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5114 |
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Date: October 15, 2014 at 23:02:00
From: ShakyD, [DNS_Address]
Subject: Lockheed says makes breakthrough on fusion energy project |
URL: http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/10/15/us-lockheed-fusion-idUSKCN0I41EM20141015 |
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(Reuters) - Lockheed Martin Corp said on Wednesday it had made a technological breakthrough in developing a power source based on nuclear fusion, and the first reactors, small enough to fit on the back of a truck, could be ready for use in a decade.
Initial work demonstrated the feasibility of building a 100-megawatt reactor measuring seven feet by ten feet, which could fit on the back of a large truck, and is about 10 times smaller than current reactors.
LM said future reactors could use a different fuel and eliminate radioactive waste completely.
Note that this new development uses nuclear fusion (not fission, which is used in current nuclear power technology).
Reminds me of the Mr. Fusion used by the time travelling DeLorean.
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[5115] [5117] |
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5115 |
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Date: October 16, 2014 at 08:28:05
From: Sciguy, [DNS_Address]
Subject: Re: Lockheed says makes breakthrough on fusion energy project |
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Interesting, but the solution to the radioactive waste problem is to form it into blocks of one cubic yard of radioactive material that produce a steady heat flow of sufficient energy to be useful for home heating and cooling. Ok, if there are any nuclear physicists on this board, I'm just kidding, but if it would actually work, then in our next energy crisis, just remember where you got the idea. :)
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[5117] |
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5117 |
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Date: October 16, 2014 at 09:30:00
From: JTRIV, [DNS_Address]
Subject: Re: Lockheed says makes breakthrough on fusion energy project |
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Hi dib,
The great thing about fusion is that unlike fission reactors a fusion reactor wouldn't create radioactive waste. Rather than breaking down uranium or plutonium through fission a fusion reactor would combine hydrogen to create helium plus energy.
Hopefully something will come of this fusion research which is the only way to be able to replace fossil fuels. Then we can all have a Mr. Fusion power source for our DeLoreans.
Cheers
Jim
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