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Napkin math on power density and compactness: Theoretical LENR device would be comparable to an RTG [1] because at high heat the device would melt itself. It's
by heimdall 6y ago
Napkin math on power density and compactness:
Theoretical LENR device would be comparable to an RTG [1] because at high heat the device would melt itself. It's more about a trickle of stable power, rather than being used as a cell of a power plant. So, ignoring support infrastructure and focusing on the size of the power generator, we have:
Using the power source for the voyager probe as an example:
RTG size: 0.5m x 0.5m x 1m == 0.25 cubic meters.
RTG power: 2400 watts (thermal)
RTG power density: 9600 watts per cubic meter
Using ITER as an example for the scale of fusion power plant:
Reactor size: 800 cubic meters
Reactor power: 500,000,000 watts (thermal)
Reactor power density: 625,000 watts per cubic meter
So yeah, theoretically it would be compact, but low power density. Enough to power a space probe, but not our civilization.
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radioisotope_thermoelectric_generator https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radioisotope_thermoelectric_ge...
- heavenlyblue 6y agoAren't RTGs super-expensive and hard to produce?
- extropy 6y agoFairly simple to produce, except getting the fuel: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radioisotope_thermoelectric_generator#Criteria_for_selection_of_isotopes https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radioisotope_thermoelectric_...
- outworlder 6y agoIf it can power a space probe, it can power a car. If it is even a fraction of the power of an RTG but without the same issues with fuel, it could be civilization changing. If it is not that compact but it can still be placed inside homes, ditto.
- s1artibartfast 6y ago>If it can power a space probe, it can power a car. How do you come to that conclusion? The RTGs that powered the voyager probes output 470 watts. That is about 7 lightbulbs. A Tesla Model S uses up to 345,000 watts (463 hp)
- likpok 6y agoSpace probes need a LOT less power than a car. RTGs generally produce under 100 watts, while cars need more like 100 thousand.