Fusion's Promise

Beschreibung

For over 60 years, scientists and engineers have been trying to crack a seemingly intractable problem: how to build practical devices that exploit nuclear fusion. Access to electricity has facilitated a standard of living that was previously unimaginable, but as the world’s population grows and developing nations increasingly reap the benefits of electrification, we face a serious global problem: burning fossil fuels currently produces about eighty percent of the world's energy, but it produces a greenhouse effect that traps outgoing infrared radiation and warms the planet, risking dire environmental consequences unless we reduce our fossil fuel consumption to near zero in the coming decades. Nuclear fusion, the energy-producing process in the sun and stars, could provide the answer: if it can be successfully harnessed here on Earth, it will produce electricity with near-zero CO2 byproduct by using the nuclei in water as its main fuel. The principles behind fusion are understood, but the technology is far from being fully realized, and governments, universities, and venture capitalists are pumping vast amounts of money into many ideas, some highly speculative, that could lead to functioning fusion reactors. This book puts all of these attempts together in one place, providing clear explanations for readers who are interested in new energy technologies, including those with no formal training in science or engineering. For each of the many approaches to fusion, the reader will learn who pioneered the approach, how the concept works in plain English, how experimental tests were engineered, the future prospects, and comparison with other approaches. From long-established fusion technologies to emerging and exotic methods, the reader will learn all about the idea that could eventually constitute the single greatest engineering advance in human history.
For over 60 years, scientists and engineers have been trying to crack a seemingly intractable problem: how to build practical devices that exploit nuclear fusion. Access to electricity has facilitated a standard of living that was previously unimaginable, but as the world’s population grows and developing nations increasingly reap the benefits of electrification, we face a serious global problem: burning fossil fuels currently produces about eighty percent of the world's energy, but it produces a greenhouse effect that traps outgoing infrared radiation and warms the planet, risking dire environmental consequences unless we reduce our fossil fuel consumption to near zero in the coming decades. Nuclear fusion, the energy-producing process in the sun and stars, could provide the answer: if it can be successfully harnessed here on Earth, it will produce electricity with near-zero CO2 byproduct by using the nuclei in water as its main fuel. The principles behind fusion are understood, but the technology is far from being fully realized, and governments, universities, and venture capitalists are pumping vast amounts of money into many ideas, some highly speculative, that could lead to functioning fusion reactors. This book puts all of these attempts together in one place, providing clear explanations for readers who are interested in new energy technologies, including those with no formal training in science or engineering. For each of the many approaches to fusion, the reader will learn who pioneered the approach, how the concept works in plain English, how experimental tests were engineered, the future prospects, and comparison with other approaches. From long-established fusion technologies to emerging and exotic methods, the reader will learn all about the idea that could eventually constitute the single greatest engineering advance in human history.

Explains nuclear fusion in plain English, accessible to readers with no training in science Compares different approaches to fusion, essential for general readers interested in energy policy and technology Describes how fusion science developed and how future advances in fusion could impact the global energy landscape

Autor*in

Matthew Moynihan

Themen in »Fusion's Promise«

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Stimmen zu »Fusion's Promise«

“Moynihan contributed his expertise as a ‘fusioneer’ – with a background in fusion-related doctoral work … and, critically, his limitless enthusiasm. … ‘Fusion’s Promise’ is a book with a clear mission. … we are now starting to see the ‘promise’ of Moynihan and Bortz’s book title, thanks to a number of convergent factors.” (Nick Smith, E&T Engineering and Technology, eandt.theiet.org, July 12, 2023)

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“A must read!  In this well-written book, colorful photos of developers and their (sometimes massive) hardware outline the history of this exciting once-futuristic technology.  The last two chapters indicate the status and timeliness of this safe, sun-like, essentially limitless, green, and ultimately best source of energy for our planet (and beyond).” (Michael S. Walker, Retired fusion developer and author of Quantum Fuzz)

“Bravo! A must read, understandable compendium and look ahead for anyone interested in fusion power and its many terrestrial and space applications.” (Alan Stern, Planetary scientist, space program executive, aerospace consultant, author, and public speaker)
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