Is the Fusion race now really kicking into gear?
Discussion
https://interestingengineering.com/energy/fusion-p...
Microsoft have something that is apparently going to be ready in 2028 and Google have signed up to a provider as well.
So, are we finally going to start seeing something viable in the next 10 years?
Microsoft have something that is apparently going to be ready in 2028 and Google have signed up to a provider as well.
So, are we finally going to start seeing something viable in the next 10 years?
It all looks like one of those projects where the real aim isn't to actually produce something at the other end, its more about the job opportunities. Those are great trains to ride but not if you want product.
It's also one of those things that people persist with because it looks temptingly close even though they realise they have fundamental flaws in the approach. Those happen a lot, even more so when it's a standalone project that people can't afford to give up on as they have nothing else.
Delivery on this one is years out and even once delivered is a research prototype that'll likely be obsolete before it happens and barring some magic breakthrough likely won't do much of anything.
Maybe it'll happen but at current rates of delivery nothing 'production' is happening this century. I doubt anyone working on it is too bothered.
It'd be nice if it did happen but I have little faith that those involved are capable of or interested in doing anything beyond extending sinecures.
It's also one of those things that people persist with because it looks temptingly close even though they realise they have fundamental flaws in the approach. Those happen a lot, even more so when it's a standalone project that people can't afford to give up on as they have nothing else.
Delivery on this one is years out and even once delivered is a research prototype that'll likely be obsolete before it happens and barring some magic breakthrough likely won't do much of anything.
Maybe it'll happen but at current rates of delivery nothing 'production' is happening this century. I doubt anyone working on it is too bothered.
It'd be nice if it did happen but I have little faith that those involved are capable of or interested in doing anything beyond extending sinecures.
hidetheelephants said:
No also. I'll stick with what's been true since the first public speculations about practical fusion in the early 1950s, it's still 20 years away. 
It will also remain a consistent generator of PhDs.
I heard 50 years. It will also remain a consistent generator of PhDs.Will be interesting to see what comes first, the end of the world as we know it or economically viable fusion.
732NM said:
No.
Also, no.I've had interactions with a few fusion companies. A lot of them think their one piece of technology is key to unlocking fusion. I think it's great for materials and technology development which might have wider uses, but f'me it's an expensive way of doing it.
geeks said:
https://interestingengineering.com/energy/fusion-p...
Microsoft have something that is apparently going to be ready in 2028 and Google have signed up to a provider as well.
So, are we finally going to start seeing something viable in the next 10 years?
Even if it was technically possible the greenies would kill it off by waving placards. So for that reason alone, no.Microsoft have something that is apparently going to be ready in 2028 and Google have signed up to a provider as well.
So, are we finally going to start seeing something viable in the next 10 years?
Stupid question of the day.
Why can't we just grab a bit of the Sun?
Sure you would need to keep it at moooooohasive pressure to maintain the reaction.
Plus it's a bit toasty to handle.
But I'm sure we could cobble together some sort of robotic machine to fly out there and back.
In traditional British fashion this could be done in some rich eccentric bloke's shed for 25p.
OU project maybe?
Is there any material that could take the heat and pressure near the Sun?
McDonalds apple tart maybe?
Just askin.
Why can't we just grab a bit of the Sun?
Sure you would need to keep it at moooooohasive pressure to maintain the reaction.
Plus it's a bit toasty to handle.
But I'm sure we could cobble together some sort of robotic machine to fly out there and back.
In traditional British fashion this could be done in some rich eccentric bloke's shed for 25p.
OU project maybe?
Is there any material that could take the heat and pressure near the Sun?
McDonalds apple tart maybe?
Just askin.
It'd be great to have it running, but i suspect it's just very long term development, along with doing anything practical for it is extremely expensive.
Could be the case that once it's cracked properly then it could get significantly cheaper and quicker to build, but it's most likely still a long way off.
Even fission hasn't really seen the economies of scale you'd probably have expected by this point, though I guess the waste and higher risks with it have kept it from expanding as much as it could have.
Could be the case that once it's cracked properly then it could get significantly cheaper and quicker to build, but it's most likely still a long way off.
Even fission hasn't really seen the economies of scale you'd probably have expected by this point, though I guess the waste and higher risks with it have kept it from expanding as much as it could have.
OIC said:
Stupid question of the day.
Why can't we just grab a bit of the Sun?
Sure you would need to keep it at moooooohasive pressure to maintain the reaction.
Plus it's a bit toasty to handle.
But I'm sure we could cobble together some sort of robotic machine to fly out there and back.
In traditional British fashion this could be done in some rich eccentric bloke's shed for 25p.
OU project maybe?
Is there any material that could take the heat and pressure near the Sun?
No need, send your expedition in at night!Why can't we just grab a bit of the Sun?
Sure you would need to keep it at moooooohasive pressure to maintain the reaction.
Plus it's a bit toasty to handle.
But I'm sure we could cobble together some sort of robotic machine to fly out there and back.
In traditional British fashion this could be done in some rich eccentric bloke's shed for 25p.
OU project maybe?
Is there any material that could take the heat and pressure near the Sun?
OIC said:
Stupid question of the day.
Why can't we just grab a bit of the Sun?
Sure you would need to keep it at moooooohasive pressure to maintain the reaction.
Plus it's a bit toasty to handle.
But I'm sure we could cobble together some sort of robotic machine to fly out there and back.
In traditional British fashion this could be done in some rich eccentric bloke's shed for 25p.
OU project maybe?
Is there any material that could take the heat and pressure near the Sun?
McDonalds apple tart maybe?
Just askin.
We would need a lot of the sun. It has the same power density (ie energy produced per cubic metre per second) as a typical compost heap. It's sometimes described as a 'lazy' fusion reactor.Why can't we just grab a bit of the Sun?
Sure you would need to keep it at moooooohasive pressure to maintain the reaction.
Plus it's a bit toasty to handle.
But I'm sure we could cobble together some sort of robotic machine to fly out there and back.
In traditional British fashion this could be done in some rich eccentric bloke's shed for 25p.
OU project maybe?
Is there any material that could take the heat and pressure near the Sun?
McDonalds apple tart maybe?
Just askin.
JET did OK for few years ago
https://www.newscientist.com/article/2415909-uk-nu...
And the UK is still investing
Fusion energy industry gets £2.5bn funding boost
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cvg59pqeyxvo
British expertise helps harness the power of a star
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx2ee7kg05wo
ITER still has a long wait before first plasma though
https://www.newscientist.com/article/2415909-uk-nu...
And the UK is still investing
Fusion energy industry gets £2.5bn funding boost
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cvg59pqeyxvo
British expertise helps harness the power of a star
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx2ee7kg05wo
ITER still has a long wait before first plasma though
EliseNick said:
OIC said:
Stupid question of the day.
Why can't we just grab a bit of the Sun?
Sure you would need to keep it at moooooohasive pressure to maintain the reaction.
Plus it's a bit toasty to handle.
But I'm sure we could cobble together some sort of robotic machine to fly out there and back.
In traditional British fashion this could be done in some rich eccentric bloke's shed for 25p.
OU project maybe?
Is there any material that could take the heat and pressure near the Sun?
McDonalds apple tart maybe?
Just askin.
We would need a lot of the sun. It has the same power density (ie energy produced per cubic metre per second) as a typical compost heap. It's sometimes described as a 'lazy' fusion reactor.Why can't we just grab a bit of the Sun?
Sure you would need to keep it at moooooohasive pressure to maintain the reaction.
Plus it's a bit toasty to handle.
But I'm sure we could cobble together some sort of robotic machine to fly out there and back.
In traditional British fashion this could be done in some rich eccentric bloke's shed for 25p.
OU project maybe?
Is there any material that could take the heat and pressure near the Sun?
McDonalds apple tart maybe?
Just askin.
_Rodders_ said:
I heard 50 years.
Will be interesting to see what comes first, the end of the world as we know it or economically viable fusion.
It hadn't occurred to me until this week how hopelessly inefficient they are likely to be; even if they achieve a steady state plasma burn and a positive power output, most of the energy they produce is likely to be consumed by keeping itself going.Will be interesting to see what comes first, the end of the world as we know it or economically viable fusion.
Sadly, for all the enthusiasm and deep pockets being emptied into the money pit, I think there is zero chance of power to grid in my lifetime.
llewop said:
It hadn't occurred to me until this week how hopelessly inefficient they are likely to be; even if they achieve a steady state plasma burn and a positive power output, most of the energy they produce is likely to be consumed by keeping itself going.
Sadly, for all the enthusiasm and deep pockets being emptied into the money pit, I think there is zero chance of power to grid in my lifetime.
While I agree about the chances, I think it's worth remembering that the amount of energy involved is so huge that even if you "only" skim 5% off that is probably plenty to power 100,000s of homes.Sadly, for all the enthusiasm and deep pockets being emptied into the money pit, I think there is zero chance of power to grid in my lifetime.
Flooble said:
llewop said:
It hadn't occurred to me until this week how hopelessly inefficient they are likely to be; even if they achieve a steady state plasma burn and a positive power output, most of the energy they produce is likely to be consumed by keeping itself going.
Sadly, for all the enthusiasm and deep pockets being emptied into the money pit, I think there is zero chance of power to grid in my lifetime.
While I agree about the chances, I think it's worth remembering that the amount of energy involved is so huge that even if you "only" skim 5% off that is probably plenty to power 100,000s of homes.Sadly, for all the enthusiasm and deep pockets being emptied into the money pit, I think there is zero chance of power to grid in my lifetime.
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