One of the first requirements for batteries has always been portability, although that is becoming hazy with fusion reactors. The latter are very large devices that produce electrical power from energy released in nuclear fission reactions. An Israeli research group wants to downscale fusion to a large box. So today we ponder could containerized fusion be a battery if we could move it around.
Two Ways Containerized Fusion Could Become a Battery
Natalia Lisbona writing on BBC Climate Change confirms that there are two ways of achieving nuclear fusion. The first step in the process is to heat hydrogen isotopes to hundreds of millions of degrees. The isotopes then become so energetic that they break apart into a whirling state of matter called plasma. This opens the door to two possibilities:
- Use magnets to confine the plasma into a doughnut-like shape.
- Use a stellarator to send the plasma twisting through the machine.
Until recently, these have largely been theoretical concepts. Although late last year scientists at US National Ignition Facility in California did produce more energy from a reaction, than the lasers consumed that sparked it. However, much work still needs to be done with that breakthrough achievement, before containerized fusion becomes as convenient as a large battery.
Looking From the Other End – What Is a Battery?
Advances in metal-air batteries do away with a need for two physical electrodes. While redox flow batteries challenge the requirement for a separate electrolyte. We could be reaching the stage where containerized fusion becomes a battery too, although first we need to get this to work at a practical level.
However, the Researchers Are Not Giving Much Away
The researchers are part of a team that dedicates itself to providing a clean, flexible, and scalable nuclear fusion technology. Thereby, they hope the world will be able to meet its energy needs, and de-carbonisation goals safely. But at this stage they are holding their cards close to their chests.
However, they did let slip they are refining the two approaches that we referred to earlier, and taking the best of each to produce denser plasma. They hope this will enable them to produce a fusion reaction with a much smaller footprint. And so, perhaps, downscale down to something the size of a large battery?
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