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One of the major issues with DBFC is availability of Sodium borohydride and economics of converting sodium metaborate, product of reactions in DBFC, to sodium borohydide. Work has been done by L Kong et all [1] to convert Sodium metaborate to sodium borohydride using magnesium hydride. The work presented here discusses various other possibilities to recycle NaBO2 and how it could be coupled with existing wind and solar energy systems to make it economically viable. A little variation form Brown Schlesinger process [2], commonly used to produce sodium borohydide is proposed and with discussion on possible renewable energy system are presented below. a] Steam reforming of methane : Solar energy can be utilized to convert water into steam. Also possibilities of using geothermal energy where available cannot be ruled out. b] Using sea water to get sodium metal: Electrolysis of seawater enables us to have this process on board on offshore wind mills. Also presence of other salts in sea like calcium chloride favor electrolysis. c] Hydrolysis of NaBO2 to make boric acid: This is the deviation from the exiting Brown Schlesinger and thermoeconomics is under investigation. d] Boric acid reacts with methanol to give trimethylborate. e] Sodium metal in presence of hydrogen from steam reforming react to give sodium hydride. f] Sodium hydride and trimethylboate react to give sodium borohydide and sodium methoxide which decomposes into methanol and NaOH. Another method that would be included in this study is using NaBO2 to produce borohallide (BX3) which in presence of LiAlH4 would give B2H6 which with sodium carbonate (from sodium metaborate and methane or carbon dioxide) would give sodium hydroxide. This is under study and hence not much data is available right now. From the cost study it is seen that for the first mentioned process the initial cost associated is high and exact amount is still under debate. Advantage of utilizing renewable source is that the renewable energy can be converted into efficient source of energy for mobile applications.Copyright © 2010 by ASME

Fast Ignition is recognized as the most promising approach to achieving the high energy gain target performance needed for commercial inertial confinement fusion (ICF). However, there are great difficulties related to the traditional approach of generating a relativistic electron beam and then focusing it on the hot “spark” region (hot spot) of the compressed target. One promising alternate approach that has been proposed by researchers at LLNL and LANL is the laser generation of a proton beam in an “interaction foil” to ignite the target. However, the total proton flux supplied from hydrogen adsorbed on the foil surface is too small to generate the desired proton flux threshold. In more recent studies it has been found that ions heavier than protons would provide better focusing on the hot spot if ways to efficiently generate them can be found. Here we propose to utilize a new “Deuterium Cluster ”type structure as the laser interaction foil to generate an energetic deuteron beam as the fast igniter. The ultra high density deuterium in the cluster structure promises much higher total flux for deuterons than for traditional protons. Also, deuterons will serve very important dual purposes — the deuteron deposition in the target hot spot will not only provide heating but also fuse with fuel as they slow down in the target. The resulting fusion alphas serve to provide added heating, reducing the input requirement. If the physics works as anticipated, this novel type of interaction foil can efficiently generate energetic deuterons during intense laser pulses. The massive yield of deuterons generated from our cluster material through laser acceleration, should turn out to be the most efficient way of FI of the DT fuel, and making the dream of near-term commercialization of FI fusion more achievable.Copyright © 2010 by ASME

Following the first result of generating nuclear fusion energy without dangerous radioactive radiation by laser ignition of the proton-11 Boron reaction (HB11), we applied this method to evaluate other fusion reactions with no primary neutron production as the proton-7 Lithium reaction (HLi7) and of the burning of solid density helium isotope 3 He (He3-He3). The new method is a combination of now available laser pulses of 10 petawatt (PW) power and duration in the range of picoseconds (ps) or less. The new mechanism follows the initial theory of Chu and of Bobin for side-on ignition of solid state density fusion fuel developed in about 1972 where some later known physics phenomena had to be added. The essential innovation is the use of the discovery of a predicted anomaly when the mentioned laser pulses are sufficiently clean, i.e. free from prepulses by at least a contrast ratio 108 where acceleration by the nonlinear (ponderomotive) force is dominating.Copyright © 2010 by ASME

Multidimensional transport simulations using the BALDUR code have been used to examine the correlation between the effective global helium particle confinement time and the edge recycling coefficie...

This paper reports that the realization of an ideal volume compression of laser-irradiated fusion pellets opens the possibility for an alternative to spark ignition; this has been proposed for many years for inertial confinement fusion. Using a detailed volume ignition computation of sources of reheat in deuterium-deuterium (D-D) reactions (alpha, proton, and tritium reheat), the result of the calculations show that D-D pellets can be utilized in the same way as in the deuterium-tritium reaction if higher compression can be achieved. Fusion gains of more than 80 are obtained with an initial temperature of only {approx}3.0 keV, input energies close to 2.4 GJ, and initial compression at 30,000 times the solid-state density.

A comprehensive design study of the D-3He-fueled field-reversed configuration (FRC) reactor Artemis is carried out for the purpose of proving its attractive characteristics and clarifying the criti...

Since DT laser fusion with 10-MJ laser pulses for 1000-MJ output now offers the physics solution for an economical fusion energy reactor, the conditions are evaluated assuming that controlled ICF reactions will become possible in the future using clean nuclear fusion fuel such as deuterium-helium(3) or hydrogen-boron(11). Using the transparent physics mechanisms of volume ignition of the fuel capsules, we show that the volume ignition for strong reduction of the optimum initial temperature can be reached for both types of fuels if a compression about 100 times higher than those in present-day laser compression experiments is attained in the future. Helium(3) laser-pulse energies are then in the same range as for DT, but ten times higher energies will be required for hydrogenboron(11).

The use of laser-driven Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF) for space propulsion has been the subject of several earlier conceptual design studies. However, these studies were based on older ICF technology using either “direct “or “in-direct x-ray driven” type target irradiation. Important new directions have opened for laser ICF in recent years following the development of “chirped” lasers capable of ultra short pulses with powers of TW up to few PW which leads to the concept of “fast ignition” (FI) to achieve higher energy gains from target implosions. Earlier, the authors studied a modified type of FI termed “block ignition” that could meet many of the requirements anticipated (but not then available) by the designs of the VISTA ICF fusion propulsion ship for deep space missions. Subsequently, they presented concepts for imbedding high density condensed matter “clusters” of deuterium into the target to obtain ultra high local fusion reaction rates Such rates are possible due to the high density of the clusters (above cryogenic deuterium density). Once compressed by the implosion, the yet higher density gives an ultra high reaction rate over the cluster volume since the fusion rate is proportional to the square of the fuel density. Most recently, a new discovery discussed here indicates that the target matrix could be composed of B 11

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.

Space electronic and other remote electronic systems have a crucial need for low power, self-sustaining, constant power sources that require little or no maintenance. Applications that need such power sources include space probe electronics, sensors in remote locations (space, underground, etc.), and implantable medical devices. Conventionally, these needs have been met by microburner-based energy producers, fuel cells, and chemical batteries. The first two convert mechanical, thermal, and/or chemical energy into electrical energy or electricity. They require the use of microfluidic flow chambers and external energy to function.

This paper reviews previous theoretical and experimental study on the possibility of nuclear events in multilayer thin film electrodes (Lipson et al., 2004 and 2005; Miley et al., 2007), including the correlation between excess heat and transmutations (Miley and Shrestha, 2003) and the cluster theory that predicts it. As a result of this added understanding of cluster reactions, a new class of electrodes is under development at the University of Illinois. These electrodes are designed to enhance cluster formation and subsequent reactions. Two approaches are under development. The first employs improved loading‐unloading techniques, intending to obtain a higher volumetric density of sites favoring cluster formation. The second is designed to create nanostructures on the electrode where the cluster state is formed by electroless deposition of palladium on nickel micro structures. Power units employing these electrodes should offer unique advantages for space applications. This is a fundamental new nuclear energy source that is environmentally compatible with a minimum of radiation involvement, high specific power, very long lifetime, and scalable from micro power to kilowatts.

Earlier conceptual design studies (Bussard, 1990; Miley et al., 1998; Burton et al., 2003) have described Inertial Electrostatic Confinement (IEC) fusion propulsion to provide a high‐power density fusion propulsion system capable of aggressive deep space missions. However, this requires large multi‐GW thrusters and a long term development program. As a first step towards this goal, a progression of near‐term IEC thrusters, stating with a 1–10 kWe electrically‐driven IEC jet thruster for satellites are considered here. The initial electrically‐powered unit uses a novel multi‐jet plasma thruster based on spherical IEC technology with electrical input power from a solar panel. In this spherical configuration, Xe ions are generated and accelerated towards the center of double concentric spherical grids. An electrostatic potential well structure is created in the central region, providing ion trapping. Several enlarged grid opening extract intense quasi‐neutral plasma jets. A variable specific impulse in the range of 1000–4000 seconds is achieved by adjusting the grid potential. This design provides high maneuverability for satellite and small space probe operations. The multiple jets, combined with gimbaled auxiliary equipment, provide precision changes in thrust direction. The IEC electrical efficiency can match or exceed efficiencies of conventional Hall Current Thrusters (HCTs) while offering advantages such as reduced grid erosion (long life time), reduced propellant leakage losses (reduced fuel storage), and a very high power‐to‐weight ratio. The unit is ideally suited for probing missions. The primary propulsive jet enables delicate maneuvering close to an object. Then simply opening a second jet offset 180 degrees from the propulsion one provides a “plasma analytic probe” for interrogation of the object.

One of the fundamental needs for Mars colonization is an abundant source of energy (Shaban and Miley 2003). The total energy system will probably use a mixture of sources based on solar energy, fuel cells and nuclear energy. Here we concentrate on the possibility of developing a distributed system employing advanced nuclear energy, specifically a mixture of small fusion devices and low energy nuclear reaction (LENR) cells (Miley 1997; Miley et al. 2002a). The fusion devices would provide small central units in the 500 kWe - 1 MWe level. The LENR units would serve as small portable sources ranging from Watts up to kiloWatts. All units would be designed to minimize radiation emission and radioactive waste.

Fuel cells have played an important role in NASA’s space program starting with the Gemini space program. However, improved fuel cell performance will be needed to enable demanding future missions. An advanced fuel cell (FC) using liquid fuel and oxidizer is being developed by U of IL/NPL team to provide air independence and to achieve higher power densities than normal H2/O2 fuel cells (Lou et al., 2008; Miley, 2007). Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is used in this FC directly at the cathode (Lou and Miley, 2004). Either of two types of reactant, namely a gas‐phase hydrogen or an aqueous NaBH4 solution, is utilized as fuel at the anode. Experiments with both 10‐W single cells and 500‐W stacks demonstrate that the direct utilization of H2O2 and NaBH4 at the electrodes result in >30% higher voltage output compared to the ordinary H2/O2 FC (Miley, 2007). Further, the use of this combination of all liquid fuels provides—from an operational point of view—significant advantages (ease of storage, reduced pumping requir...

A fuel cell for air independent mobile applications using Direct Sodium Borohydride/Hydrogen Peroxide fuels in a low temperature PEM configuration is under development [1, 2]. As part of the development of this unique all liquid fuel cell, we have been studying methods for system integration, including methods for water management, stacking issues involving fluid conductivity control, and the design of a composite catalysis-diffusion layers. [3, 4] The goal is to find optimal conditions (minimum activation, ohmic and transport losses plus maximum run time per fuel loading) in this unique all liquid fuel cell. In contrast to conventional H2 /O2 cells, the high electron and ion conductivity of the aqueous solution based fuels introduces special design considerations. For example, in stack design, the path length of flow channels connecting cells must be lengthened to increase the electric resistance which would otherwise introduce serious electrical shorting. With the catalyst coated throughout the diffusion layer, increasing ion conductivity from reaction sites to the PEM region also becomes a key design consideration, involving the porosity and entanglement of catalyst materials. Water management in this type of cell involves unique issues beyond humidification of the PEM which is automatically wetted by the liquid fuels. Here the issue is recirculation of product water from the cathode side back to the borohydride side to prevent reaction product NaBO2 from exceeding its solubility limit. These system integration issues are studied by a coordinated experimental approach which will be described in the presentation.Copyright © 2009 by ASME

Alpha healing, alpha containment, and alpha stabilization effects are studied in the fusion ignition experiment IGNITEX. The IGNITEX device offers the possibility of producing fusion-ignited plasma...

Progress in inertial confinement fusion development justifies an optimistic view of future concepts. The use of advanced fuels represents a key goal in obtaining future power plants. Prior work on such targets using a deuterium-tritium spark ignition is reviewed and evaluated via the conceptual reactor design LOTRIT. Preliminary calculations presented here also indicate that it may ultimately be possible to achieve a p-11B burn using a volume ignition. However, the parameters required, e.g., 105 times solid density, are beyond the reach of present technology.

We present the second part of an H-band (1.6 mu m) "atlas'' of z < 0.3 3CR radio galaxies, using the Hubble Space Telescope Near Infrared Camera and Multi-Object Spectrometer (HST NICMOS2). We present new imaging for 21 recently acquired sources and host galaxy modeling for the full sample of 101 (including 11 archival)-an 87% completion rate. Two different modeling techniques are applied, following those adopted by the galaxy morphology and the quasar host galaxy communities. Results are compared and found to be in excellent agreement, although the former breaks down in the case of sources with strong active galactic nuclei (AGNs). Companion sources are tabulated, and the presence of mergers, tidal features, dust disks, and jets are cataloged. The tables form a catalog for those interested in the structural and morphological dust-free host galaxy properties of the 3CR sample, and for comparison with morphological studies of quiescent galaxies and quasar host galaxies. Host galaxy masses are estimated and found to typically lie at around 2 x 10(11) M-circle dot. In general, the population is found to be consistent with the local population of quiescent elliptical galaxies, but with a longer tail to low Sersic index, mainly consisting of low-redshift (z < 0: 1) and low-radio-power (FR I) sources. A few unusually disky FR II host galaxies are picked out for further discussion. Nearby external sources are identified in the majority of our images, many of which we argue are likely to be companion galaxies or merger remnants. The reduced NICMOS data are now publicly available from our Web site.

A unitized direct sodium borohydride regenerative battery-type fuel cell is being developed to compete with other advanced regenerative fuel cells and chemical batteries. In its discharged state, this cell contains an aqueous solution of sodium metaborate in both the anode and cathode sides. During recharge, the cell is designed to electrochemically produce sodium borohydride in the anode and hydrogen peroxide in the cathode. The work described here is focused on determining the species produced during recharge. Prior to this work, definitive data for the electrochemical reactions involved was not established. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and other supporting measurements are employed. Results confirm that sodium borohydride is electrochemically regenerated in aqueous solution via a one-step process from a solution of sodium metaborate at the anode. However, oxidizing species assist the formation of sodium borohydride at the cell cathode. Further it is found that a high pH inhibits the formation of oxidizing species during recharge. Consequently, the main oxidizing species for sodium borohydride during discharge involves gaseous or dissolved oxygen, either from the atmosphere or purposely formed via electrolysis during recharge. Consequently an optimal pH of order 12-13 balances the stability of any sodium borohydride produced during recharge with the oxidizing species necessary for sodium borohydride oxidation during discharge.

A new type of low E/N discharge, the Controlled Filament Non-local Discharge (CFND), is described. The CFND employs a unique cathode design with a “spiked” surface and built-in ballast resistors to stabilize the electron filaments generated during pulsed operation. Potential applications to the Electric Oil Laser and various plasma processes such as ozone production are discussed.

Radioisotopic batteries offer advantages relative to conventional chemical batteries for applications requiring a long lifetime with minimum maintenance. Thus, thermoelectric type cells fueled with Pu have been used extensively on NASA space missions. The design for a small beta battery using nickel‐63 (Ni‐63) and a vacuum direct collection method is described here. A honeycomb nickel wire structure is employed to achieve bi‐directional direct collection by seeding Ni‐63 onto honeycomb shaped wires that will provide structural support as well. The battery design is intended to power low power electronics and distribute power needs in space probes as well as space colonies. Ni‐63 is chosen as the source emitter because it has a long half‐life and ease of manufacturing. The use of vacuum is especially well mated to space use; hence, vacuum insulation is employed to gain a higher efficiency than prior beta batteries with a dielectric insulator. A unique voltage down‐converter is incorporated to efficiently reduce the inherent output voltage from 17.4 kV to ∼17.4 V. This converter operates like a “reverse” Marx circuit where capacitor charging occurs in series but the discharge is in parallel. The reference battery module described here is about 100 cm×100 cm×218 cm and has a power of ∼10 W with a conversion efficiency of ∼15.8%. These modules can be stacked for higher powers and are very attractive for various applications in space colonization due to their long life (half‐life for Ni‐63∼100 yrs) and low maintenance.

A pulsed CFND is described for low E/N discharge pumping of lasers. Micro-protrusions on the cathode produce highly non-equilibrium beam-like electron filaments in the discharge, providing a discharge E/N ~10-16Vcm2for lasers like ElectricOIL.

We discuss the Oppenheimer-Phillips process as a possible phenomenon leading to deuteron disintegration due to polarization in the Coulomb field of a target nucleus. This reaction may be possible in the context of electrochemically compressed deuterons in a palladium cathode. The process is exothermic and may lead to neutron capture from the deuterons into the palladium isotopes, as well as between the deuterons themselves. In the last case, the equivalent of the proton branch of the D-D fusion reaction occurs in preference to the neutron branch. Such a process could provide a model for the processes involved in the observed energy release and tritium production in conjunction with neutron suppression in recent experiments. Possible interactions with Be and fertile isotopes are discussed in the context of breeding fissile isotopes in subcritical configurations.

A simple fusion experiment for the production and control of deuterium-tritium-ignited plasmas for scientific study is considered. The basic elements of fusion product alpha-particle behavior at ig...

Radioluminescence experiments have been performed on single- and polycrystal CsI at the pulsed TRIGA nuclear reactor of the University of Illinois. 95% of the 100 krad dose (SiO 2 ) was contributed by gamma-rays, the rest by neutrons. The radioluminescence was measured in the near infrared (up to 5.5 μm) and in the visible range. At the peak of the radiation pulse (dose rate of 6.9 Mrad/s), single-crystal CsI emits ∼ 40 mW/cm 2 in the infrared, against virtually nothing for the polycrystal CsI. In the visible range, however, the emission intensity is much larger, ranging from 300 mW/cm 2 for the polycrystal CsI to more than 5 W/cm 2 for the single-crystal CsI. It was also found that dose accumulation by consecutive pulsing causes the luminescence to decrease. The rate of decrease depends on the sample, on the proportion of thallium as a dopant and on the wavelength range considered. Increasing the temperature of CsI also causes a decrease in radioluminescence and repairs the damage to the crystal by annealing the quenching centers, essentially allowing full recovery of the radioluminescence intensity.

In this paper alpha-particle ash accumulation in tokamaks and two possible ash control techniques are discussed. The effect of thermal alpha-particle ash accumulation on plasma performance is examined using a zero-dimensional analysis with profile corrections. Alpha-particle accumulation is shown to have serious effects on ignition requirements. An analytical model developed to predict the effect of sawtooth disruption on ash accumulation is discussed. The analytical results indicate that the sawtooth is effective when the temperature profile is parabolic or flatter. Alpha-particle ejection by a fishbone oscillation is envisaged to be helpful in ash control, and a model of the physics in a large-aspect-ratio approximation is discussed using an extended version of a Chen et al. formalism. The trapped particle destabilization of the internal kinks due to the alpha particles and a second hot-particle species is considered, and the expected oscillation frequency and growth rates are derived.

Neoclassical transport of minority suprathermal alpha particles is investigated. This paper departs from previous investigations in that (a) the banana-width ordering parameter {rho}{sub {theta}}/L is not formally restricted to be a small parameter and (b) a linearized collision operator that retains the effects of pitch-angle scattering, electron and ion drag, and speed diffusion is used. A step model approximation for the large-aspect-ratio, circular-cross-section tokamak magnetic field is adopted to simplify the orbit-averaging procedure. Assuming that the suprathermal alphas are in the banana regime, an asymptotic expansion in {tau}{sub B}/{tau}{sub S} {much lt} l is carried out.

The 9th International Workshop on Laser Interaction and Related Plasma Phenomena was held from 6 to 10 November 1989, at Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, California. This series of meetings began in 1969 and it is the longest series of meetings in this field in the USA. It is, in fact, the longest series with published proceedings that document the advances and the growth of this dynamic field of physics and technology.

The authors have developed an energy conversion concept, called Photon-Intermediate Direct Energy Conversion (PIDEC), that makes possible a two-step conversion of high grade nuclear energy (fission or fusion) to electricity or other useful high grade energy forms without intermediate thermalization. In PIDEC the nuclear fuel has a low average density, with local scale lengths significantly shorter than the range of the energetic nuclear reaction products. In the first step of the process, the nuclear energetic reaction product energy is transported to a fluorescer gas which converts it into photons. Then, in the second step of the process, the photons are transported out of the nuclear reactor to a medium which converts the photon energy to the desired product high grade energy form, such as electricity. We calculate that electricity can be produced, non-thermally, with an efficiency of up to 30%. With the addition of intermediate and bottoming thermal cycles, efficiency for electricity production could be as high as 70%, double that of conventional nuclear power plants. In addition to electric power, photolysis makes other product forms possible. These products include useful feedstock, or combustion chemicals, such as hydrogen and carbon monoxide, and excited molecular and atomic states, used for laser amplifiers or oscillators.

We present results from a Keck optical and near IR spectroscopic study of the giant emission line halos of the z>3 High Redshift Radio Galaxies (HiZRGs) 4C 41.17, 4C 60.07 and B2 0902+34. The outer regions of these halos show quiet kinematics with typical velocity dispersions of a few hundred km∈s-1 and velocity shears consistent with rotation. The inner regions contain shocked, clumpy cocoons of gas closely associated with the radio lobes with disturbed kinematics and expansion velocities and/or velocity dispersions >1000 km∈s-1. We also find evidence for the ejection of chemically enriched material in 4C 41.17 up to a distance of 60 kpc along the radio-axis. We infer that these HiZRGs are undergoing a final jet-induced phase of star formation with the ejection of most of their interstellar medium before evolving to become "red and dead" Elliptical galaxies. © 2007 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.

An annular field reversed configuration (FRC) plasma concept is being developed by the University of Michigan and AFRL to investigate inductively-coupled high power electric propulsion. Presented is the continued exploration of an annular FRC with specific focus on main bank discharges, magnetized plasma toroid formation, and preliminary investigation into plasma translation. Additional detail is given towards discharge parameter space, optimization of energy input/translation, and predictive scaling laws of magnetic flux, plasma density, and plasma energy content. The discharge parameter space covers multiple charging energies, voltages, and timing as well as multiple propellants and pre-ionization techniques. Finally, a case for FRC formation is made by investigating magnetic field (and flux) reversal in the coil as well as downstream magnetic field modification by a high density magnetized plasma.

A path for the expeditious development of D- 3 He fusion for terresial and space power is discussed. The availability of lunar 3 He resources makes this a key opportunity for future space exploration. A relatively rapid development path appears feasible based alternate fusion confinement concepts combined with the simplified technology required for small plants. D- 3 He benefits (vs. conventional D-T fusion) include full-lifetime materials, reduced radiation damage, less activation, absence of tritium breeding blankets, highly efficient direct energy conversion, easier maintenance, and proliferation resistance. To illustrate the potential for D- 3 He propulsion systems, a recent conceptual design for deep space propulsion based on inertial electrostatic confinement (IEC) fusion, “Fusion Ship II”. is reviewed.

The research on a 500-Watt direct sodium-borohydride/hydrogen-peroxide (NaBH4/H2O2) fuel cell is presented here. Aqueous solutions of NaBH4 and hydrogen peroxide are directly used at the fuel cell anode and cathode, respectively, in place of gaseous reactants. Initial results indicate: 1) conversion efficiency over 60% at a practical current density of 250 mA/cm; 2) power density over 0.5 W/cm, at 60 degree Celsius. The kiloWatt-stack consists of 24 cells, generating an OCV (open circuit voltage) of ~ 42V. The design of the reactant manifold overcomes some issues unique to an all-liquid-reactant fuel cell. One such issue is possible short-circuiting of neighboring cells from the conductivity of fuel/oxidant. Another issue is possible excessive corrosion if the manifold is not designed properly. This NaBH4/H2O2 fuel cell technology is ideal for propulsion/power for aerospace systems such as spacecraft and unmanned aerial vehicles.

We present the results of a comprehensive Spitzer survey of 69 radio galaxies across 160% for ~75% the high redshift radio galaxies. As expected from unified models of AGN, the stellar fraction of the rest-frame H-band luminosity has no correlation with redshift, radio luminosity, or rest-frame mid-IR (5um) luminosity. Additionally, while the stellar H-band luminosity does not vary with stellar fraction, the total H-band luminosity anti-correlates with the stellar fraction as would be expected if the underlying hosts of these radio galaxies comprise a homogeneous population. The resultant stellar luminosities imply stellar masses of 10^{11-11.5}Msun even at the highest redshifts. Powerful radio galaxies tend to lie in a similar region of mid-IR color-color space as unobscured AGN, despite the stellar contribution to their mid-IR SEDs at shorter-wavelengths. The mid-IR luminosities alone classify most HzRGs as LIRGs or ULIRGs with even higher total-IR luminosities. As expected, these exceptionally high mid-IR luminosities are consistent with an obscured, highly-accreting AGN. We find a weak correlation of stellar mass with radio luminosity., Comment: 63 pages, 14 figures, accepted for publication in ApJS

This paper reviews light water and hydrogen-based Low Energy Nuclear Reactions (LENRs) including the different methodologies used to study these reactions and the results obtained. Reports of excess heat production, transmutation reactions and nuclear radiation emission are cited. An aim of this review is to present a summary of the present status of light water LENR research and provide some insight into where this research is heading.

Radiation emission from Low Energy Nuclear Radiation (LENR) electrodes (both charged-particle and x-rays) represents an important feature of LENR in general. Here, calibration, measurement techniques, and soft x-ray emission results from deuterium bombardment of a Pd target (cathode) placed in a pulsed deuterium glow discharge (PGD) are described. An x-ray intensity of 13.4 mW/cm and a dose of 3.3 μJ/cm were calculated over a 0.5 ms pulse time from AXUV photodiode radiation detector measurements. A most striking feature is that x-ray energies > 600 V are observed with a discharge voltage only about half of that value. To further investigate this phenomenon, emission during room temperature D-desorption from electrolytically loaded Pd:Dx cathodes was also studied. The x-ray emission energy observed was quite similar to the PGD case. However, the intensity in this case was almost 13 orders of magnitude lower due to the much lower deuterium fluxes involved.