlet. The magnetic-mirror phenomenon is often observed at magnetic field cusps and would be pronounced if the generator were banana-shaped as would be the case in a third embodiment of the generator or generator Mark III. However, to ensure that electrons travelling parallel to the magnetic field 2lq3 do not escape the generator without firstly yielding their energy, secondary magnetising coils 25 are energised as is the case for the generator Mark I. The passage of electrical current though the secondary magnetising coils produces secondary magnetic fields between the coils that are mutually orthogonal to the z-axis and the primary magnetic field 21gB. The secondary magnetic fields induce electron gyration about their axes and electrical current is induced in the secondary induction coils 26 in a similar fashicn to the electrical current that was induced in the primary induction coils 22.

Figure 31 shows the processes depicted in figure 28 repeated for the ions l7q2. Ions are the present working fluid. Figure 31 is analogous to figure 28 with the exception that the induction tube' o electical potential is increased and subsequently, the direction of the conventional current or electric field depicted by the open-arrowed line is reversed. The differences are due to the opposing electrical charge of the ions in comparison to the electrons. The expansion of the ion-gas takes place less-rapidly than the electron-gas expansion due to the fact that the positively charge ions are more massive and inertial than the electrons. Also, ions are not as easily absorbed by the interior-surface of the primary induction tube 20 and are more likely to form a space-charge than the electrons on interior surfaces.

Figure 32 shows the processes depicted in figure 29 repeated for the ions 17q2. Figure 32 is analogous to figure 29 with the exception that the direction of gyration is reversed. The differences are due to the opposing electrical charge of the ions in comparison to the electrons. For the same magnetic field intensity 2lq3, the ion gyration radii may exceed the electron' s gyration radii. The scaled-up radii arenot depicted in the accompanying drawings because the drawings are not to scale, but are symbolic.

The scale-up in radii occurs because the positively-charged ions are more massive and inertial than the electrons. It is preferable that quantities 20q1 and 20g2 as depicted in figure 6 describe the geometry of the primary induction tube 20 and 24ql and 24q2 inferred by figure 6 describe the geometry of the secondary induction tube 24 ouch that their radii exceeds the ion gyration radius. At the very least, the ion gyration radius depends upon the magnetic field intensity 2lq3, the chemical identity of the macro-particle 17, the EM wavelengths of radiation leaving the intensifier 13 and the area or dimensions of the intensifier' s parabolc dish reflector 15. Ion gyration induces electrical current within the primary induction coil 22. In practice, when carrying-out the invention, it may be discovered that ion energy is too low or ion gyro-radii too large to make electromagnetic induction from ions worthwhile. If the ions are not to be gyrated, then the generator' s core dimensions are to be related to eletron gyration radii instead.

Figure 33 shows the processes depicted in figure 30 repeated for the ions 17q2. The ions populate the region of space depicted by the closed-arrow-headed curves depicting ion-gyration. Ion gyration induces electrical current within the secondary induction coil 26. Figure 33 is analogous to figure 30 with the exception that the direction of gyration is reversed and that the gas populated by the neutral particle species l7q3 of The macro-particle 17 has expanded further. It is assumed in the accompanying drawings that the expansion of the ion gas takes place more rapidly than the neutral species gas expansion due to the mutual electrostatic repulsion of the ions or namely, Coulomb-explosion.

Figure 34 depicts the generation of two magnetised sources of ionised gas 25q5. The electrical discharge is populated from ambient gases within the chamber and does not directly depend upon the irradiation of the macro-particle 17 by the intensifier 13 beam. This may be produced by superimposing a time-varying electrical signal or current over a constant signal or direct current in the same magnetising coil 25. Inductively coupled electrical discharges 25q5 are produced. Meanwhile, the expanding gas populated by neutral particle species 17q3 approaches the electrical discharge 25q5. The reader should note, that as an alternative to the generator Mark I, the superposition of a plurality of electrical signals to the same coil due to feedback or back-electromotive force within one magnetising coil allows said magnetising coil to also act as an inductor if the feedback signal can be processed. The aforementioned superposition feature is a fourth embodiment of the generator or generator Mark IV and is applicable to all magnetic coils 21,25 and may negate the requirement cf induction coils 22,26. It should be noted that in practice, if the magnetising coils also double as induction coils and an electromotive force or EMF pulse is expected to be induced and exploited, then said coil must have lcw-impedance.

In a fifth embodiment of the generator or generator Mark V, although figure 34 depicts an inductively-coupled electrical discharge or plasma, a capacitively-coupled discharge or plasma may be used instead. What is essential to carry out the extraction of energy from electrically neutral particle species is that the neutral particles collide with and transfer kinetic energy to the charged particles within the electrical discharge or plasma in such a way that a net change in electrical current may be observed in the electrical discharge or plasma. If the neutral particle-stream impacts an ion-rich region of the electrical discharge, the ions will be knocked out of the discharge and form an ion-current. The reader is required to recall the space-charges formed by ions discussed four paragraphs earlier. If the neutral-particle stream impacts an electron-rich region of the electrical discharge, the electrons will be knocked out of the discharge and form an electron-current. The aforementioned effect may be observable for very fast neutral particles. The aforementioned effect may also be observable for ions and electrons weakly confined to their parent electrical discharge or plasma.

Either current or change in charge distribution will generate an electromagnetic field. If the electromagnetic field is generated by a pulsed stream of neutral particles then an electromotive force may be induced in a nearby inductor or induce a potential difference across a component with capacitive properties.

Despite the observations made in the previous paragraph, the first embodiment of the invention feat-jred in figure 35 of the accompanying drawings uses the magnetised inductively-coupled discharge in an analogous way to a twin water-wheeled system or turbine. The system allows the neutral particle stream to pass through the electrical discharge as a freely-flowing stream of water passes between two adjacent water-wheels. The magnetised charged particles populating the electrical discharge are only free to rotate, but not as free to flow as the neutral particle stream unperturbed by electromagnetic fields.

In the same way, the water wheels are fixed at the pivot, free to counter-rotate but not as free flow linearly as the stream of water. To reiterate, the water wheels rotate in opposite directions. In this analogy, the water-wheels represent ions and electrons that may gyrate in a magnetic field if accelerated orthogonally to the field by a collision with fast, neutral particles. For example, in the plasma magnetised along the y-axis, a neutral stream of gas flowing along the x-axis will induce gyration of ions in one direction. Under the same conditions, gyration of electrons will be induced in the opposite direction. Since the ion and electron charges are also opposite, their opposing gyrations will produce parallel magnetic fields. The combined associated flux from the magnetic fields may pass through a nearby inductor and if the momentum transferred by the initial neutral particle stream occurs in a pulsed or time-varying fashion, an electromotive force will be induced across the nearby inductor.

To reiterate, figure 35 shows the expanding gas i7q3 pass through the electrical discharge 25g5. The neutral particles transfer their momentum by collision to the electrons and ions ithin the electrical discharge. The collisions confer momentum to the tightly-orbiting electrons and ions giving them a kick into a larger-orbit about the guasi-static, direct current-generated magnetic field. In other words, as depicted in figure 35, electrons and ions within the electrical discharges above and below receive impulse parallel to the diagonal x-axis above and the diagonal y-axis below. Due to their opposite charges, they gyrate in opposite directions. However the conventional current of the electrcns is in oppositicn to their gyration direction. As a result, the electrical current circulates as indicated by the direction of gyration of the ions depicted by the uppermost and lowest closed arrow-headed curves. There is a net, yet briefly-existing electrical current caused by the momentum transfer of neutral particle species. A magnetic field is produced by said c-jrrent and the time-varying magnetic flux induces an electrical current in the secondary induotion coils 26. The energy may be exported for processing and human consumption.

Figure 36 shows that if the volume of the generator is well ohosen, some of the energy transferred to the particle aa depicted in figure 26 may also be captured as high-grade heat. The electron' s, ion' s dnneutral specie' s kinetic energies may increase the temperature or internal energy of the generator upon collision with its surfaces. To regulate this, a conventional heat-exchange system may be used if necessary, to extract heat from the generator and recycle the heat back to CR3 4. Coolant flux is depicted by the anti-parallel closed arrow-headed lines of figure 36. A flange 27 allows for the attachment of a vacuum pump to remove the exhaust gases 17 produced by the vaporised macro-particle from the hollow generator 16 via the exhaust gas outlet 28.

Figure 37 is a cross-seotion of the pulsed-power conduit or PPC. It consists of a sheet 29 of electrically conductive material of thickness 29qi.

Thickness 29q1 is related to the skin depth of the material when potential differences are applied across it at certain frequencies of oscillation. For the present invention, said frequencies are related to the magnetic field transit duration of electrons lTql and ions l7q2 released from the detonation of the macro-particle after it has been irradiated by the intensifier 13.

The conductive sheet 29 has an electrically insulating spacer sheet 30 coating it. The spacer sheet is of required thickness 3Oql and material property so as to withstand high-temperatures. The attached sheets are rolled up into a helix, appear cylindrical and are depicted as a spiral in figure 37.

To maintain the cylindrical shape, the rolled sheets are inserted into a hollow cylinder 31 of diameter 31q1. The PPC terminals are the exposed circular faces of the cylinder as shown in figure 37.

Figure 38 is a cross-section of an alternative embodiment of the PPC. It consists of several electrically conductive cylinders 29 of increasing diameter. Thickness 29q1 is the same quantity as shown in figure 37. The conductive cylinders 29 have electrically insulating spacer cylinders 30 coating their curved surfaces. The spacer cylinders are of required thickness 3Oqi and material property so as to withstand high-temperatures. To prevent external damage to the cylinders, the cylinders are inserted into a hollow outer-oylinder 31 of diameter 31q1. The PPC terminals are the exposed oircular faces of the cylinders as shown in figure 38.

Figure 39 shows the P?C 22,26 bent into a torus of ourvature-radius related to the position vectors 22qi,2qi depicted in figure 6 and related to the corresponding angles 22q2,26q2 also depicted in figure 6. The radius of curvature may either be maximised or minimised to produce either cylindrical or helical geometries respectively. In other words, the PPC may either resemble a straight cable or a coil of cable when viewed at a distance. In helical geometry, the eeC is best suited to generate inductively-coupled plasma 25q5 or act as an inductor 22,26 for rapidly-changing or pulsed magnetic fields. In the embodiment of the present invention depicted in the drawings, the CCC takes the form of single loops of wire. The electric fields depicted in figure 28 and figure 31 may induce pulsed currents that may be carried by the CCC in the cylindrical embodiment that resembles a straight cable.

Although four heat-soirces have so far been depicted and described for the present invention, a fifth generic heat-source as yet undeveloped will be mentioned. The fifth type of heat source is nuclear-fusion reactors which seem to require scaling-up in order to achieve break-even. Theseare the magnetic confinement or MC fusion concept, inertial confinement or IC fusion concept, particularly the proposed conceptual Implosive Compressor GB1300314.O and finally, inertial electrostatic confinement or IEC fusion concept, particularly the proposed Remote Confiner GB13O1O92.l.

Although at different stages of development and success, the tendency to scale-up reactors for future nuclear fusion power-plants seems reasonable since the sun or Sol, our only reliable fusion reactor is large and has relatively-low power-density. Therefore, development of the present invention may not only address our present energy concerns but also give us a tool for extracting power from our future power-stations. Conventional energy- conversion technologies would only permit any future nuclear fusion power-plant to be used as a source of low-grade heat for heating buildings in the vicinity of the power-plant. The exportation of electricity to remote sites The detailed description has in general, followed the energy-flow from the source 1 to the PPC 31 cable-sleeve made ready for power export to a consumer.

The following paragraphs of the detailed description will describe the generator 16 Mark I in detail as depicted in the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 shows the generator component 16 of the present invention. It has two symmetrical hollow armatures and resembles a tube with circular cross-section that is bent at a ninety degree angle. In the accompanying drawings, it is drawn as two cylindrical tubes 24 whose axes of rotational symmetry are perpendicular to one another. The tubes 24 are joined by a ninety-degree toroidal sector 20. In practice, the entire generator may resemble a banana in geometry of even a toroid. The primary induction tube 20 is flanged 23 and as such, may be connected to the secondary induction tube 24 which is also flanged 23,27. As depicted in the accompanying drawings, the primary magnetising coil 21 and primary induction coil 22 common axis of rotational symmetry are also co-axial with the secondary induction tube 24 axis of rotational symmetry. The secondary magnetising coil 25 and secondary induction coil 26 are coaxial with each other but their common axio of rotational symmetry is orthogonal to the induction tube 24 axis of rotational o ymm e try.

Figure 2 ohows the generator depicted in figure 1 rotated by ninety degrees about the y-axis. Figure 3 shows the generator depicted in figure 2 rotated by one-hundred and eighty degrees about the y-axis.

Figure 4 shows the generator depicted in figure 1 rotated clockwise by forty-five degrees about the z-axis. All subsequent drawings of the generator will be based upon its orientation in figure 4.

Figure 5 shows the bisected generator with the coil cross-sections shaded black to indicate their present inactivity. Conversely, for ease of viewing, figure 6 shows the generator as depicted in figure 5 with the coils still inactive but with their cross-sections drawn white. This allows the reader to see the stealth arrow-heads terminating within the coils' cross sections.

Figure 7 shows the generator commence its operational cycle. In figure 7, the magnetising coils 21 are energised and electric current flows through them.

By convention, as is well documented in prior art, electrical current circulation mimics the four curled fingers of the right-hand rule whilst the extended thumb indicates the direction of the magnetic field 21g3 generated by the electric current.

The remainder of the detailed description section will serve as an appendix of commentaries and observations for the present invention. Applications and new embodiments of the components will also be discussed.

Preferably, the macro-particle is monatomic so that upon irradiation, acceleration and vaporisation, internal energy is not increased by the vibration or rotation of molecules. Rather, energy is mostly used for acceleration of the macro-particle, its ionisation and the translational motion of the atoms, ions and electrons.

Preferably, naturally occurring emitted electromagnetic waves from accelerated charged particles within the hollow-generator in past operational cycles may reverberate and be exploited to minimise the required input power to the magnetising coils. Naturally occurring acoustic waves due to pressure variation may be exploited to accelerate matter within the hollow-generator.

The mean free path for collision between neutral particles and the ions or electrons within the inductively coupled discharge 25q5 is related to the chosen armature dimension 25g3. The pressure within the hollow generator 16 is related to the particle number density and the aforementioned mean free path.

Preferably, magnetising coils 21 collimate the explosion of the macro-particle' s 17 charged plasma particles l7ql,l7g2. Howeve the collimation does affect the observed electric field available to drive an electric current. Preferably, the magnetic fields are generated to induce gyration of the charged particles and amplify flux density and the induction coils 22,26 as drawn, exploit the gyration. However, in a sixth embodiment of the generator or generator Mark VI, an inductor in the embodiment of a single coil with magnetic axis aligned parallel to the z-axis in close proximity but external to the generator core 20,23,24,27 is sufficient to carry out the present invention. Generator Mark VT is devoid of all other magnetising coils 21,25, axial magnetic fields 25gB and inducting coils 22,26 because the charged-particles travel axially, parallel to the x-axis or y-axis, and produce azimuthal magnetic field vectcrs about the charged-particles' axes of motion.

The induction coils 22,26 are drawn so as to enclose a volume of space that may contain the magnetising coils 21,25. This need not be the case as the induction coil relative positions 22q1, 26q1 and their radii inferred by their angular positions 22q2, 26q2 may be modified following experimental observation once the invention is carried out. It is preferable that magnetic flux through the induction coils 22,26 is maximised and not mitigated by back-electromotive forces induced in the magnetising coils 21,25.

For the seventh embodiment of the generator or generator Mark VII, the reader is asked to visualise the horizontal armature of generator Mark I in figure 1 to the exclusion of all other components as depicted in the accompanying drawings such as the primary induction Lube 20 or intensifier 13 for example.

Furthermore, the reader is encouraged to imagine a single inlet flange 23, a single secondary induction tube 24, a single secondary magnetising coil 25, a single secondary induction coil 26, a single outlet 28, and a single outlet flange 27 exclusively to begin with.

The reader is then asked to also visualise an existing, conventional thermal power plant with heat-source resulting in the heating and expansion of gas with neutral atoms or neutral molecules travelling with high-momentum. If the hot and rapidly expanding gas is likened to the upward-moving gas 17g3 depicted in figure 34, then the processes outlined and described in figure 35 will occur. Therefore the explosion of the macro-particle 17 in the generator 16 Mark I can be bypassed or need not occur at all.

To summarise, a conventional and existing power plant may expel exhaust gas 17q3 through the flanged 23 inlet towards an ionised gas source 25g5 at close proximity 25 to the distal-end 26 of the hollow armature core 24. The ionised gas 25g5, preferably magnetised 25 will be disturbed by the influx of neutral gas l7q3. As a result of the disturbance, collisions between neutral gas particles i7q3 and electrons 2SqS will impart a tangential momentum-vector to the magnetic field-vector 25 causing gyration of the electrons. An analogous post-collision process will occur for the ions 25q5, so that both electron and ion gyrations contribute to a circulating electrical current. The electrical current generates magnetic flux which passes through the induction coil 26. If either or both the gas flux l7q3 or the ionised gas source 25cj5 activation are time-varying, the magnetic flux passing through induction coil 26 will also be time-varying and an electromotive force will be generated for export and use by the consumer.

It should be noted generator Mark VII could be used for the exhaust gases or propellant 17q3 of vehicles, vessels, aircraft 28 or spacecraft 28.

Conversely, for fluid-breathing engines such as air-breathing jet aircraft or ramjets, the rapid influx of fluid or air l7q3 at the engine intake 23 can also generate electrical power 26.

The eighth embodiment of the generator or generator Mark VIII involves the ionisation of matter on the outer-surfaces of an aircraft or spacecraft for example. In these cases, lonisation may occur artificially or naturally in events such as atmospheric re-entry. If the ionised gases on the fuselage of the craft are also magnetised, the neutral fluid flux external to the craft will transfer momentum to the charged particles in the ionised gas produced at the crafts' exterior surfaces. Charged particle gration will ensue and magnetic flux generation will occur. If inductors are in close proximity to the craft' s surface, or the craft' s surface is anfthective inductor, then electrical energy may be derived by the craft' s moement. In particular, aero-braking techniques for spacecraft may supply electrical energy to charge the batteries on board rather than the energy being lost by wasteful heat-dissipation.

Figure 13 alludes to a solar collecticn technique for Increasing the efficiency of conventional solar collection methods. Figure 13 may not necessarily depict a superior technique anticipated to clearly surpass the efficiency of conventional solar tower methods. For existing solar towers, it is suggested that the radiated flux directed to the focal tower Is allowed to be focused such that the beam-profile diameter is comparable to the macro-particle 17 within the generator 16. The generator is to be fitted at the solar tower' s focus. Alternatively, the existing taget of the solar tower may be used as a heat-source 1 to transfer 2 its heat to a pumped coolant-circuit 3, which is fed to SRS 4 Mark I. The SRS radiates heat to the collimator 8, which in turn beams radiation to an intensifier 13. The intensifier irradiates the macroscopic particle 17 and electrical power Is generated by the generator 16.

Claims (10)

1. Claims 1. A unit for generating an electrical energy output comprising a thermal radiation focusing means for concentrating radiated energy from an above-ambient temperature object or heat source onto a target, a target which upon focused thermal irradiation can become a working fluid or release a working fluid which can freely expand into its surroundings, and transduction means such that the kinetic energy of said working fluid can be converted into exploitable electrical energy.
2. 2. A unit for generating an electrical energy output according to claim 1, in which the thermal radiation focusing means is provided by at least one thermally radiating body or heat source of elliptical or circular cross-section concentric or coaxial with the focus of at least one thermal radiation reflector of parabolic or curved cross-section so that said thermal radiation flux may be collimated into a beam of parallel rays of radiation which can later be concentrated onto a point, line or arc. co
3. 3. A unit for generating an electrical energy output according to claim 2, in which the thermally radiating body encloses a heat source or in C which said radiating body acts as a heat-exchanger for said heat-source enclosed within the radiating bcdy or situated outside of the radiating body so that heat is transferred from the heat source to the radiator's surroundings by thermal radiaticn; The radially-diverging radiated flux of said thermal radiation resembles the radiated flux from a small hot point or a thin hot straight wire or a thin hot bent wire and the thermal radiation is radiated into cooler surroundings.
4. 4. A unit for generating an electrical energy output according to claim 1, in which the working fluid comprises at least one particulate or at least one molecule or at least cne atom or at least one dissociated ion or at least one dissociated electron.
5. 5. A unit for generating an electrical energy output according to claim 4, in which the transduction means is provided by at least one capacitive electrical component or at least one inductive electrical component or at least one capacitive electrical component and at least one inductive electrical component suitably pcsitioned and orientated to transform the kinetic energy of the electrically-charged species of the working fluid, into electromagnetic energy and thereby into exploitable electrical energy.
6. 6. A unit for generating an electrical energy output according to claim 5, in which the transduction means is magnetisable so that the resulting magnetised region of space causes the expanding electrically-charged species of the working fluid to gyrate and intensify the magnitude of the time-varying magnetic field vector that is required to induce electric fields within the inductive electrical components.
7. 7. A unit for generating an electrical energy output according to claim 4, in which the transduction means is provided by ailowing the energised electrically-uncharged species cf the working fluid to pass through a magnetised electrical discharge and transfer momentum to the electrically-charged species populating said discharge which causes said charged species to accelerate; electromagnetic fields are subsequently generated which can be converted into exploitable electrical energy via suitably oriented capacitive or inductive electrical components, or suitably oriented capacitive and inductive electrical components at suitable displacement-vectors from the accelerating charged species. co
8. 8. An electrical energy generating unit according to claim 1, in which the transduction means is provided by electrical conduits that can transmit C short time duration pulses of electrical energy with low electrical resistance to and from said electrical energy generating unit and the end-user.
9. 9. An electrical energy generating unit according to claim 8, in which the electrical conduit comprises a conductor similar to or the same as a foil-like electrically-conductive sheet or a fabric-like sheet of woven electrically-conductive wires placed in contact and parallel to a sheet of dielectric material and rolled to form a scroil-like or helical structure of approximately cylindrical geometry so that the apparent axis of rotational symmetry is parallel to the intended electrical current-density vector of the electrical current to flow through the electrically-conductive material.
10. 10. An electrical energy generating unit according to claim 8, in which the electrical conduit comprises a conductor of tubular geometry or a fabric-like sleeve of woven eleotricafly-conductive wires made coaxial with a tubular or sleeve-like dielectric material to form coaxial and alternative tubes or sleeves of conductive and dielectric materials of cylindrical or approximately cylindrical geometry so that the apparent axis of rotational symmetry is parallel to the intended electrical current-density vector of the electrical current to flow through the conductive material and the cross-section of oaid electrical conduit reveals rings of conductive material that resembles the concentric rings associated with the study of dendroohronology.

    ii. An electrical energy generating unit according to any of the preceding claims, in which the above-ambient temperature body or heat source is provided directly or indirectly by at least one type of exothermic chemical reaction or at leant one geothermal resource or at least one type of nuclear reaction or at least one receiver of a solar concentrating power-plant. co12. An electrical energy generating unit according to claim 1, in which the transduction means is adaptable so that said transduction C means can transform the kinetic energy of a swiftly-moving medium without the requirement of the target, the focusing means and the resulting working fluid produced by the thermal irradiation of said target.13. An electrical energy generating unit according to claim 12, in which the swiftly-moving medium is provided by the rapid relative motion between an aircraft or spacecraft or civilian unmanned aerial vehicle or civilian rocket and the gaseous medium or plasma said aircraft or spacecraft or civilian unmanned aerial vehicle or civilian rocket is in.