Abstract:
In accordance with embodiments disclosed herein, there are provided systems, apparatuses and methods for the implementation of an energy system. A mechanical fusion energy system using uniquely constructed fuel pellets containing a variety of fusion capable materials to achieve up to many Megawatts of relatively continuous power output. The disclosed energy system utilizes a quantum approach of individual discrete pops periodically as needed to maintain a fairly continuous flow of energy. It may generate several thousand KWhr of energy per pop and dependent on the pop rate may generate well over 1,000 Megawatts, equivalent to the largest power generating stations currently in operation.

Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY 
       [0001]    This application is related to, and claims priority to, the U.S. provisional utility application entitled “ULTIMATE ENERGY SYSTEM METHODS AND APPARATUS,” filed on Sep. 16, 2010, having application No. 61/383,330. 
     
    
     COPYRIGHT NOTICE 
       [0002]    A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 
       TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0003]    Embodiments relate generally to the field of computing, and more particularly, to systems, apparatuses and methods for the implementation of an energy system. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0004]    The subject matter discussed in the background section should not be assumed to be prior art merely as a result of its mention in the background section. Similarly, a problem mentioned in the background section or associated with the subject matter of the background section should not be assumed to have been previously recognized in the prior art. The subject matter in the background section merely represents different approaches, which in and of themselves may also correspond to disclosed embodiments. 
         [0005]    Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to Energy Generation Systems, and in particular, systems, methods, and apparatuses for implementing a Nuclear Fusion Reactor which operates in standalone mode or implemented in an overall Energy Generation and transmission system. 
         [0006]    Conventional energy generation systems in use today are not based upon fusion energy. 
         [0007]    Although, there is no specific prior art that has been successful in mechanical fusion energy generation, there have been major strides in diverse materials and technology areas leading up to this invention that lay the foundation to make it possible. Areas like sixteen inch guns, hydraulic presses that develop thousands of tons of force, high strength materials like Inconel™ (e.g., a commercial provider of special metals and alloys), titanium, and top fuel dragster engines that develop several thousand horsepower and pressures of over 25,000 psi at 10,000 times per minute. 
         [0008]    The present state of the art may therefore benefit from systems, methods, devices, and apparatuses for implementing a mechanical fusion energy generation system as described herein. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]    Embodiments of the present invention are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, and can be more fully understood with reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the figures in which: 
           [0010]      FIG. 1  depicts a fusion engine overview system, showing a fusion engine, blowdown vessel, and a high pressure regulator along with representative balance of plant elements in accordance with which embodiments may operate; 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  depicts a 3D view of an exemplary 16.0 ft diameter by 10.0 ft. high forged titanium or steel pressure vessel for 2500 psi operation in accordance a disclosed embodiment; 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  depicts an exemplary cutaway view of pressure vessel showing half of a Toroid in accordance with which embodiments may operate; 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  depicts an exemplary cutaway view of lower half of pressure vessel showing a water inlet in accordance with which embodiments may operate; 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  depicts an exemplary energy system core assembly front view in accordance with disclosed embodiments; 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  depicts an exemplary energy system cutaway overview in accordance with disclosed embodiments; 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  depicts an exemplary energy system core assembly rear view showing a robot access door in accordance with disclosed embodiments; 
           [0017]      FIG. 8  depicts two views of fuel pellet cap assemblies in accordance with disclosed embodiments; 
           [0018]      FIG. 9  depicts a sub-assembly containing the Pressure Chamber, upper hydraulic actuated pile driver and lower hydraulic actuated pile driver/receiver in accordance with disclosed embodiments; and 
           [0019]      FIG. 10  depicts a top assembly incorporating the sub-assembly of  FIG. 9  and excluding the standard off-the-shelf water pump, blow down pressure vessel and high pressure regulator in accordance with the disclosed embodiments. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0020]    Described herein are systems, apparatuses and methods for the implementation of an energy system. The history of nuclear fusion research has taken many turns since the “Hydrogen Bomb” which consisted basically of a fusion core with a fission sphere wrapped around it to compress and heat the core sufficiently to achieve Lawson&#39;s criterion to cause fusion. This is like a spherical shaped charge floating in space. 
         [0021]    There have been many attempts to generate and contain fusion reactions like Shiva and the Tokamak&#39;s. Even today people at MIT are working with the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) team where they are still attempting elaborate schemes like Magneto Hydro Dynamics (MHD), magnetic fusion, electron and ion cyclotron heating, etc. such efforts are in an attempt at sustaining and containing the plasma core of the fusion reaction; akin to having a miniature Sun here on earth, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. 
         [0022]    The present invention teaches an alternative mechanism, having a pulsed, quantum like method. Applicant&#39;s disclosed mechanism represents an improvement because there is no need to contain extremely high temperature plasmas. The pulsed quantum method taught herein creates brief successive flashes of energy, rather than attempting to contain a forty plus million degree core continuously. 
         [0023]    A simpler “brute force” mechanical approach is disclosed. The successive pulse and mechanical brute force approach is more akin to a series of explosions of tiny hydrogen bombs rather than attempting to contain the energy and temperatures of a tiny Sun here on Earth. Plasma does not need to be contained in accordance with the disclosed embodiments. Rather, it is allowed to pop, then turn water into high pressure steam, and then it is routed through steam turbines in order to convert heat energy and mechanical energy into electrical energy. The process is then repeated as often as needed to generate a wide range of energy amounts, energy units, or energy quantities, on an as needed basis. The disclosed system may pop less at night than during daytime peak energy periods to account for a difference in demand. 
         [0024]    Once an explosion from the aforementioned pulse or pop dies down and all the extractable energy is taken and converted by the system to usable electrical energy, another pellet is inserted (e.g., by a robotic arm or other conveyor means), and then the next explosion occurs, thus utilizing a cyclical methodology. 
         [0025]    In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific systems, components, etc., in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various embodiments. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that these specific details need not be employed to practice the embodiments disclosed herein. In other instances, well known materials or methods have not been described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the disclosed embodiments. 
         [0026]    In addition to various hardware components depicted in the figures and described herein, embodiments further include various operations which are described below. 
         [0027]    Any of the disclosed embodiments may be used alone or together with one another in any combination. Although various embodiments may have been partially motivated by deficiencies with conventional techniques and approaches, some of which are described or alluded to within the specification, the embodiments need not necessarily address or solve any of these deficiencies, but rather, may address only some of the deficiencies, address none of the deficiencies, or be directed toward different deficiencies and problems which are not directly discussed. 
         [0028]    In the figures, the various embodiments are identified and labeled as follows: 
       FIG. 1 Elements: 
       [0000]    
       
         element  101 : a fusion engine; 
         element  102 : a high pressure blowdown vessel; 
         element  103 : a pressure regulator; and 
         element  104 : an exemplary Balance of Plant (BoP) for illustrative purposes only. 
       
     
       FIG. 2 Elements: 
       [0000]    
       
         element  201 : a robot arm entry rotating door; 
         element  202 : a pile driver entrance cavity; 
         element  203 : a high pressure steam outlet; 
         element  204 : a water inlet; and 
         element  205 : a pile driver recoil spring cavity. 
       
     
       FIG. 3 Elements: 
       [0000]    
       
         element  301 : a robot arm entry rotating door; 
         element  302 : a pile driver entrance cavity; 
         element  303 : a high pressure steam outlet; 
         element  304 : a water inlet; 
         element  305 : a pile driver recoil spring cavity; and 
         element  306 : a large Toroid with the center cutout for containing the water and steam. 
       
     
       FIG. 4 Elements: 
       [0000]    
       
         element  401 : an exemplary water inlet. 
       
     
       FIG. 5 Elements: 
       [0000]    
       
         element  500 : a fuel pellet; 
         element  510 : a fuel pellet cap; 
         element  520 : a collar; 
         element  530 : upper pile driver; and 
         element  540 : a hydraulic compression system. 
       
     
       FIG. 6 Elements: 
       [0000]    
       
         element  600 : an exemplary energy system core assembly; 
         element  610 : a main water tank; 
         element  620 : a intake port; 
         element  630 : a intake valve; 
         element  640 : a Toroid combustion chamber; 
         element  650 : a exhaust valve; 
         element  660 : a exhaust port; 
         element  670 : a retainer capsules; 
         element  680 : a compression spring; and 
         element  690 : a hydraulic compression plate. 
       
     
       FIG. 7 Elements: 
       [0000]    
       
         element  700 : a robot access door; and 
         element  710 : a cylindrical tube. 
       
     
       FIG. 8 Elements: 
       [0000]    
       
         element  801 : an enclosure cube; 
         element  802 : a top quasi-hemispherical cap; 
         element  803 : a top where the pile driver makes contact; 
         element  804 : spherical shaped balls for uniform compression; 
         element  805 : a fuel pellet, in which the center thin-walled sphere contains the fuel; 
         element  806 : a critical dimension to ensure uniform and total compression (negative in some cases); 
         element  807 : a bottom quasi-hemispherical cap. 
         element  808 : Solid or liquid (e.g., Tantalum); 
         element  809 : Thick walled inner core (e.g., Tungsten); and 
         element  810 : a center inner core. 
       
     
       FIG. 9 Elements: 
       [0000]    
       
         element  901 : robot door flange; 
         element  902 : pile driver shaft; 
         element  903 : steam exhaust; 
         element  904 : water inlet; 
         element  905 : lower pile driver/receiver shaft; 
         element  906 : upper pile driver; 
         element  907 : lower pile driver; 
         element  908 : “push” hydraulic actuated cylinder mount; and 
         element  909 : “pull” hydraulic actuated cylinder mount. 
       
     
       FIG. 10 Elements: 
       [0000]    
       
         element  1001 : upper hydraulic actuator cavity; 
         element  1002 : “push” hydraulic cylinders; 
         element  1003 : “pull” hydraulic cylinders  1003 ; 
         element  1004 : high pressure air/water containers; 
         element  1005 : high pressure supply lines; 
         element  1006 : stanchion; 
         element  1007 : line; 
         element  1008 : lower hydraulic actuator cavity; and 
         element  1009 : water inlet. 
       
     
         [0090]    Turning now to the figures,  FIG. 1  depicts a fusion engine overview system, showing a fusion engine  101 , blowdown vessel  102 , and a high pressure regulator  103  along with representative balance of plant elements in accordance with which embodiments may operate. 
       Fusion Fuels: 
       [0091]    Fusion fuels for this fusion reactor can be composed of light atomic nuclei like hydrogen, deuterium, tritium, helium, lithium, beryllium, boron, and their various isotopes. Some isotopes other than deuterium and tritium like hydrogen-1, helium-3, lithium-6, lithium-7 and boron-11 are of interest for aneutronic nuclear fusion (low neutron radiation hazards), for example: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Reactants 
                 Yields 
                 Products 
                 MeV 
                   
                 GWh/kg) 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   1 H + 2  6 Li 
                 → 
                   4 He + ( 3 He +  6 Li) → 
                 + 
                 20.9 
                 ≈ 
                 42 
               
               
                   
                   
                 3  4 He +  1 H 
               
               
                   1 H +  7 Li 
                 → 
                 2  4 He 
                 + 
                 17.2 
                 ≈ 
                 56 
               
               
                   3 He +  3 He 
                 → 
                   4 He + 2  1 H 
                 + 
                 12.9 
                 ≈ 
                 57 
               
               
                   1 H +  11 B 
                 → 
                 3  4 He 
                 + 
                 8.7 
                 ≈ 
                 18 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0092]    Boron and helium-3 are special aneutronic fuels, because their primary reaction produces less than 0.1% of the total energy as high energy neutrons, requiring minimal radiation shielding. In several embodiments the kinetic energy from the fusion is directly convertible into electricity with a high efficiency, more than 95%. 
         [0093]    Tritium is very rare costing nearly $1 million per ounce. Boron and many of the other fusible materials which are used in various embodiments of the instant invention are readily available, abundant and inexpensive. 
         [0094]      FIG. 2  depicts a 3D view of an exemplary 16.0 ft diameter by 10.0 ft. high forged titanium or steel pressure vessel for over 2500 psi operation in accordance a disclosed embodiment. 
         [0095]    High pressure steam outlet  203 , and a water inlet  204 , and a pile driver recoil spring cavity  205  (in some embodiments, the springs are replaced by compressed air and water/oil based hydraulic systems having hair-breadth controls) that absorbs some of the shock when the pile driver hits the recoil platform in the center of the Toroid on the lower half. 
         [0096]      FIG. 3  depicts an exemplary cutaway view of pressure vessel showing half of a Toroid in accordance with which embodiments may operate. It contains a robot arm entry rotating door  301  and a pile driver entrance cavity  302 , a high pressure steam outlet  303 , a water inlet  304 , and a pile driver recoil spring cavity  305  (in some embodiments, the springs are replaced by compressed air and water/oil based hydraulic systems having hair-breadth controls) that absorbs some of the shock when the pile driver hits the recoil platform in the center of the Toroid on the lower half and a large Toroid with the center cutout for containing the water and steam. 
         [0097]      FIG. 4  depicts an exemplary cutaway view of lower half of pressure vessel showing a water inlet  401  in accordance with which embodiments may operate. 
         [0098]      FIG. 5  depicts an exemplary energy system core assembly front view in accordance with disclosed embodiments. For the core part of one embodiment the energy system apparatus. The instant invention is a “pulsed” fusion energy system which does not require continuously maintaining extremely high temperature plasma. It uses a custom made large hydraulic press capable of delivering many thousands of tons of force, to fuse the fuel pellet  500 , which is a small (in one embodiment ¼ inch diameter) sphere of tungsten, osmium, iridium or other suitable high density material filled with approximately 1 cubic-centimeter (“cc”) of fusible materials, (e.g., 1 cc of liquid hydrogen, deuterium, tritium, boron, lithium, etc.) inside the sphere. 
         [0099]    The fuel pellet  500  is consumable and is fully encapsulated inside a fuel pellet cap  510  which is designed to fit on the center of the Toroid table. The robot picks the next fuel pellet cap  510  in sequence from a conveyor or tray and places it onto the Toroid bottom table which is constructed of material having extremely high compression strength that can withstand high temperatures. Note that the lower tip which forms the Toroid table top is replaceable as is the tip of the upper pile driver  530 . These replaceable solid cylinder ends are also constructed of high compression strength material similar to large C-5, Boeing 747 or Tu-144 aircraft landing gear strut quality material strength. 
         [0100]    The hydraulic press generates immense pressure as it pumps the compression spring downward from the top. A collar holds the retainer capsules  670  in place to restrain the pile driver  530  (in some embodiments, the large springs are replaced by compressed air and water/oil based hydraulic systems having hair-breadth controls). When it releases, it&#39;s similar in action to a spring loaded center punch or a large diesel pile driver  530 . When it is released it is driven downward and super compresses the (approx. 1 cc) fusion capable material contained inside the thick sphere fuel pellet  500  of tungsten, osmium, iridium or other suitable high density materials. 
         [0101]    It is held in place by a consumable fuel pellet cap  510  made of either tungsten, osmium, iridium, 7075 aluminum or other reasonable materials. 
         [0102]    When the spherical shaped fuel pellet  500  is pulverized a fusion reaction occurs on the fusion capable materials inside (e.g., liquid hydrogen, lithium, or other fusion capable material). 
         [0103]    In some embodiments, the spherical shaped fuel pellet  500  is encapsulated inside a thick tungsten sphere inside a larger cube of tantalum and the outer walls are tungsten as well which has a boiling point of 5555° C. 
         [0104]    All materials on the Periodic Chart of the Elements up to Iron (Fe) are considered to be the best candidates for fusion capable materials, however, the farther one progresses up the periodic Chart there is generally diminishing returns of exothermic energy, so larger quantities and therefore larger fuel pellets are required to be embedded in the cap in order to make it more cost effective. 
         [0105]      FIG. 5  further illustrates the pile driver  530  and the pile driver retainer collar  520  and the hydraulic compression system  540  and pile driver retention mechanism are implemented. 
         [0106]      FIG. 6  depicts an exemplary energy system cutaway overview in accordance with disclosed embodiments. The fuel pellet cap  510  containing the tungsten or osmium/iridium sphere in the middle is pulverized and instantly compresses the fusion capable materials at a preset (very high) number of pounds of force. Approximately 12,000 tons of force in accordance with one embodiment.  FIG. 6  further illustrates the point of contact where the pile driver cylinder is hitting the fusion material (in this embodiment, it&#39;s liquid Hydrogen, but it could be lithium, boron or any other fusible materials). 
         [0107]    The fuel pellet cap  510  is a consumable item, so after a firing, it may be replaced with a new one. This is a small expense compared to the millions of watt-hours of electricity generated by the fusion reactions. A small robot or robotic arm like automobile manufacturers use replaces the consumable items and/or periodically removes the debris after the explosion occurs when the cylindrical shaped access door reopens (e.g., see  FIG. 7 ). 
         [0108]    One of the embodiments uses a device similar to an enormous spring loaded center punch, and a quasi spherical shaped combustion chamber with walls several inches to several feet thick made of steel, Inconel™, titanium, or other strong materials or combinations of materials. 
         [0109]    In another embodiment, the springs are replaced by a compressed air/water hydraulics system, which precisely manipulates the “pile driver shuttle” to less than the width of a human hair. The retainer pins are unnecessary in this embodiment, so they are eliminated. 
         [0110]    The combustion chamber in this embodiment is modeled similar to a regular internal combustion engine but it contains a water inlet  204  and an exhaust valve. And they perform very different functions. 
         [0111]    The water inlet  204  is a nine [9] inch diameter tube that lets in water to fill the chamber prior to firing. 
         [0112]    The exhaust valve lets out the steam to drive the steam turbines. In one embodiment, the exhaust valve is actually a pressure relief/exhaust valve that opens and begins releasing pressure at 2,000 psi. 
         [0113]    The fusion is caused by brute force similar to a diesel pile driver but much more powerful. The driving cylinder doesn&#39;t need to travel very far, only a few feet. 
         [0114]    The fuel pellet  500  consists of a small sphere of a very dense material such as tungsten, osmium, iridium, or other high density material that will contain the fusible materials (e.g., liquid hydrogen) for a few seconds, until it&#39;s imploded. The material must be high density to maximize containment. Osmium is 22.6 gm/cm3 and iridium is 22.42 gm/cm3 tungsten is much cheaper and it&#39;s 19.29 gm/cm3. This will minimize the tendency of the fusible material squirting out and it will keep the atoms and molecules tightly packed while they&#39;re being compressed to overcome the Coulombic electrical repulsion forces and weak nuclear forces to fuse together and emit the energy of fusion. 
         [0115]    The fuel pellet  500  has a small one cc chamber in the center and it may be already pre-filled if the fusile material is near room temperature, it may also be filled with a hypodermic type device or it could have a small cone shaped plug (like a wine bottle cork) that is plugged in once the pellet is filled with a fusible material (e.g., liquid hydrogen). 
         [0116]    The optional main water tank  610  around the main core is much larger than the base of the unit and the unit may be immersed in water up to the middle of the Toroid chamber or even higher. 
         [0117]      FIG. 7  depicts an exemplary energy system core assembly rear view showing a robot access door in accordance with disclosed embodiments.  FIG. 7  further depicts a cutaway view of the tungsten backing plate. 
         [0118]    The cylindrical tube  710  containing the robot access door  700  opens between firings to provide entry for the robot to cleanup and replace consumable parts and/or materials in preparation for the next firing. The cylindrical tube  710  is mounted on the robot door flange  901   
         [0119]    The fuel pellet  500  is prefabricated and immersed inside two quasi-hemispherical caps of tungsten, titanium or Inconel™ in one set of embodiments. The fuel pellet  500  and cap assembly may be coated with aluminum in one embodiment, and then it becomes the fuel pellet cap  510  assembly. 
         [0120]    In one embodiment, the robot picks the next prefabricated, pre-filled fuel pellet cap  510  and places it inside the combustion chamber atop the pedestal in the center, directly below the pile driver cylinder. In another embodiment, the robot picks the next fuel pellet cap  510  sequentially from a conveyor or tray, then dispenses approximately 1 cc of liquid hydrogen into the pellet and places the plug in the hole and places the entire cap assembly inside the combustion chamber atop the pedestal in the center, directly below the pile driver cylinder. 
         [0121]    While the robot is busy loading the next fuel pellet cap  510  assembly, the pile driver  530  is being pumped up by compressing the spring using hydraulics, from above, while it is held in the detent position by three 9 inch diameter 18 inch long capsules that are retained by the pile driver collar  520 . These three spring capsules pop out when the collar is lifted. In another embodiment, the springs are replaced by a compressed air/water hydraulics system, and while the robot is busy loading the next fuel pellet cap  510  assembly, the pile driver  530  is being positioned by the hydraulic, compressed air system the pile driver collar  520 . The compressed air/water hydraulic system is precise to less than the width of a human hair. The retainer pins are unnecessary, so they are eliminated. 
         [0122]    Also, while the robot is busy loading the next fuel pellet cap  510  assembly, the intake valve  620  is open and the chamber is filling with water. In one embodiment, a high pressure pump is used to fill the chamber, in order to fill the several thousand gallon chamber in just a few seconds to prepare for the next pop. 
         [0123]    When the robot is done loading the cap, and the chamber is filled up near the bottom of the exhaust valve  650 , the pile driver shaft is released with around 12,000 tons of force. 
         [0124]    If 12,000 tons of force are applied to a cube 2 cm on a side, the pressure is on the fuel pellet cap assembly would be 77.42 million psi. 
         [0125]    When the pile driver  530  cylinder strikes the fuel pellet cap  510 , the spherical shaped fuel pellet  500  is crushed and the fusible fuel inside undergoes fusion and releases a large amount of energy. In one embodiment using deuterium/tritium, requires approximately 10 KeV per molecule input energy to compress deuterium and tritium material in close enough to fuse into helium. Then the exothermic energy released is 17.6 MeV per molecule. The output energy then is roughly 1,760 times the input energy for each molecule produced. With 100% yield, that would be 1,760 to 1, but experience shows that the yield is less than 100%. Some of the atoms escape into the high density containment material. It&#39;s reasonable to expect around 60% yield. 
         [0126]    The fiery blast of the fusion would normally be quite large. But, it&#39;s absorbed and dampened by immersing the blast area in a pool of water inside the combustion chamber. The pool of water is instantly superheated into high pressure steam and the high pressure relief/Exhaust valve opens at 2,000 psi of pressure in one embodiment. 
         [0127]    There may be a large pool of water around the combustion chamber enclosing the outside and forms a water jacket around the combustion chamber. This larger pool of water may also be used to fill the combustion chamber for each pop since the water level remains slightly above the intake port  620 . Also, when the steam condenses after a pop the residual water is channeled back into this larger pool via the condensing tank drain spout. 
         [0128]    The water is continually recycled, and after some time, there are evaporation losses, so that periodically, some water must be added back into the system. Also, residue from the blasts may build up over weeks and months, such that it must periodically be removed with a combustion chamber cleaning cycle, achieved with a robotic arm much like the multi-axis robotic arms used in the automotive industry. 
         [0129]    The steam contains the heat from the fusion while it is being routed through the exhaust valve and consumed by the steam turbine generators. This fusion combustion chamber is much like a cylinder in a top fuel dragster engine. It is an explosion-proof chamber capable of handling many atmospheres of pressure, although in several embodiments, the pressure relief/exhaust valve is preset to open at 2,000 psi. 
         [0130]    The valve is controlled to meter the pressure into the steam turbine&#39;s intake plenum chamber so as not to overload the turbines. 
         [0131]    Once the steam passes through the turbines, it collects in the condensing tank and becomes water, then either flows by gravity or is pumped back into the holding tank. 
         [0132]    The holding tank also acts as a water jacket to insulate the combustion chamber apparatus. 
         [0133]    One embodiment uses deuterium and tritium as the fusible materials. The estimated yield of this process would be about 1,760 to 1 if the fusible materials are totally consumed, although experience shows that we would normally expect about 60 percent of the reactants to fuse. These numbers vary greatly using other fusible materials which range from hydrogen up to iron (Fe) on the Periodic Chart of Elements. 
         [0134]    Following are some example calculations. These calculations have not yet been peer reviewed for accuracy. 
       Density and Yield (Using Deuterium and Tritium as a Baseline): 
       [0135]    Consider the following from tables 2, 3, and 4 as follows: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 2 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   1   1 H 2  is 2 gm per mole &amp; LH2 density is .071 gm/cm 3  therefore: 1 cm 3 =  0.0352 mol 
               
               
                   1   2 H +  1   3 H -&gt; n +  2   4 He + 17.6 MeV And 1 J = 2.78E−07 KWhr And 1 MeV = 4.45E−20 KWhr 
               
               
                 Input Energy for 100% reaction: 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 mol 
                 Atoms/mol 
                 MeV/atom 
                 KWhr/MeV 
                 KWhr 
               
               
                 1 cc =&gt;: 
                 0.0352 * 
                 6.02E+23 * 
                 .01 * 
                 4.45E−20 = 
                 9.43 i.e. 3.40E+07 = 34 MJ 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 3 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 Output Energy for 100% reaction: 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 mol 
                 Atoms/mol 
                 MeV/atom 
                 KWhr/MeV 
                 KWhr 
               
               
                 1 cc &gt;: 
                 0.0352 
                 6.02E+23 
                 17.6 * 
                 4.45E−20 
                 = 1.66E+04 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 4 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 Water Required: 
               
               
                 A 50,000 KW (50 MW) Steam Turbine uses 569,000 lb of steam per hour 
               
               
                 This is 11.38 lb/KWhr And water weighs 8.34 lb/gal 
               
             
          
           
               
                 1 cc 
                 16,600 KWhr * 11.38 lb/KWhr/8.34 lb/gal = 21,832 gal of 
               
               
                 requires: 
                 H 2 O 
               
               
                   
                 In a 50 MW Turbine this is about 1/3 of an hour at capacity, 
               
               
                   
                 so pop every 20 minutes for full 50 MW capacity 
               
               
                   
                 Now: Assuming only 60% reaction: 
               
               
                 .6 cc 
                 10,000 KWhr * 11.38 lb/KWhr/8.34 lb/gal = 13645 gal of 
               
               
                   
                 H 2 O 
               
               
                   
                 In a 50 MW Turbine this is about 1/5 of an hour at capacity, 
               
               
                   
                 So pop every 12 minutes for full 50 MW capacity. 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0136]    Some energy is spent vaporizing the water 1 cal=1 gm*1 degree C. and 1 J=4.186 cal. 
         [0137]    1 Mole of H2O gas normally occupies 22.4 liters @ STP, but it&#39;s gaseous at 100 C=373K and PV=nRT. At these high pressures that 22.4 l/mol is dramatically compressed. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 5 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 Combustion Chamber Sizing: (for 60% reaction) 
               
               
                 109,248 lb/2.205 lb/1 = 49,5461 * 1 m 3 /1,000 liters = 49.55 m 3   
               
               
                 r = 2.28m    = 7.48 ft    For 60% yield of 1 cc 
               
               
                 It doesn&#39;t fill all the way to the top and the pedestal displaces some 
               
               
                 water, and thus, a 16 ft to 17 ft diameter sphere Toroid do for 60% 
               
               
                 yield of 1 cc of said fusible material. In one embodiment, 6 m diameter 
               
               
                 is used to provide a good safety margin. 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 6 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 Heat to convert Water to Steam (assuming 109,248 lbs of water per pop): 
               
               
                 109,248 lb * 453.59 gm/lb * 100° C. = 5.02E09 cal * 4.187 J/cal * 
               
               
                 2.78E−07 KWhr/J = 5,844 KWhr 
               
               
                 So the remainder of the energy goes into superheating and pressurizing 
               
               
                 the steam 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0138]    Ideally all embodiments would use Osmium, the densest element for containment. The density of osmium is 22,610 kg/m 3  (22.61 g/cm 3 ), slightly greater than the density of iridium, the second densest element. Unfortunately, Osmium and Iridium are very rare and expensive. Less expensive elements that are almost as dense are Tungsten and Tantalum (see Table 7). 
         [0139]    In the overview set forth at  FIG. 5 , having the Energy System, as well as implementing methods and apparatuses; one fusion cycle includes intake, power and exhaust. 
         [0140]    During the intake cycle the robot loads a fuel pellet cap  510  while the water is filling through the 9 inch water inlet  304  and if the previous explosion didn&#39;t force the spring loaded pile driver all the way to the detent position, it is further retracted upward by the hydraulics subsystem apparatus until it reaches the detent position. Then it is compressed downward to load for the next firing. In some embodiments the hydraulic compressed/air water system is so precise that springs and detent pins are not required. 
         [0141]    During the power cycle the pile driver  530  is released and it fuses the fuel inside the fuel pellet cap  500  which vaporizes the water into high pressure super heated steam. Once the pile driver  530  piston makes contact, it&#39;s dwell time is very brief only to achieve Lawson&#39;s criterion (roughly 5 microseconds, then it experiences a quasi-elastic collision after which it subtends approximately 0.1 steradians of solid arc and the explosions propels it upward to the detent position, much like the manner in which a diesel pile driver works. The hydraulics automatically engage to ensure that the motion is regulated not to overshoot or undershoot the detent position, to preload for the next firing. The hydraulic compressed air/water system is very accurate and positions the pile driver within thousands of an inch without the need for springs. 
         [0142]    During the exhaust cycle, the pressure relief valve/ exhaust valve  650  opens at 2,000 psi in this embodiment and releases enough steam to drive the steam turbines optimally. The blow-down tank  102  and the high pressure regulator  103  meters the steam to avoid overloading the steam turbines. The valve opening is controlled dependent on closed loop feedback control of exhaust pressure using pressure sensors mounted in the plenum. When the pile driver  530  strikes the fuel pellet cap  510  it recoils from the collision and the subsequent explosion which compresses the pile driver  530  spring to preload it for the next cycle. The hydraulics are pre-charged and engage to provide a little more push in case it&#39;s required. 
         [0143]    These cycles are repeated as needed each time the steam energy is used or dissipates to a low level, generally ten to thirty minute intervals dependent on demand, but it&#39;s possible to pop every 2 minutes if necessary to support demand. Note: in this embodiment, each pop yields 16.6 MWhr and one pop every 20 minutes yields 50 MWhr at 100 percent using 1 cc of fusile material for each pop, then one pop every two minutes would yield 500 MWhr. And one pop per minute would yield 1,000 MWhr. And 1,000 MW steam generators are available off-the-shelf to for completing the “Balance of Plant” (BoP). 
         [0144]    The various steps are described in detail on the figure. There are heavy duty compression rings around the cylinder to form a labyrinth seal. The large cylinder is a sort of projectile, being accelerated downward with tremendous forces. The diameter of the projectile for this embodiment is 18 in. to 24 in. 
         [0145]      FIG. 8  depicts two views of fuel pellet cap assemblies in accordance with disclosed embodiments. Specifically, fuel pellet cap assembly detailed cross sections or a cutaway view are depicted, revealing the detailed components. 
         [0146]    In one embodiment the entire fuel pellet cap assembly is packaged in an enclosure cube  801  of a metal such as T-6 aluminum or 7075 aluminum. The top quasi-hemispherical cap  802  encapsulates the upper portion of the fuel pellet. In some embodiments the top is flat and in others, the top is an actual hemisphere with curved outer walls. The top  803  is where the pile driver makes initial contact to begin compressing the top quasi-hemispherical cap  802  and the spherical shaped balls  804  around the fuel pellet  805 . In one embodiment these spherical shaped balls  804  are high density tungsten to provide uniform compression of the fuel pellet. These spherical shaped balls  804  may be all the same size or varying sizes as one progresses out from fuel pellet  805  in the center. The thin-walled sphere in the center containing the fuel is the fuel pellet  805 . The critical dimension  806  is to ensure uniform and total compression. This is negative in many cases. (e.g., the top quasi-hemispherical cap is slightly smaller than the bottom quasi-hemispherical cap  807  and the outside of the top quasi-hemispherical cap is a rounded thin-walled hemisphere, rather than cube shaped, so that it fits inside the curvature of the bottom quasi-hemispherical cap  807  as the fuel pellet cap assembly  FIG. 8  is compressed. 
         [0147]    In some embodiments the spherical shaped balls  804  are replaced with mercury (Hg) or other high density liquid to maintain maximum compression on the fuel pellet  805  in the center. 
         [0148]    In some embodiments the fuel pellet cap assembly is packaged in a cube or hemisphere. In alternative embodiments the fuel pellet cap assembly is packaged in an enclosure shaped like a modified toroid  807  with the outside edges concaved inward vertically and in which the inside edges of the toroid are normal convex outward so that, as the assembly is crushed, the pressure builds fairly uniformly around the sphere in the center  809 . These embodiments are constructed of Tungsten  807  on the outside crust and filled with Tantalum  808 . The Tantalum  808  may be solid or liquid. In some embodiments the entire assemblies are kept in a preheated kiln just above 3,000 degrees C. At that temperature, the Tantalum  808  is liquid, while the Tungsten outer shell  807  is still solid. The Tungsten thick walled inner core  809  is solid, while the fusionable materials inside have boiled and become a high temperature, high pressure gas. Some of the elements properties are listed in table 7. Note that all of these boil and become gaseous below 3,000 degrees Celsius. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 7 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Element 
                 Density gm/cm 3   
                 Melting Point ° C. 
                 Boiling Point 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 Ta 
                 16.6 
                 2996 
                 5425 
               
               
                 W 
                 19.29 
                 3410 
                 5660 
               
               
                 Os 
                 22.60 
                 3045 
                 5027 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 8 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Element 
                 Density gm/cm 3   
                 Melting Point ° C. 
                 Boiling Point 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 H 
                 .071 
                 −259 
                 −252 
               
               
                 He 
                 .126 
                 −272 
                 −268 
               
               
                 Li 
                 .530 
                 180.5 
                 1342 
               
               
                 Be 
                 1.85 
                 1278 
                 2970 
               
               
                 B 
                 2.34 
                 2300 
                 2550 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0149]      FIG. 9  depicts a sub-assembly containing the Pressure Chamber, upper hydraulic actuated pile driver and lower hydraulic actuated pile driver/receiver in accordance with disclosed embodiments. The rotating cylindrical robot door  710  bolts onto the robot door flange  901 . The pile driver shaft  902  is the main pile driver that crushes the fuel pellets in  FIG. 8 . A pressure relief valve circa 2,500 psi bolts onto the steam exhaust  903 . 
         [0150]    An inlet valve is bolted to the water inlet  904  and a standard pump capable of delivering several thousand gallons per minute is bolted to the water inlet valve. 
         [0151]    The upper pile driver  906  and the lower pile driver  907  are identical. The lower pile driver/receiver shaft  905  may be positioned totally independently of the upper pile driver. They are coordinated via software and hydraulic controls to quickly immerse and implode the fuel pellets, immediately after being placed by the robotic arm and the robotic arm door is closed which is typically milliseconds. The lower pile driver/receiver drops and immerses the fuel pellet cap and stops rigidly just an instant before the accelerating upper pile driver begins crushing the pellet from the top. Both upper and lower pile drivers are immediately retracted. They need to maintain pressure and confinement only long enough to meet Lawson&#39;s criterion. The ends of the pile drivers are covered with high temperature metal alloy covers which are consumable and may be replaced by the robotic arm. 
         [0152]    The upper pile driver  906  and the lower pile driver  907  each contain 8 hydraulic cylinder insert cavities. There are four “push”  908  and four “pull”  909  hydraulic actuated cylinder mounts on each pile driver. 
         [0153]      FIG. 10  depicts a top assembly incorporating the sub-assembly of  FIG. 9  and excluding the standard off-the-shelf water pump, blow down pressure vessel and high pressure regulator in accordance with the disclosed embodiments. 
         [0154]    The upper hydraulic actuator cavity  1001  and the lower hydraulic actuator cavity  1008  are essentially identical. They may contain the Hydraulic pumps as well, or these may be placed beside the main unit. The “push” hydraulic cylinders  1002  are fitted into the push cavity mounts  908  and the “pull” hydraulic cylinders  1003  are fitted into the pull cavity mounts  909 . Similarly on the lower side, there are push and pull cylinders. The high pressure air/water containers  1004 , maintain the supply for instantaneous actuation and control of the push/pull hydraulics. The high pressure supply lines  1005  are routed into the lower hydraulic actuator cavity  1008  to the lower hydraulic actuators and up the stanchions  1006  to the upper hydraulic actuator cavity  1001 . The lines from the pumps  1006  are routed from the standard hydraulic pumps behind the unit. These pumps may also be mounted in the upper and lower hydraulic actuator cavities  1001 , 1008 . 
         [0155]    While the subject matter disclosed herein has been described by way of example and in terms of the specific embodiments, it is to be understood that the claimed embodiments are not limited to the explicitly enumerated embodiments disclosed. To the contrary, the disclosure is intended to cover various modifications and similar arrangements as would be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the scope of the appended claims should be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and similar arrangements. It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading and understanding the above description. The scope of the disclosed subject matter is therefore to be determined in reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.