Magnetic Power, Inc. (MPI) has successfully tested a proof-of-concept prototype for a new kind of electrical power generator, based upon physical principles allowing for operation at greater than 100 percent efficiency. While the efficiency of this prototype is low, its performance under load indicates that the mechanism in operation is insensitive to loading and power output may thus be improved to exceed breakeven.
By utilizing known materials characteristics, some of which are currently considered hindrances to desirable operation of inductors, MPI researchers have succeeded in varying the characteristics of a magnetic circuit which includes a strong permanent magnet. This variation is not accompanied by a significant resisting force, as is generally the case with electric generators. Such resisting forces have classically been described by Lenz’ law and are manifested when a generator becomes harder to turn as its load increases.
Nothing MPI researchers have done claims to have repealed Lenz’ law – they have merely found another way to generate power that does not utilize magnetic induction.
Known in electromagnetic theory as a “reluctance generator”, it is well described by Maxwell’s equations. Lenz’ law applies only to the generation of changing magnetic energy, while the reluctance approach uses constant magnetic energy and changes the characteristics of the magnetic path. Careful choice of material and techniques makes it possible to expect that there will be only minimal reaction analogous to that described by Lenz’ law.
Transistors operate by changing the conductive characteristics of a path for electric current, with the magnitude of the controlled current having little effect upon the controlling current. The reluctance generation demonstrated by MPI researchers is loosely analogous to this phenomenon. In 1947 Shockley and Brattain demonstrated greater than 100 percent “current transfer” operation of transistors – prior to that they worked their way up through lower efficiencies from basic physical principles as manifest in specialized “semiconductor” materials. MPI is at a point similar to that of Shockley and Brattain prior to 1947.
• Pre-1947 transistor showed promise but could not demonstrate over 100 percent “current transfer”
• 1947 – demonstration of amplification by transistor started semiconductor industry
• Development of specialized materials and techniques required
• Nobel prize, 1956
• Silicon Valley blossoms as a result of this enabling technology
The most intriguing aspect of this generator given its early stage of development is the extremely low “impedance” shown by the output. Impedance is an electrical characteristic similar to the “softness” of a mechanical driving system – its response to load resistance or “push-back”. Low impedance immediately rules out false operation caused by leakage effects and points directly to the utility of this technique as a power source.
As to concerns about the possibility of obtaining electrical energy at greater than 100 percent efficiency, MPI researchers have
taken an empirical approach and suggest that the theoretical basis may be found in improved understanding by physicists of “Zero Point Energy” and a corresponding improvement in understanding the principle of conservation of energy. Incomplete theoretical work does not hinder MPI’s engineering research.
Further details on the principles utilized in this form of generator will require execution of a Non-Disclosure Agreement.
Lee Felsenstein – Electrical Engineering Consultant - Earned his BSEE at UC Berkeley. His first employment was with Ampex. Lee was the Moderator for the Homebrew Computer Club in Silicon Valley, for more than a decade. Twenty three companies were begun by members. They included Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs, who co-founded Apple. From 1992 to 2000, he was a Senior Associate with Interval Research, a Palo Alto, California, computer lab funded by Paul Allen, designed to help create and support future computing technologies. Lee earlier designed two computers that now reside in the Smithsonian Institution. He received the Electronic Frontier Foundation Pioneer Award in 1994 and was inducted into the Computer Museum of America Hall of Fame in 1998. On April 3rd, 2007, Lee received the Editor’s Choice ACE Award by Electronic Engineering Times magazine. In this short video interview, he talks about our breakthrough (without mentioning MPI, which has permission to use the clip below).
