Power Generation Through LENRs: Prospects, Problems and Paths Forward
Power Generation Through LENRs: Prospects, Problems and Paths Forward
A White Paper by Steven B. Krivit
Copyright © 2017 S.B. Krivit — All Rights Reserved
Feb. 23, 2017
Introduction
For the past 100 years, most scientists thought that nuclear reactions could occur only in high-energy physics experiments and in massive nuclear reactors. But experimental research, and the Widom-Larsen theory, suggest that there is more to know: Nuclear reactions can also occur in small, benchtop experiments. Low-energy nuclear reaction (LENR) research has the potential to open the door to a new kind of nuclear power generation without harmful radiation emission, greenhouse gas production, or the possibility of runaway chain reactions.
The Widom-Larsen theory, which does not require any new physics, provides a sensible, mathematically rigorous explanation for most of the previously incomprehensible experimental observations. A complete list of the Widom-Larsen papers, including critique and response to critique, are available on this Web page. A brief summary of the seven papers is available on request.
LENRs are neither fusion nor fission but instead provide a third potential pathway to nuclear energy. LENRs may also provide a means of transmuting elements, including rendering dangerous radioactive isotopes inert. LENR fuels may consist of ordinary hydrogen, along with metallic nanoparticles composed of nickel, titanium, palladium, other transition metals, or tungsten. At first glance, a clean, radiation-free nuclear energy technology sounds too good to be true; this concern has been one of the impediments to broader acceptance of LENRs. This paper outlines key evidence that establishes the scientific validity of LENRs, identifies issues interfering with its acceptance, and discusses future opportunities in LENR research.
Contents
Heat Sources
Nuclear Evidence: Shifts in Isotopic Abundances
Nuclear Evidence: LENR Transmutations
Nuclear Evidence: Small Emissions of Low-Energy Neutrons
LENR Power: Good Science
LENR Power: Poorly Reproducible
LENR Power: Bad News
The State of the Art
Three Impediments: Human Issues
Paths Forward
Opportunities
