Environment & Energy

Gregorian

(23,867 posts) Thu Dec 31, 2015, 06:30 PM Dec 2015

First plasma from Wendelstein 7-X fusion reactor

As part of the ongoing pursuit of a clean and reliable power source, the Wendelstein 7-x is the largest stellarator fusion device in the world and represents a different approach to typical doughnut-shaped tokamak fusion reactors. Scientists hope that the stellarator design can overcome one of the main limitations of the tokamak, where the plasma contained in the vessel is prone to drifting into the outer walls and collapsing after operating only in short bursts.

There's a video at the link that has all the engineers talking a bit about what it takes to make it run. I can't wait to see where this goes.

http://www.gizmag.com/wendelsteinflash-helium-plasma/40883/

3 replies

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First plasma from Wendelstein 7-X fusion reactor (Original Post) Gregorian Dec 2015 OP

I was afraid that would happen GliderGuider Dec 2015 #1

Now you sound like me. Gregorian Dec 2015 #2

Happy New Year to you too, Gregorian. GliderGuider Dec 2015 #3

GliderGuider

(21,088 posts)

1. I was afraid that would happen

Reply to Gregorian (Original post)

Thu Dec 31, 2015, 07:15 PM

Dec 2015

Gregorian

(23,867 posts)

2. Now you sound like me.

Reply to GliderGuider (Reply #1)

Thu Dec 31, 2015, 10:12 PM

Dec 2015

It's almost funny because I forgot.

Barring something massive, there might very well be another half billion Chinese soon. And I had my year end with a positive note, someone doing a tourist business in my town, which I found highly irritating, has closed business. Yay!

But about the fusion, I'm so curious how this will evolve as engineering and design. I knew the chief mechanical engineer at the Lawrence Livermore labs fusion reactor project in the '80's.

Yeah, it's pretty much party and let it all hang out until it all comes to an end one way or another. But I also see the positive side. I'm very into bicycles, and it is pretty amazing what is being built. It's minimal energy for maximum utility.

I hope you have a good 2016.

GliderGuider

(21,088 posts)

3. Happy New Year to you too, Gregorian.

Reply to Gregorian (Reply #2)

Thu Dec 31, 2015, 11:58 PM

Dec 2015

I think it's going to be an eventful year. Part of me is looking forward to it.

I understand about the fascination of engineering. I was a Spuitnik kid, and built amateur rockets from scratch in the early 60s, dreamed about solar power satellites and beanstalks, and became a software designer. So I know the allure.

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