3 ms·
Actual advances in fusion and related energy generation tech. For example, at least one startup, Helion, is developing a way to generate electricity directly f
by SkyMarshal 4y ago
Actual advances in fusion and related energy generation tech. For example, at least one startup, Helion, is developing a way to generate electricity directly from the fusion reaction and magnetic field, instead of indirectly by heating water into steam that then turns a turbine generator. The increased efficiency from that might enable it produce net electricity. And quite frankly, it's way past time that we advanced beyond converting energy -> heat -> motion -> electricity, and shortened that cycle to energy -> electricity.
- whatshisface 4y agoMagnetohydrodynamic generators were invented for coal plants 70 years or so ago but turbines are more efficient.
- hobscoop 4y agoI thought they were ultimately limited by problems of corrosion at the electrodes? Helion's scheme to turn fusion heat into pushing E&M fields back through their magnet to generate electricity is pretty different from a standard MHD generator.
- DennisP 4y agoAnd it's only possible because the reactor produces a series of small explosions of alpha particles.