Fusion

[geek77]

An interesting subject.

I am curious as to exactly how close we (humans) are to using fusion energy.
And

How exactly does fusion work.

[Jay-qu]

Two atoms can be fused together to yeild energy. In our purposes we try to fuse hydrogen, because it is easiest. When two hydrogens fuse they create helium This is the process that keeps our sun going.

[Boerseun]

Say a Hydrogen atom weighs 1. If you fuse two together you get Helium. Problem is, a Helium atom weighs less than the sum of two Hydrogen atoms. It's a case of 1+1 =1.5, with the missing .5 mass converted into energy, like Einstein said.

[softdragonz]

E = MC2

But before energy can be released, sufficient energy must be available to make two hydrogen atoms collide. Such huge energy is available in SUN. So, it can have fusion.

But it is practically difficult to implement it here because of the initial energy required.

[ronthepon]

In any case, if we do get a good hold on nuclear fusion, we'll have the universe's power under our belt.
Nuclear fission will be as outdated a power source as burning wood is today.

[UncleAl]

Controlled hot fusion is Official Truth. Million kelvin plasma snugged tight with 4 kelvin superconducting coils is insanity. 50% of energy output as 10+ MeV neutrons is insanity both for trapping energy and for chewing on the supercon. Handling a megacurie inventory of tritium is insanity. These are minor objections.

Science 311(5766) 1380 (2006) "Fusion Power: Will It Ever Come?"

Conclusion: Absolutely Not. If we assume it can be done at all and ignore operating costs, a conservative hot fusion powerplant would cost at least $(US)0.36/kW-hr over its lifetime. The worst gouging US electric power is about $0.15/kW-hr; Canadian hydro costs about $0.05/kW-hr.

The incessant neutron blast makes the whole apparatus radioactive. Internal maintenance is therefore forbidden.

[Kayra]

Originally Posted by UncleAl

Controlled hot fusion is Official Truth. Million degree plasma snugged tight with 4 kelvin superconducting coils is insanity. 50% of energy output as 10+ MeV neutrons is insanity both for trapping energy and for chewing on the supercon. Handling a megacurie inventory of tritium is insanity. These are minor objections.

Science 311(5766) 1380 (2006) "Fusion Power: Will It Ever Come?"

Conclusion: Absolutely Not. If we assume it can be done at all and ignore operating costs, a conservative hot fusion powerplant would cost at least $(US)0.36/kW-hr over its lifetime. The worst gouging US electric power is about $0.15/kW-hr; Canadian hydro costs about $0.05/kW-hr.

The incessant neutron blast makes the whole apparatus radioactive. Internal maintenance is therefore forbidden.

Thank You UncleAl.

It would have taken me 6 pages to say the exact same thing.