Low-Energy Nuclear Reaction Power Cells as a Novel New Space Power Source

Abstract

Excess heat (nuclear heating effect) and nuclear reaction products were observed in the earlier “Patterson” flowing packed-bed type electrolytic cell experiments. Multi-layer thin films of metals (palladium/nickel) coated on mm-size plastic beads were employed as electrodes in a flowing heavy water (deuterium) electrolytic cell [1] This type of nuclear reaction in solid materials at low temperature has been recognized with the designation of “low energy nuclear reactions” ( LENR). Such cells provide a fundamental new type of mobile nuclear power source or “nuclear battery”. Advances in development of LENR cells are addressed here. Recently a “deuterium cluster” model based on a Bose-Einstein condensed matter state was developed to explain the Patterson type experiment [2-3]. In addition to energy production, this model is generally consistent with associated measurements of very low levels of energetic charged-particle and x-ray emission during thin-film electrolysis. Based on the added understanding of cluster reactions, a new class of electrodes is under development. They are designed to enhance cluster formation and subsequent reactions. Power units employing these electrodes should offer unique advantages for space applications. This is a fundamental new nuclear energy source that has a minimum of radiation involvement, high specific power, very long lifetime, and scalable from micro power to kilowatts.