A research and development project promoted by America Welcome Inc.
Measuring the total energy balance
under particular plasma conditions
We are looking for researchers and experts to reproduce experiments reported in the literature whose results are not yet fully explained. We want to measure how much energy a high-current pulsed electric discharge produces in a gas mixture or in a liquid, with a complete measurement of all the energy that goes in and all the energy that comes out.
Join the research ↗Our mission
Industry needs reliable and affordable energy. High-current electric discharges in plasma can reach very high temperatures, and some published experiments have reported results that are not yet fully explained.
This project was created to reproduce such experiments, varying their parameters, and to measure rigorously the ratio between the energy put in and the energy produced.
Our principle is simple: first observe and measure, then interpret. Every result, positive or negative, will be documented so that others can verify it.
The experiments
The experiments to be reproduced, as described in the literature, use a reactor in which a high-current pulsed electric discharge is applied across two electrodes immersed in a gas mixture or in a liquid. The reactor is surrounded by a water-cooling jacket.
Electrical input
Voltage, current and pulse shape are recorded continuously to determine the exact energy supplied.
Energy output
Water flow and temperature rise in the cooling jacket allow us to determine the energy produced. Losses and calibrations are measured separately.
A series of measurements
We plan to carry out a series of measurements, varying the composition of the gas mixture or the liquid in which the discharge takes place, and keeping every other condition as constant as possible. The specific gases and liquids will be chosen with the researchers who join the project, on the basis of the safety assessment and the instruments available. Each configuration will be measured with the same protocol, so that the results can be compared directly.
A hypothesis that can be proven wrong
The question is what the ratio is between the total energy produced and the total energy supplied. If the energy balance closes within the measurement uncertainty, the hypothesis of an energy surplus is rejected. We will publish the result whichever way it goes.
Safety
The experiments and measurements involve high currents, high temperatures and gases. They will be carried out only in suitable facilities with proper safety oversight.
- electrical and high-temperature hazards;
- gas handling and ventilation;
- chemical reactions and by-products;
- procedures for faults and unexpected shutdowns.
Our method
Observe before interpreting
We separate measured results from the theories proposed to explain them.
Measure the whole system
We consider all inputs and outputs, together with calibrations, controls, losses and uncertainties.
Define criteria first
Protocol, measurements and conditions for success or refutation are set before the result is known.
Replicate independently
A result gains value when it can be reproduced by different groups using documented instruments and procedures.
Publish negative outcomes too
Rigorous experiments are useful even when they do not confirm the initial hypothesis.
Transparency
For each phase we intend to make available, within the limits of safety and collaboration agreements:
- objectives and hypotheses;
- experimental protocol;
- instruments and calibration procedures;
- criteria for success and refutation;
- data collected and margins of uncertainty;
- positive, negative or inconclusive results;
- any conflicts of interest;
- information needed for independent replication.
We are looking for researchers and experts
We are looking for researchers and experts to design, build and run the experiments: university groups, laboratories, companies, engineers and independent researchers. Expertise sought: plasma physics, calorimetry, metrology, electrical engineering, energy conversion and experimental safety. A laboratory able to host the apparatus is especially welcome.
People and organizations formally involved will be named only after their explicit agreement to join the project.
Offer your expertise ↗A project in its start-up phase
The Pulsed Plasma project is promoted by America Welcome Inc.
The project is currently in its start-up phase.