Beta or Alpha emitter nuclear fuel cycle?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion explores the potential of using beta or alpha emitting isotopes in nuclear fuel cycles, suggesting that this could lead to smaller power plants and eliminate the need for steam turbines. Various methods for harnessing nuclear energy without steam cycles, such as betavoltaics and radioisotope thermoelectric generators, are mentioned, but they are noted to be inefficient and limited to low power applications. The inefficiency of betavoltaics is questioned, particularly regarding their direct energy conversion capabilities with MHD generators. The conversation also raises concerns about the efficiency of nuclear fusion based on aneutronic reactions. Overall, the thread highlights the challenges and limitations of alternative nuclear energy harnessing methods.
Stanley514
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Do exist some proposed nuclear fuel cycle in which uranium or thorium whoud be first converted in some beta or alpha emitting isotope and after energy whould be harnessed with direct energy conversion methods?Possibly, it could reduce size of power plant and make steam turbine unnecessary.
 
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There are various ways of harnessing nuclear energy without a steam cycle, e.g. betavoltaics, radioisotope thermoelectric generators, etc. But these are all very inefficient and limited to low power applications.
 
Could you explan,why betavoltaics is very inefficient?It suppose to be efficient because enrgy could be converted directly,with help of MHD generator.
Do you think that nuclear fusion based on aneutronic reactions is also going to be unefficient?
 

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