Although there are many approaches, they all tap the same source of infinite potential. Here are some proposed general categories of approaches that have been independently observed to have worked at some time:
Solid state devices attempt to harness ZPE without moving parts:
- Casimir Effect Devices: These exploit the Casimir force between closely spaced conductive plates to generate energy. One of the few approaches that are currently scientifically accepted. Recent graphene sheet versions are especially interesting advances on the horizon.
- Neutrino-voltaic approaches
- Quantum Vacuum Fluctuation Harvesters: Designed to capture energy from quantum fluctuations in the vacuum.
- Electron Ratchets: These devices aim to rectify random electron motion caused by ZPE fluctuation.
Photoelectric ZPE Systems attempt to extract energy from the quantum electromagnetic field:
- Photo-Carnot Engines: Theoretical devices that could extract work from the quantum vacuum via photonic processes.
- Zero-Point Light Collectors: Hypothetical devices designed to collect and convert zero-point photons into usable energy.
Scalar Wave Technologies are based on Tesla's work and theoretical scalar waves:
- Scalar Wave Generators: Devices claimed to produce longitudinal electromagnetic waves that tap into ZPE.
- Nonlinear Oscillators: Systems designed to resonate with and amplify scalar wave energy.
Plasma-Based ZPE Devices utilize ionized gases to interact with the quantum vacuum:
- Vortex Plasma Devices: Rapidly circulating charged plasma in a vortex ring to induce ZPE interactions.
- Plasma Pinch Systems: Devices that compress plasma to create conditions for ZPE extraction.
- Magnetic Flux Machines: Devices that purportedly extract energy from the magnetic component of ZPE.
- Electrostatic Field Fluctuation Harvesters: Systems designed to capture energy from electrostatic fluctuations in the vacuum.
- Quantum Brownian Motors: Theoretical devices that could rectify random motion induced by quantum fluctuations.
- Nano-scale Vibration Harvesters: Devices designed to capture energy from ZPE-induced vibrations at the nano-scale.
- Electromagnetic-Plasma Converters: Systems that use both electromagnetic fields and plasma to interact with ZPE.
- Solid State-Photoelectric Hybrids: Devices that combine solid-state electronics with photoelectric ZPE conversion techniques.
Stanley Meyer's water fuel cell was one of the most famous and controversial water-based energy devices that claim to use water as the only or primary fuel source.
- Dune Buggy Demonstration: In 1995, Meyer showcased a dune buggy allegedly powered by his water fuel cell, claiming it could travel over 100 miles on a gallon of water
- Mechanism: The device purportedly used electrical resonance to dissociate water molecules, producing a mixture of hydrogen and oxygen (often called "Brown's gas").
Electrolysis-Based Systems
- High-Efficiency Electrolyzers: Some researchers claim to have developed more efficient electrolysis methods claim well over unity production of H<sub>2 from H<sub>2O.
- Pulsed Electrolysis: Techniques using pulsed electrical currents to potentially improve electrolysis efficiency.
Cavitation Devices
- Hydrodynamic Cavitation: Devices that create cavitation bubbles in water, claiming to produce excess heat or facilitate hydrogen production.
- Sonochemical Reactors: Using ultrasound to create cavitation and potentially enhance chemical reactions in water.
Plasma Electrolysis
- Plasma Electrolytic Water Decomposition: Techniques using plasma to enhance water splitting, claiming higher efficiency than conventional electrolysis.
Brown's Gas Generators
- HHO Generators: Devices producing a mixture of hydrogen and oxygen, often claimed to enhance fuel efficiency when added to internal combustion engines.
Low-Energy Nuclear Reaction (LENR)
- Atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy in the process.
- ZPE phenomena are used to enable and amplify room temperature fusion as well as potentially forming the fusionable species in the moment
- No radioactive waste is produced
- Can be components of solid state approaches