Focus fusion
Focus fusion (or Plasma Focus Fusion) is an electricity generation approach with a device known as a dense plasma focus (DPF), used as a nuclear fusion generator with hydrogen-boron fuel (pB11).
The single biggest difference between a generic Mather style DPF and the Focus fusion approach is the patented theory of operation (US Patent #7,482,607) which predicted, and which preliminary experiments seem to confirm, that adding an Angular Momentum Coil increases performance (neutron yield when operated in Deuterium) by controlling the plasma’s spin during the axial phase and well into the radial phases, including magnetic compression.
The Focus fusion test program is scheduled to achieve its goals in calendar 2010.
The pB11 fusion reaction is:
p + B11 -> 3 He4 + 8.7 MeV
The Focus Fusion approach utilizes an aneutronic fusion reaction.
Proposed economic benefits
The potential of this approach towards achieving net gain of fusion energy in an economical way consists of the following :
- the energy from fusion reactions is released mainly in the form of a high energy pulsed beam of helium nuclei, being already electric current
- no expensive thermal conversion is needed , no expensive turbine , pressurized equipment
- the reactor utilized is small and cheap in comparison to ( nuclear reactors , coal power stations )
- cheap and abundant fuel used
- no radioactive waste issues [1]
References
- ^ "Will it really be inexpensive?". Focus Fusion Society Site. 2010-04-23. Retrieved 2010-04-23.
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External links
- Technical papers by Eric Lerner
- ADVANCES TOWARDS PB11 FUSION WITH THE DENSE PLASMA FOCUS, to be published in Current Trends in International Fusion Research, Proceedings of the Sixth Symposium
- PROSPECTS FOR P11B FUSION WITH THE DENSE PLASMA FOCUS: NEW RESULTS, Invited presentation, 5th Symposium "Current Trends in International Fusion Research: A Review" March 24-28, 2003, Washington, D.C
- US Patent #7,482,607 (January 27, 2009)