Polywell 1st Quarter 2011 Results Up

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the funding and operational status of the WB-8 device as reported in the first quarter of 2011. Participants explore the implications of the reported "positive results" and the adequacy of the funding for further development and experimentation.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express curiosity about the meaning of "positive results" in the context of the WB-8 device's operation.
  • Concerns are raised regarding the sufficiency of the $7 million funding in light of the estimated $200 million required for constructing a reactor capable of generating net power.
  • One participant suggests that the $7 million is intended for research and development of a prototype to address engineering issues before scaling up to a larger reactor.
  • Another participant agrees that the funding appears low compared to other programs, indicating a potential concern about the project's viability.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the funding is low relative to the estimated costs of building a reactor, but there is no consensus on the implications of this funding level for the project's future.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the adequacy of funding and the definition of "positive results," highlighting a lack of detailed information on the project's progress and financial requirements.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in the funding and development of fusion energy technologies, particularly those following the Polywell project and its financial implications.

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Link here: http://www.recovery.gov/Transparency/RecipientReportedData/Pages/RecipientProjectSummary.aspx?AwardIDSUR=46419&PopId=309748

Summary: Quarterly Activities/Project Description: As of 1Q/2011, the WB-8 device operates as designed and it is generating positive results. EMC2 is planning to conduct comprehensive experiments on WB-8 in the next 9-12 months based on the current contract funding schedule.

I wonder what "positive results" means...hopefully something good!

Polywell wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polywell
 
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Drakkith said:
Link here: http://www.recovery.gov/Transparency/RecipientReportedData/Pages/RecipientProjectSummary.aspx?AwardIDSUR=46419&PopId=309748

Summary: Quarterly Activities/Project Description: As of 1Q/2011, the WB-8 device operates as designed and it is generating positive results. EMC2 is planning to conduct comprehensive experiments on WB-8 in the next 9-12 months based on the current contract funding schedule.

I wonder what "positive results" means...hopefully something good!

Polywell wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polywell
There is written 7,000,000+ USD and at the EMC2 web-site the building process of reactor generating net power estimated at 200 millions.
What are they going to do with this not big funding?
 
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Joseph Chikva said:
There is written 7,000,000+ USD and at the EMC2 web-site the building process of reactor generating net power estimated at 200 millions.
What are they going to do with this not big funding?

I'm sorry, I don't understand your question.
 
If developer company estimates the construction cost of reactor might to give net power at 200 millions what can they do with 7 millions?
 
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Joseph Chikva said:
If developer company estimates the construction cost of reactor might to give net power at 200 millions what can they do with 7 millions?

The 7 million is simply for research and development of a working "prototype" to see if the engineering and theories are sound and to work out issues on a small scale before they become huge mega problems in a large reactor. If the device performs well and everything points to net power production when scaled up, that will be when someone funds them or builds a working reactor.
 
I understand this. But 7 millions is very low funding in comparison of other programs.
 
Joseph Chikva said:
I understand this. But 7 millions is very low funding in comparison of other programs.

Yep.
 

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