OK, so I've been looking up theories and options for new power sources with the global oil crisis and such. One which has really struck me is Fusion Power. Given that my country (UK) is now building a shit-ton more of the more dangerous Nuclear Fission power stations I'm wondering why people haven't invested more in this Fusion idea sooner.
So hit me with it, pros and cons, and whether you think it's attainable by the end of this century.
Name:
4tran2008-08-22 7:04
By end of century, almost certainly attainable; end of 2008? no way.
Pros:
a) primary exhaust is helium, which is safe and in low supply
b) lots of hydrogen available (oceans)
c) high usable energy/kg of H
Cons:
a) supply is limited (might be good idea to save some for when the sun goes out)
b) most hydrogen does not have a neutron, and cannot fuse; refining natural hydrogen is bound to get more difficult as deuterium/tritium is depleted
c) if hydrogen is mined from oceans, then water levels will decline (less temperature stability, since water has uber heat capacity), and oxygen levels will rise (probably not enough to be toxic, but might do something to the ecosystem eventually)
d) zomg nuclear proliferation - maybe...
e) high reactor temperatures + gas leak = detonation of lots of H = nuclear explosion... of the type that makes Hiroshima seem tame
f) if exhaust He is allowed to be wasted, it will leave the atmosphere permanently