Jed, I think the phrase "low-energy nuclear reactions" must have been inspired by current claims. On p.5, under the "PROGRAM OVERVIEW", it states -
"This announcement is purposely broad in scope to encourage the submission of the most innovative, out-of-the-box ideas in energy technology. Since the first law of thermodynamics states that energy is always conserved, i.e. it can never be created or destroyed, our principal concern is with the conversion of energy into useful energy or maximizing usable energy (exergy). Useful energy can take many forms including: radiant energy from lights, electrical energy for appliances, thermal energy to heat homes, mechanical energy for transportation, chemical energy in the form of food, and energy used to make products. From the second law of thermodynamics, the entropy of a system cannot decrease when converting energy from one form to another (¦¤S ¡Ý 0), the end effect being that all useful energy humans consume ultimately results in the production of heat that is radiated into space, except for a few exceptions such as the energy embedded in products. It is therefore our endeavor to identify technologies that enable the efficient and cost-effective conversion between or within the various different forms of energy (Figure 2) while minimizing exergy destruction. Within this general framework, ARPA-E seeks transformative ideas that enable the most efficient, economical, sustainable, and environmentally benign conversion of energy while minimizing exergy destruction." On p.8, item 3 of section "AREAS SPECIFICALLY NOT OF INTEREST" excludes - (Projects which)"Are not based on sound scientific principles (e.g., violates a law of thermodynamics)" Most current LENR theories do not violate the conservation laws. So, I believe they are eligible under these criteria. Hopefully, the submissions will be made public, along with the reasons for the awards or denials. -- LP Jed Rothwell wrote: > It is a little hard to find the actual reference. It says "low-energy > nuclear reactions" on page 7, Figure 3, item 3.6. > > Here is the URL for the full document - >> >> ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGENCY ¨C ENERGY (ARPA-E) >> U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY >> OPEN INNOVATIVE DEVELOPMENT IN ENERGY-RELATED APPLIED SCIENCE (OPEN >> IDEAS) >> Announcement Type: Initial Announcement >> Funding Opportunity No. DE-FOA-0001002 >> CFDA Number 81.135 >> >> >> http://www.floridaenergy.ufl.edu/wp-content/uploads/DE-FOA-0001002-FOA-IDEAS.pdf >