Can Compact Fusion Reactors Power Small Cities?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of compact fusion reactors as a power source for small cities, exploring the technical, theoretical, and practical aspects of nuclear fusion technology. Participants examine the claims made by Lockheed Martin regarding their compact fusion reactor concept and its potential to generate economic power, while also addressing the historical context and challenges associated with fusion energy development.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants highlight Lockheed Martin's compact fusion reactor concept, suggesting it could power a small city of up to 100,000 people.
  • Others express skepticism about the existence of a working prototype, questioning the timeline for practical implementation.
  • Concerns are raised regarding the historical pattern of fusion technology being perpetually "10 years away," with references to past predictions that have not materialized.
  • Some participants note the challenges of replicating the extreme conditions of the sun necessary for fusion, emphasizing the differences between solar fusion processes and terrestrial attempts.
  • There is a discussion about the implications of recent claims made by Lockheed regarding their reactor's performance, with references to potential scandals and the need for further verification.
  • Participants debate the characterization of alternative fusion approaches as "whacko," with some arguing that all attempts at fusion deserve exploration despite past failures.
  • Questions arise regarding the methods of energy extraction from fusion once achieved, with suggestions of steam or MHD generators.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally express skepticism about the current state of compact fusion technology and its timeline for realization. Multiple competing views remain regarding the viability of Lockheed's approach and the characterization of alternative fusion methods, indicating that the discussion is unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the lack of a working prototype, ongoing uncertainties about the technical feasibility of compact fusion reactors, and the historical context of fusion research that has not led to practical applications despite decades of effort.

  • #31
russ_watters said:
Frankly, this sounds like meaningless corporate-speak to me. You cannot schedule discovery/invention and you cannot design the post-discovery commercial development process until you know what you are developing.

I disagree with every one of those statements.
Do you think publishing something means it's true and not publishing means it isn't? Consensus science doesn't prove one is on the right track.
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
  • #32
bob012345 said:
Do you think publishing something means it's true and not publishing means it isn't?
No, but that is not what you said before.

What is true is that published material is more likely to be true than unpublished material because of peer review and follow-up responses. Conversely, when not true, it is more likely to be known to be not true.
Consensus science doesn't prove one is on the right track.
No, it just makes it much more likely.

[edit] And when it comes to fusion it is extra important to follow a rigorous and open academic process due to the subject's history of failed promises and fraud.
 
  • #33
This thread offers opinions about many things but there is little engineering. If the OP wishes to pursue this topic, then he should open a new thread with a more specific engineering question.

Thread closed.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 70 ·
3
Replies
70
Views
11K
  • · Replies 33 ·
2
Replies
33
Views
7K
Replies
9
Views
4K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
4K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
45
Views
7K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
4K