Nuclear Fusion- An Achievable Future Power Technology
Resources and Links
Image credit- Pixabay
https://www.powermag.com/fusion-energy-is-coming-and-maybe-sooner-than-you-think/
https://www.energy.gov/ne/articles/fission-and-fusion-what-difference
Nuclear fission is currently used to generate power. Nuclear fission power plants use uranium and plutonium rods. These rods are raised and lowered into a pool of water where neutrons from a heavy atom slam into adjacent atoms and energy is released. The resultant heat generated is used to power a turbine that provides power. There are several variations of this model, and the nuclear fission power plant has been utilized since the 1950s in earnest. Nuclear power was born at Oak Ridge in 1948, with first large-scale plant being built in 1954 in Russia. A major issue with nuclear fission power plants is nuclear waste. When the fuel rods deplete in power over time, they degrade and become waste. Nuclear waste is a persistent threat to the environment and human life.
Nuclear fusion is an anticipated power source that could solve the world's energy issues. Nuclear fusion is the combination of two atom's nucleus that results in a massive release of energy. Most chemical reactions involve the outside of the atom, but nuclear reactions involve the inside of the atom called the nucleus. The nucleus of the atom contains neutrons and protons, and the outside of the atom contains layers of electrons. When fusion occurs, two atoms fuse together into one, as opposed to an atom splitting into two atoms.
The Tokamak model of a theoretical fusion reactor that uses an array of magnetic fields to hold the fusion plasma during fusion reactions. The deuterium tritium reaction is a promising reaction, with the downside of the tritium fuel being reactive and a hazardous chemical to humans. The amount of energy to power the magnetic fields is immense, and a facility is being built to test this prototype. We could see production as soon as 2030. Nuclear fusion promises to produce several times more energy than fission plants, and with no nuclear waste generated.
Nuclear power is much more efficient than traditional power sources from burning fossil fuels. Oil and coal burning plants pollute the air and environement with Mercury, smoke and particulates. Nuclear fusion could take us into a new age of truly green energy.
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