Prevenslik's hypothesis suggests that the steam carries an imbalance of anions (OH-) or Cations (H3O+).
Anions if the evaporator pH is alkaline, or Cations if the pH is acidic.
Thus, the heat pipe condensing section where charge accumulation and potential rise occurs.
should offer a bonus concurrent dissociation of anions into water and oxygen, and
in the evaporator electrons returning through the load causes the Cations to
"dissociate" into water and hydrogen.
(2 OH- ) - 2 e ----> H2O2 -----> H2O + 1/2 O2 + Energy
(2 H3O +) + 2 e -----> 2 H2O + H2 + Energy ?
These non-condensible gases will accumulate in the condenser end, and can be bled off for
heat recovery if the heat pipe is above atmospheric pressure. Another example of
the similarity of the heat pipe to the old (still in use) low pressure steam radiators used for heating buildings.
Michael Foster suggested using a capacitor to keep the condenser potential at a suitable level.
Good idea, Michael. I've been vindicated by your experience and efforts. :-)
With the capacitor tied to earth-ground, grounding the evaporator section completes the
load circuit.
A very simple heat pipe can be made using a small test tube containing a few milliliters
of water brought to a boil to expel the air, and quickly corked with a rubber stopper, and
allowed to cool. After cooling, grasping the tube between thumb and forefinger will cause the water
in it to boil and heat the upper end as it condenses there. If the upper end is cooled with a wet
cloth or circulating water, enormous heat flux input at the evaporator end is possible.
Even a device so simple/inexpensive effecting thermal-electric conversion at as little as
1% efficiency would have good "market pull".
Frederick
