Nuclear Fusion as an Energy Source
December 11, 2015
Intro
Direct Conversion
The method of direct conversion converts fast-moving charged particles directly into electrical current. This is possible because potential energy can be transformed into kinetic energy. A 100 kilo-volt ion collector creates a hill-like slope that the particles must climb. The kinetic energy of the positive particles is transformed into potential energy as the particles move to the ion collector. When the ions reach the ion collector they take ions from it and this removes electrons from the target plate, which increases the positive potential energy. Because electrons are relatively light, the electrons are reflected towards an electron reflector grid with a negative potential energy of -10 kilo-volts. The negative potential attracts positive ions but these ions are moving with lots of momentum so they fly past the electron reflector grid and hit the ion collectors. This current flow becomes electric energy.
Nuclear Fusion vs Nuclear Fission
Safety Concerns of Nuclear Power
Pros to Nuclear Power
Nuclear power benefits the economy because it doesn't rely on fossil fuels and therefore is not affected by the fluctuating costs of oil and gas. The cost of uranium, which is used as a fuel to generate the electricity, is low.