Fusion Technology :The Energy Power

Introduction

Fusion power is the generation of energy by nuclear

fusion. Fusion reactions are high energy reactions in
which two lighteratomic nuclei fuse to form a heavier
nucleus. When they combine, some of the mass is lost.
This is converted into energy through E = mc2 Fusion
power is a research effort to try and harness this energy
to power large scale cleaner energy. It is also a major part
of plasma physics research.

In large scale commercial proposals, heat from the

fusion reaction is used to operate a steam turbine
that drives electrical generators, as in existing fossil
fuel and nuclear fission power stations.

How Fusion Technology works?

In a fusion reaction, energy is released when two light

atomic nuclei are fused together to form one heavier
atom. This is the process that provides the energy
powering the Sun and other stars, where hydrogen
nuclei are combined to form helium.

To achieve high enough fusion reaction rates to make

fusion useful as an energy source, the fuel (two types
of hydrogen-deuterium and tritium) must be heated to
temperatures over 100 million degrees Celsius. At
these temperatures the fuel becomes a plasma.
This incredibly hot plasma is also extremely thin and
fragile, a million times less dense than air. To keep the
plasma from being contaminated and cooled by
contact with material surfaces it is contained in a
magnetic confinement system.

The Need for Fusion Technology

Energy supplies are an essential requirement for

economic growth and enhancement of life standards.
To sustain and increase the present rate of world
energy use, according to expectations for this century,
There are Three large Energy:
1.Solar Energy.
2.Fission with Breeding.
3.Fusion.

Benefits of Fusion Technology

Benefits:
No Carbon Emissions:
The only by-products of fusion reactions are small
amounts of helium, which is an inert gas that will not
add to atmospheric pollution.
Abundant Fuels:
Deuterium can be extracted from water and tritium is
produced from lithium, which is found in the earth's
crust. Fuel supplies will therefore last for millions of
years.

Energy Efficiency:
One kilogram of fusion fuel can provide the same
amount of energy as 10 million kilograms of fossil fuel.
No long-lived Radioactive Waste:
Only plant components become radioactive and these
will be safe to recycle or dispose of conventionally
within 100 years.

Safety:
The small amounts of fuel used in fusion devices
(about the weight of a postage stamp at any one
time) means that a large-scale nuclear accident is not
possible.
Reliable Power:
Fusion power plants should provide a baseload supply
of large amounts of electricity, at costs that are
estimated to be broadly similar to other energy
sources.

Advantages of Fusion Technology

Clean energy. No greenhouse gases.

Virtually limitless fuel available. (The deuterium can
be distilled from seawater and the tritium can be
bred in the reactor.)
No chain reaction. Easier to control or stop than
fission.
Very low fuel cost.

Disadvantages of FusionTechnology

Unproven at anything resembling commercial scale.

Could produce a net negative amount of energy.
If cold fusion could be achieved, it would be much
easier to implement.

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