WO2015173561A1

WO2015173561A1 - An energy conversion system

Info

Publication number: WO2015173561A1
Application number: PCT/GB2015/051400
Authority: WO
Inventors: Laurent ITAN
Original assignee: L&G Techit Uk Limited
Priority date: 2014-05-14
Filing date: 2015-05-13
Publication date: 2015-11-19
Also published as: GB201408514D0; GB201702240D0; GB2526266A; GB2543989A

Abstract

An energy conversion system comprising: An electrolysis unit comprising a vessel for containing a quantity of fluid, and operable to electrolyse the fluid to generate a working gas; a plasma torch to convert the working gas generated by the electrolysis unit into a plasma jet containing a mixture of positively and negatively charged particles; a field generator to generate a magnetic field in the vicinity of the plasma jet to separate the positively and negatively charged particles; and respective electrodes to receive the positively and negatively charged particles, and to provide an electrical current caused by the absorption of the particles, and output the current to a first output conductor.

Description

Title: An Energy Conversion System Description of Invention THE PRESENT invention relates to an energy conversion system.

One aspect of the present invention provides an energy conversion system comprising: An electrolysis unit comprising a vessel for containing a quantity of fluid, and operable to electrolyse the fluid to generate a working gas; a plasma torch to convert the working gas generated by the electrolysis unit into a plasma jet containing a mixture of positively and negatively charged particles; a field generator to generate a magnetic field in the vicinity of the plasma jet to separate the positively and negatively charged particles; and respective electrodes to receive the positively and negatively charged particles, and to provide an electrical current caused by the absorption of the particles, and output the current to a first output conductor.

Advantageously, the movement of the positively and negatively charged particles through the field generated by the field generator induces a current in a collection component, which outputs the current to a second output conductor.

Preferably, the collection component is also the field generator.

Conveniently, the field generator and collection component comprise one or more coils.

Advantageously, the fluid comprises water.

Preferably, the fluid includes a quantity of an electrolyte.

Conveniently, the electrolyte comprises thorium. Advantageously, the working gas comprises HHO gas. Preferably, the plasma torch and electrodes are within a common housing. Advantageously, the housing comprises an elongate tube.

Preferably, the electrodes are connected to or mounted on internal surfaces of the housing.

Conveniently, the field generator is positioned outside the housing.

Advantageously, the field generator is positioned outside two substantially opposing both sides of the housing.

Preferably, the first and/or second output conductor is connected to an input of the electrolysis unit, to supply electrical power to the electrolysis unit.

Conveniently, the first and/or second output conductor is connected to an input of the plasma torch, to supply power to the plasma torch. Advantageously, the first and/or second output conductor is connected to an input of the field generator, to supply power to the field generator.

Preferably, the first and/or second output conductor is connected to a power output of the system.

Conveniently, the first and/or second output conductor is connected to an inverter, with the output of the inverter comprising a power output of the system.

Advantageously, the energy conversion system further comprises an ionisation arrangement downstream of the plasma torch, to increase the density of charged particles in the plasma jet. Preferably, the ionisation arrangement comprises an arrangement for producing an electric arc in the vicinity of the plasma jet.

Conveniently, the energy conversion system comprises an acceleration arrangement to accelerate at least some of the charged particles in the plasma jet before the charged particles arrive at the electrodes.

Advantageously, the acceleration arrangement comprises an anode and cathode, and wherein the charged particles pass through an aperture in at least one of the anode and the cathode.

Preferably, the acceleration arrangement is located downstream of the ionisation arrangement. Conveniently, the energy conversion system further comprises a catalyser in the region where the plasma jet is formed, the catalyser increasing the level of ionisation in the plasma jet.

Advantageously, the catalyser comprises a grid, grille or mesh with the working gas and/or the plasma jet flowing through or past the grid, grille or mesh.

Preferably, the grid, grille or mesh is formed into a tube or horn shape having an inlet aperture and an outlet aperture, with the working gas and/or the plasma jet flowing through the tube or horn.

Another aspect of the present invention comprises an energy conversion system comprising: an electrolysis unit comprising a vessel for containing a quantity of fluid, and operable to electrolyse the fluid to generate a working gas; a plasma torch to convert the working gas generated by the electrolysis unit into a plasma jet containing a mixture of positively and negatively charged particles; and a field generator to generate a magnetic field in the vicinity of the plasma jet to separate the positively and negatively charged particles; wherein the movement of the positively and negatively charged particles through the field generated by the field generator induces a current in a collection component, which outputs the current to a second output conductor. In order that the invention may be more readily understood embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic view of components of an energy conversion system embodying the present invention;

Figure 2 shows an electrolysis unit suitable for use with the present invention;

Figure 3 shows a plasma torch and a current generation unit suitable for use with the present invention;

Figure 4 shows an external view of a current generation unit suitable for use with the present invention; Figure 5 shows an alternative plasma torch and a current generation unit suitable for use with the present invention; and

Figure 6 shows a further alternative plasma torch and current generation unit suitable for use with the present invention.

Turning firstly to figure 1 , a schematic view is shown of the components of an energy conversion system embodying the present invention.

The system firstly comprises an electrolysis unit 1 .

Referring to figure 2, a schematic view is shown of components of a possible electrolysis unit 1 that could be used for this purpose. The electrolysis unit 1 comprises a containment vessel 2, which is at least partially filled with a fluid to be electrolysed. In preferred embodiments, the fluid 3 comprises water with a quantity of an electrolyte added. In preferred embodiments of the invention, the electrolyte is, or comprises, thorium. Thorium has been found to be a

particularly effective electrolyte for this purpose. The thorium may be mixed with potassium hydroxide in the fluid 3, with the potassium hydroxide acting as a further electrolyte.

Immersed in the fluid 3, at or near opposing sides of the containment vessel 2, are positive and negative electrodes 4, 5. It will be understood that, in operation, a voltage difference is applied across the positive and negative electrodes 4, 5, so that the positive electrode 4 is positively charged (i.e.

depleted of electrons) and the negative electrode 5 is negatively charged (i.e. provided with surplus electrons).

The skilled reader will understand that, under these conditions, the fluid 3 will be electrolysed. If the fluid 3 comprises water, the water molecules will be separated into hydrogen cations and oxygen anions, with the cations being attracted to the negative electrode 5 and the anions being attracted to the positive electrode 4. When these ions reach the respective electrodes 4, 5, they will revert to being neutral atoms, and hydrogen and oxygen gases will therefore be released at the electrodes 4, 5.

The containment vessel 2 comprises a delivery tube 6 through which the resulting gases may exit the vessel 2. In some electrolysis applications the gases which are developed at the positive and negative electrodes 4, 5 are separated and stored/used separately from each other. However, in preferred embodiments of the invention the hydrogen and oxygen gases are allowed to mix together and comprise a single gaseous output of the electrolysis unit 1 .

In practical embodiments the containment vessel 2 will also include a fluid delivery conduit (not shown) to deliver further fluid to the interior of the containment vessel 2. The skilled reader will understand that a regulating system (not shown) will be provided to introduce fluid into the containment vessel 2 at an appropriate rate, or in discrete quantities when required, to replace the fluid 3 lost through the electrolysis process.

In preferred embodiments the gas that is released by the electrolysis process is HHO. The formation of cells to produce HHO gas is well known, and several techniques exist for this purpose. For instance, several different types of HHO cell are disclosed on, and available through, the website ^w. unchhho.com.

The scale of the electrolysis unit 1 will be selected depending upon the volume of gases that are required, and the skilled person will readily understand how to choose an appropriately-sized electrolysis unit 1 . Returning to the schematic view shown in figure 1 , gases produced by the electrolysis unit 1 are carried through a delivery conduit 7 to a plasma torch 8.

The plasma torch 8 is shown schematically in figure 3. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the plasma torch 8 includes an anode and cathode (not shown), connected to a high-voltage electricity supply. The incoming gas flows in the region between the anode and cathode. When this electricity supply is activated, an electric arc is formed between the anode and cathode, leading to ionisation of the gas. A thermal plasma is therefore formed in the region of the cathode and anode which projects out of the plasma torch 8 as a plasma jet 15.

Generation of the electric arc is required only to initiate formation of the plasma jet 15, and is not required to maintain the plasma jet 15.

A cooling system may be provided to cool the plasma torch 8, as is known in the art. In preferred embodiments the cooling system comprises a flow of water which carries heat energy away from the plasma torch 8. Still referring to figure 3, the plasma torch 8 projects the plasma jet 15 through an aperture 9 in a cathode 10, which is positioned within a housing 1 1 . The housing 1 1 is preferably elongate and formed from a suitably heat-resistant material. In preferred embodiments the housing is able to withstand

temperatures of at least 4,000^QC, and more preferably at least 5,000^QC. In the embodiment shown, the housing 1 1 is formed from a ceramic material, which has been heat-treated to 4,000^QC. In this example the housing 1 1 takes the form of a tube, which may have a round, square or any other suitable cross- section.

Downstream of (or approximately level with) the cathode 10 the plasma torch 8 has an open end 12 through which the plasma jet 15 is delivered into the interior of the housing 1 1 . An anode 13 is positioned within the housing 1 1 around the region into which the plasma jet 15 is delivered by the delivery conduit 7. In the embodiment shown, the anode 13 takes a cylindrical or annular form, having coils 14 positioned around an outer surface thereof. The part of the delivery conduit 7 near the open end 12 thereof, the cathode 10 and the anode 13 are preferably formed from robust, heat-resistant materials. In one example, some or all of these components are formed from tungsten.

It will be understood that the cathode 10 and anode 13 are connected to respective terminals of an electricity supply, which is preferably a DC supply. When the electricity supply is switched on, the charged particles in the plasma jet 15 will be accelerated through the aperture in the anode 13 away from the open end 12 of the plasma torch 8. The cathode 10 and anode 13 therefore serve to accelerate the charged particles. The skilled reader will understand that this acceleration is important, as power generated by the device is derived from the kinetic energy of the charged particles. The skilled person will understand that the plasma jet 15 comprises a mixture of positively charged particles (including protons) and negatively charged particles (including electrons). The plasma jet 15 will have a high concentration of charged particles.

Returning to the schematic view shown in figure 1 , the accelerated plasma jet 15 produced by the plasma torch 8 is directed into a current generator 16.

Returning to figure 3, embodiments of a current generator 16 are shown. This current generator 16 takes the form of an MHD generator.

In the embodiment shown in figure 3, the current generator 16 shares the housing 1 1 with the plasma torch 8 so that, to this extent, the plasma torch 8 and current generator 16 are integrated together. In this example the housing 1 1 comprises a continuous elongate tube that contains the components of both the plasma torch 8 and the current generator 16.

The current generator 16 comprises an anode 17 and a cathode 18. In the embodiment shown, the anode 17 is mounted on a wall of the housing 1 1 , with the cathode 18 being mounted on a substantially opposite wall of the

housing 1 1 .

The anode 17 and cathode 18 preferably comprise respective metal plates. In the embodiment shown in figure 3 these plates are attached to opposing walls of the housing 1 1 and are inclined inwardly with respect to the housing 1 1 , so that the ends of the plates 17, 18 which are furthest from the cathode 10 and anode 13 are closer together than the ends which are closest to the cathode 10 and anode 13. A series of supporting struts 19 hold the anode 17 and cathode 18 in place with respect to the walls of the housing 1 1 .

The anode 17 and cathode 18 have respective electrical connections (not shown), and these electrical connections may be included in, or formed integrally with, one or more of the supporting struts 19. The electrical

connections are connected to a first electrical output connector 20.

In figure 3 only one anode 17 and one cathode 18 are shown. However, in alternative embodiments a series of anodes and cathodes may be provided along a length of the housing 1 1 .

Respective electrically conductive coils 25 are positioned on either side of the housing 1 1 , in the region between the anode 13 that helps to accelerate the plasma jet 15 and the anode 17 and cathode 18 of the current generator 16.

The shape of one coil 25 is shown in phantom in figure 3, and the arrangement of the coils 25 and the housing 1 1 is also shown in figure 4. In operation, current may be passed through the coils 25, and it will be understood that this will generate a magnetic field passing through the housing 1 1 , with field lines passing generally into the plane of the paper, as seen in figure 3.

In preferred embodiments, the coils 25 comprise superconductors. The coils 25 are connected to a second electrical output connector 26.

The first and second electrical output connectors 20, 26 may join to form a single unitary output connector. In other embodiments the first and second electrical output connectors 20, 26 remain separate from one another. One or both of the electrical output connectors 20, 26 is connected to an acceleration input connector 21 , which is connected to the accelerating cathode 10 and anode 13, to an electrolysis input connector 22, which is connected to the electrolysis unit 1 , and to a coil input connector 27, which is connected to the coils 25. In the embodiment shown these are direct connections, but in other examples these connections may be indirect, and involve other conductors, batteries and so forth. One or both of the first and second electrical output connectors 20, 26 is also preferably connected to an inverter 23, which (as will be understood by those skilled in the art) converts DC input current to AC output current in an inverter output 24.

These connections can be formed in any convenient manner. For instance, the first electrical output connector 20 may be connected to the acceleration input connector 21 , electrolysis input connector 22 and coil input connector 27, and the second electrical output connector 26 may (separately) be connected to the inverter 23.

Operation of the system will now be described.

Firstly, electrical power is supplied to the electrodes 4, 5 of the electrolysis unit 1 , to the plasma torch 8, to the accelerating cathode 10 and anode 13, and to the coils 25 of the current generator 16. This electrical power may be provided from dedicated batteries, for example, or from a mains electricity supply.

The power supplied to the electrolysis unit 1 causing electrolysis of the fluid 3, which in turn leads to the release of gas. As described above, it is preferred that the gas released during the electrolysis process is HHO.

The gas passes along the delivery conduit 7 to the plasma torch 8, where the gas is converted into a plasma jet 15 containing a mixture of positively and negatively charged particles including protons and electrons.

In preferred embodiments a catalyser (not shown) is provided in the region where the plasma jet 15 is formed, to increase the level of ionisation in the plasma jet. The catalyser may be formed from, or comprise, thorium or iridium, which have been found to be effective in increasing the number of free electrons in the plasma jet, although other suitable substances may also be used. The catalyser may take the form of a grid, grille or mesh through or past which the gas flows, with the plasma jet 15 being formed shortly before, shortly after, and/or while the gas flows through or past the grid, grille or mesh. In some embodiments the catalyser takes the form of a grid, grille or mesh which is formed into a tube or horn shape having an inlet aperture and an outlet aperture, with the gas/plasma jet flowing through the tube or horn shape.

The plasma jet 15 is accelerated by the cathode 10 and anode 13 which are provided in the region of, or downstream of, the plasma torch 8. As the plasma jet 15 passes along the tube formed by the housing 1 1 , the positively- and negatively-charged particles will pass into the magnetic field generated by the coils 25. As this occurs the particles will be deflected in opposite directions by the magnetic field. In the orientation shown in figure 3, negatively charged particles such as electrons will be deflected upwardly towards the anode 17, and positively charged particles such as protons will be deflected downwardly towards the cathode 18.

As the charged particles flow through the magnetic field, these particles will also experience a force (known as the Lorentz force or Laplace force), which acts at right-angles to the velocity of the particles and to the magnetic field, and is proportional to the charge of the particles, the velocity of the particles and the strength of the magnetic field. This force will cause the particles to decelerate. This decelerating flow of charged particles will give rise to a magnetic field that will oppose that generated by the coils 25, and give rise to an induced current in the coils 25.

The energy to drive this induced current arises from the loss of kinetic energy of the charged particles. The current induced in the coils 25 passes to the second output electrical connector 26. It will be understood that the positively- and negatively-charged particles will be deflected in opposite directions by the magnetic field generated by the coils 25. The negatively charged electrons will strike, and be collected by, the anode 17, and the positively charged protons will strike, and be collected by, the cathode 18. This will give rise to a flow of electrical charge between the anode 17 and cathode 18, and hence to a current in the first electrical output connector 20.

It will be understood that, since the positively-charged particles will tend to be much heavier than the negatively-charged particles, the positively-charged particles will be deflected less sharply by the magnetic field. The cathode 18 may be provided further along the housing 1 1 than the anode 17, although this is not shown in figure 3.

The remainder of the plasma jet 15, i.e. the particles that are not collected by the anode 17 or cathode 18, will either strike an internal surface of the housing 1 1 , or exit through an open rear side of the housing 1 1 .

The housing 1 1 , the coils 25 and the anode 17 and cathode 18 will be recognised by the skilled person as components of a magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) generator, which will produce an output current that is proportional to the speed of the flow of charged particles.

As discussed above, the current produced in the first and/or second electrical output connector 20,26 is subsequently supplied to the acceleration input connector 21 , the electrolysis input connector 22 and the coil input connector 27, thus providing some electrical power to these components

The remainder of the current that is produced in the first and/or second electrical output connector 26,27 is diverted to the inverter 23, which converts this current into an AC current for use elsewhere. At the start of the operation of the system, electricity will need to be input into the electrolysis unit 1 , the plasma torch 8, the accelerating cathode 10 and anode 13, and the coils 25 from an external source. However, once the system is in a consistent phase of operation, the electrical current produced at the current generator 16 will be sufficient to power the electrolysis unit 1 , the accelerating cathode 10 and anode 13 and the coils 25, with a surplus quantity of current available to be converted by the inverter 23 into AC current for use elsewhere. The system will therefore, once it is in a constant phase of operation, be self-sustaining.

Turning to figure 5, components of a further embodiment of the invention are shown. In this further embodiment an electrolysing unit is provided to

electrolyse a fluid and produce a gas which is supplied to a plasma torch 8, as described above.

In this further embodiment, however, in the region where the plasma jet 15 is formed, an ionisation arrangement is provided. In the embodiment shown, the ionisation arrangement comprises a pair of anodes 28 (in the embodiment shown, the anodes 28 each comprising a ferromagnetic core such as an iron core surrounded by conductive coil) which are provided on opposite sides of the housing 1 1 , so that the plasma jet 15 passes between the two anodes 28. A cathode element in the form of a coil 29 is supported within the housing 1 1 , so that the plasma jet 15 will pass around or close to the coil 29. The anodes and the cathode element 28 are connected to respective terminals of a high voltage power supply (not shown) which may, for example, provide around 100w of power. In preferred embodiments the power supplies are AC power supplies, and the coil 29 is "tuned" to the frequency of the power supplies. In an embodiment a frequency of 50 MHz is used for the power supplies. The result of this is that electric arcs will form between the anodes 28 and the coil 29, thus causing ionisation of particles in the region of the arcs and greatly increasing the number of free electrons within the plasma jet 15. In operation, arcs will form continuously or repeatedly in this way while the device is operating. In some embodiments this may be achieved by providing sufficient power for the anodes 28 and cathode element to be in an "overvoltage" state. Downstream of the anodes 28 and the coil 29, a cathode 10 with an aperture is provided, as in the embodiment shown in figure 3, and an anode 13 with an aperture is provided downstream of the cathode 10. It will be appreciated that the charged particles in the plasma jet 15 will be carried by their momentum through the aperture in the cathode 10, and will subsequently be accelerated through the anode 13 towards an anode 17 and cathode 18 mounted on the inner sides of the housing 1 1 , again as described above in relation to the embodiment of figure 3. Although they are not shown in figure 5, again coils will be provided to the sides of the housing 1 1 to deflect the charged particles to the anode 17 and cathode 18.

It will be understood that the provision of the anodes 28 and coil 29 will increase the density of charged particles in the fluid that is produced in the housing 1 1 , which will in turn significantly increase the power output of the device. Although two anodes 28 are shown in figure 5, in other embodiments only one (or indeed three or more) may be provided.

In the examples given herein, the coils 25 generate a field to separate the positively- and negatively-charged particles, and a current is also induced by the acceleration of the charges particles in the same coils 25. However, in other embodiments the field may be generated by first coils, and the current may be induced in separate second coils.

Turning to figure 6, a further embodiment of the plasma torch and downstream components is shown. Compared to the view shown in figure 5, figure 6 is reversed, i.e. the incoming gas enters the figure from the right-hand side, rather than from the left. The embodiment of figure 6 comprises a valve 30 for controlling/regulating the incoming flow of gas. The incoming gas flows past or through a catalyser 31 , which is preferably formed from thorium, sodium and/or iridium. As discussed above the catalyser 31 may take many forms, including a surface or tube, which may be substantially continuous or may be have a porous/open structure (such as a gauze) with the gas flowing through apertures in the structure.

The provision of the catalyser 31 allows an electron avalanche, in which electrons collide with atoms of the catalyser, thus ionising them and releasing additional electrons.

The incoming gas flows through a nozzle 32. In the embodiment shown the catalyser 31 is formed as a porous sheet within the nozzle 32, but in other embodiments the nozzle 32 may be positioned downstream of the catalyser 31 .

As with the embodiments discussed above, as the gas leaves the nozzle 32 it forms a plasma jet 33. Magnets 34 are provided around region where the plasma jet 33 is formed, to focus and accelerate the plasma jet 33.

The plasma jet 33 is surrounded by a guide tube 35 (which may be, as discussed above, formed from a ceramic or other heat-resistant material), which is itself surrounded by an outer housing 44. Downstream of the region where the plasma jet 33 is formed, the guide tube 35 narrows to form a constricted section 36, through which the plasma jet 33 flows. In preferred embodiments, the diameter at the narrowest point of the constricted section 36 is around 10 microns, although the constricted region may be wider or narrower than this in other embodiments. In preferred embodiments the pressure of the hot gas as it flows through the constricted section 36 may be as low as 3^"3 torr (around 0.4 Pa). The gas may reach a speed of around 750 ms^"1 as it flows through the constricted section 36. As the plasma jet 33 flows through the constricted section 36, the plasma jet 33 will accelerate considerably as a result of the Venturi effect. As the skilled reader will appreciate, the increase in the kinetic energy of the ions forming the plasma jet will be balanced by a drop in the pressure of the plasma jet 33. However, the increased kinetic energy of the plasma jet 33 will allow greater subsequent energy generation.

In preferred embodiments, the walls of the guide tube 35 that form the constricted section 36, as well as the entrance to and exit from the constricted section 36, are smoothly curved and do not contain any significant

discontinuities, to minimise shocks/stress on the walls of the guide tube 35.

Downstream of the constricted section 36, the guide tube 35 again opens up. The region indicated by reference numeral 37 indicates the centre of a region where a field produced by magnets (not shown) acts to deflect the charged particles in the plasma jet, so that negative ions (i.e. electrons) are deflected in one direction and positive ions in the other. In preferred embodiments the region in which the field is concentrated may have a cross-sectional area (as presented to the direction of flow) of around 30mm by 30mm, although this region may be larger or smaller, depending partly on the size of the device itself.

Electrodes 38, 39 are provided to receive and capture the deflected ions, and in the embodiment shown the electrodes 38, 39 are mounted on insulating plates 47 (which may be made, for example, from porcelain) to ensure that the electrodes are insulated from the guide tube 35 and outer housing 44.

Any particles which pass between the electrodes 38, 39 pass through a further constriction 40 in the guide tube 35, and are captured by a vacuum pump 41 . First connections 42 are provided on the outer housing 44 to allow an electrical connection to the magnets 34, and in preferred embodiments these first connections 42 are superconductor components. Second connections 43 are also provided on the outer housing 44 to allow an electrical connection to the electrodes 38, 39, and in preferred embodiments these second connections 43 are superconductor components.

In arrangements such as described above, conversion efficiency of the energy of the incoming plasma jet may be around 87%.

The outer housing 44 is preferably mounted on a base 45, and is supported with respect to this base 45 by a number of struts or other supports 46. The base 45 provides a stable platform on which the device may rest during operation. In other embodiments the device may not need to rest on a surface and so a support arrangement other than a base may be provided, as the skilled reader will understand.

The features of the various embodiments described above are interchangeable with one another, unless such interchangeability would not be possible. For instance, the nozzle 32 and/or catalyser 31 of figure 6 may be used with the arrangement shown in either figure 3 or figure 5. In general, any component described in relation to one embodiment may be used in any other, When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and

"comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components. The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1 . An energy conversion system comprising:

An electrolysis unit comprising a vessel for containing a quantity of fluid, and operable to electrolyse the fluid to generate a working gas;

a plasma torch to convert the working gas generated by the electrolysis unit into a plasma jet containing a mixture of positively and negatively charged particles;

a field generator to generate a magnetic field in the vicinity of the plasma jet to separate the positively and negatively charged particles; and

respective electrodes to receive the positively and negatively charged particles, and to provide an electrical current caused by the absorption of the particles, and output the current to a first output conductor.

2. An energy conversion system according to claim 1 , wherein the movement of the positively and negatively charged particles through the field generated by the field generator induces a current in a collection component, which outputs the current to a second output conductor.

3. An energy conversion system according to claim 2, wherein the collection component is also the field generator.

4. An energy conversion system according to claim 3, wherein the field generator and collection component comprise one or more coils.

5. An energy conversion system according to any preceding claim, wherein the fluid comprises water.

6. An energy conversion system according to claim 5, wherein the fluid includes a quantity of an electrolyte.

7. An energy conversion system according to claim 6, wherein the electrolyte comprises thorium, sodium and/or iridium.

8. An energy conversion system according to any preceding claim, wherein the working gas comprises HHO gas.

9. An energy conversion system according to any preceding claim, wherein the plasma torch and electrodes are within a common housing.

10. An energy conversion system according to claim 9, wherein the housing comprises an elongate tube.

1 1 . An energy conversion system according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the electrodes are connected to or mounted on internal surfaces of the housing.

12. An energy conversion system according to any one of claims 9 to 1 1 , wherein the field generator is positioned outside the housing.

13. An energy conversion system according to claim 12, wherein the field generator is positioned outside two substantially opposing both sides of the housing.

14. An energy conversion system according to any preceding claim, wherein the first and/or second output conductor is connected to an input of the electrolysis unit, to supply electrical power to the electrolysis unit.

15. An energy conversion system according to any preceding claim, wherein the first and/or second output conductor is connected to an input of the plasma torch, to supply power to the plasma torch.

16. An energy conversion system according to any preceding claim, wherein the first and/or second output conductor is connected to an input of the field generator, to supply power to the field generator.

17. An energy conversion system according to any preceding claim, wherein the first and/or second output conductor is connected to a power output of the system.

18. An energy conversion system according to claim 17, wherein the first and/or second output conductor is connected to an inverter, with the output of the inverter comprising a power output of the system.

19. An energy conversion system according to any preceding claim further comprising an ionisation arrangement downstream of the plasma torch, to increase the density of charged particles in the plasma jet.

20. An energy conversion system according to claim 19, wherein the ionisation arrangement comprises an arrangement for producing an electric arc in the vicinity of the plasma jet.

21 . An energy conversion system according to any preceding claim, comprising an acceleration arrangement to accelerate at least some of the charged particles in the plasma jet before the charged particles arrive at the electrodes.

22. An energy conversion system according to claim 21 , wherein the acceleration arrangement comprises an anode and cathode, and wherein the charged particles pass through an aperture in at least one of the anode and the cathode.

23. An energy conversion system according to claim 21 or 22, when dependent upon claim 19 or 20, wherein the acceleration arrangement is located downstream of the ionisation arrangement.

24. An energy conversion system according to any preceding claim, further comprising a catalyser in the region where the plasma jet is formed, the catalyser increasing the level of ionisation in the plasma jet.

25. An energy conversion system according to claim 24, wherein the catalyser comprises a grid, grille or mesh with the working gas and/or the plasma jet flowing through or past the grid, grille or mesh.

26. An energy conversion system according to claim 24 or 25, wherein the grid, grille or mesh is formed into a tube or horn shape having an inlet aperture and an outlet aperture, with the working gas and/or the plasma jet flowing through the tube or horn.

27. An energy conversion system according to any preceding claim, further comprising a constriction between the plasma torch and the electrodes, arranged so that the plasma jet passes through the constriction and accelerates due to the Venturi effect.

28. An energy conversion system comprising:

a plasma torch to convert the working gas generated by the electrolysis unit into a plasma jet containing a mixture of positively and negatively charged particles; and

a field generator to generate a magnetic field in the vicinity of the plasma jet to separate the positively and negatively charged particles; wherein the movement of the positively and negatively charged particles through the field generated by the field generator induces a current in a collection component, which outputs the current to a second output conductor.