Figure 1: The observed and predicted abundances of elements in the sun. 

Fusion occurs in the sun at its core temperature of 15 M˚C. It can occur at that low temperature because of a quantum property of the nucleons. For this reason, the process is called quantum nuclear fusion (QNF) to separate it from all other fusion attempts. The validity of the theory underpinning QNF is best judged by the accuracy of its figure 1 predictions. They are vastly more accurate than any other fusion theory.

Capabilities and Advantages

To take advantage of this knowledge, in principle designs have been compiled to use this QNF approach in controlled nuclear fusion reactors. The technologies used in it have been independently tested to work as applied in the reactor. The design is in a format that makes it easy to apply for patents covering essential points of their operation. The reactors generate heat that is converted to steam to power turbine generators. Apart from the high accuracy shown in figure 1, QNF offers many advantages over the current conventional fusion approaches. These include, but not limited to:-

1) The design is scalable from 1 MW to 1 GW.

2) Scalable designs mean low MW reactors can be built to confirm the principle faster and at lower cost than other fusion technologies. Expectations are 2.5 ± 1.5 years and $M 40.

3) Controlling quantum effects means the reactors must be smaller than other equivalent power reactors.

4) Uses only readily available fuels, 1H, 2H, 3He (which it can fuse) and Li. It does not use 3H.

5) The design uses conventional materials and engineering. No exotics like tungsten or superconductors required.

6) Operation is continuous. The possibility of plasma breakout is eliminated by the QNF reactor design and operating principles.

7) Low operating temperatures mean high energy output to power input ratio. Calculations suggest power output to input ratio of over double the minimum of 10 should be achieved.

8) Does not generate radioactive products. At end of life, expected to be 60 years, major components can be recycled.

9) Reactors can be built to replace existing electricity generators. No additional grid transmission required.

10) Low MW reactors are portable. 3 MW reactors could fit in the footprint of existing railway locomotive engine carriages. There are over 100,000 heavy haulage locomotives throughout the world.

11) Larger MW reactors, e.g., 10 MW to 100 MW +, could power ships of different sizes. Over 100,000 ships worldwide

12) High MW to GW reactors could power large industries and cities.

13) Their small size and operating principles suggest they would generate electricity at a lower lifetime cost than other source, hydroelectric possibly excluded.

Like all fusion reactors, failure or sabotage stops the reactor from working, no other effects.

Benefits

Grid electricity is about 20% of power consumption. Transport accounts for about 30%. QNF provides direct replacement for rail and shipping transport. Much of road transport fuel usage is for cars and light vehicle transport. Batteries giving vehicles improved range and faster recharge could be powered by QNF reactors. Their advantage over large reactors is small installations in remote locations. Regular use supplies the township or industry. Recharge outlets would replace bowsers for the fuel. Industry accounts for much of the rest, mostly for heat. QNF could supply that heat where required.

Most energy is currently supplied by fossil fuels. Over the decades, crude oil suppliers have not always been reliable, imposing excessive prices or limiting supply. This technology can replace petroleum for grid electricity generation, rail, shipping and much road transport, as well as industrial heating. In conjunction with improved batteries, it makes car transport far less dependent upon petroleum products.

The loss of those markets would limit the demand for petroleum product, lessening the oil producing countries grip on the world economy. Countries using this technology could be independent of fuel needs, even if they had no natural resources. The first adopters of this technology will have an advantage over later adopters. That will come from an increased supply of low-cost electricity, establishing a new large Hi–Tech manufacturing industry, export of manufactured products and decreased costs of imported energy.

Comments

There are many government and privately funded projects working in fusion. Despite large expenditures, only NIF has achieved ignition. Most are still struggling to stabilize pre ignition conditions. Their “progress” is painfully slow. Current studies use high energies in their attempts to convert collisions to fusion. QNF uses low energy and design finesse based on the figure 1 theory, to achieve high fusion efficiencies. The theory that generates Figure 1 underpins all fusion. Bypass, forget or ignore Figure 1 at your peril. Whomever controls fusion controls the future! Will it be you and your country, or someone else and their country? Your choice!

Fuels

Figure 2 shows some preferred fuels. As a quick comparison, when 1 atom of carbon burns with 2 atoms of oxygen, the approximate energy released is 4 eV. Carbon combustion is one of the most intense heat-generating chemical reactions.