TerraPower to build demo nuclear plant in WY

[thilanliyan]

One of the possible paths. The coulomb barrier can be collapsed in other ways.

Lattice Confinement Fusion - Glenn Research Center | NASA

The link makes it seem that method is quite early in the development stages. Have they gone above 1:1 energy input/output ratio already?

 

[Paratus]

What are the other methods?

There’s laser initiated inertially confined fusion like used at the National Ignition Facilty. (Also shows up in the Expanse)

NIF

The Expanse

Another new one is gun type fusion

Engineers Make Fusion Breakthrough by Shooting Projectile at 14,500 MPH

Scientists have chased viable fusion energy—the same process that powers the sun—for decades as it promises an almost unlimited source of clean power.

www.newsweek.com

 

[hal2kilo]

There’s laser initiated inertially confined fusion like used at the National Ignition Facilty. (Also shows up in the Expanse)

NIF

The Expanse

Another new one is gun type fusion

Engineers Make Fusion Breakthrough by Shooting Projectile at 14,500 MPH

Scientists have chased viable fusion energy—the same process that powers the sun—for decades as it promises an almost unlimited source of clean power.

www.newsweek.com

Been following this for 25 years or so. Problem is this was designed originally to simulate nuclear detonation effects. 70% yield after so long"? LENR world is at break even to not commercially viable at COP of maybe 2. Seems people need some perspective.

 

[Ajay]

The link makes it seem that method is quite early in the development stages. Have they gone above 1:1 energy input/output ratio already?

Actually, no one has come even close. Comparing input energy of the fusion reactor alone to it's calculated output energy (heat) is bogus from a commercial standpoint. The total input energy is higher (like the energy consumed in constantly producing liquid helium) and energy losses in converting the heat output to usable electric power using a stream turbine aren't considered in the calculations. As such, ITER and other fusion systems are merely interesting science experiments. Super interesting technology, super uninteresting as a potential power source.

Gen4 fission reactors make much more sense, if scientists and engineers can get the costs down.