Michael McDonnough on Portable Nuclear Energy
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The CEO of Betavoltaic, Inc describes a revolutionary new form of nuclear-energy derived from stimulated beta-decay breakdown. We also discuss the Plasmavolt, a promising new inertial-confinement fusion generator with operating characteristics similar to cold-fusion & direct electrical output.
The concept of beta-decay is a well-documented component of nuclear physics in which nuclear decay in a substance such as strontium-90 emits a high-velocity electron. This electron is captured on a capacitive plate, and the high-kinetic energy is used to drive a substantial current.
McDonnough describes Betavoltaic’s proprietary-process for increasing the traditional nuclear-decay rate in beta-emitters, which allows a scalable current flow with properties similar to a battery in operation. This research is related in principle to work done by the late Dr. Paul Brown, but Betavoltaic has secured a unique approach to the practical implmentation of this research. Nuclear materials have an energy density thousands of times greater than hydrocarbons, which means that a small nuclear-battery could have significant power-generation potential in stimulated mode operation.
Additionally, Betavoltaic has secured the development rights for the “Plasmavolt” — a new form of vortex inertial-confinment fusion generator, which McDonnough claims produces a direct fusion to electrical output without harmful radiation in a manner described as being similar to cold fusion. Testing on the Plasmavolt has apparently created a net yield of 6-grams of pure K40, which is a harmless (but rare) isotope that McDonnough describes as the proof of this experiment’s success.
