IS NUCLEAR FUSION THE FUTURE OF ENERGY
PRODUCTION ?
BY:
- DEBRY ROMAIN
- DONEUX MATHYS
- DURIEUX THOMAS
WHAT IS NUCLEAR FUSION ?
- Way of energy production
- Fusion of nuclei (core)
- Alternative to nuclear fission
- Process by which two light atomic nuclei
combine to form a single heavier one while
releasing massive amounts of energy
Nucleus (pl. = nuclei) = Core of the atom, contains the
nucleons
Nucleon (pl.positively
- Protons: = nucleons) = Neutrons
charged / Protons
particles
- Neutrons: electrically neutral particles
- Electrons: negatively charged particles
(not a nucleon => not in the nucleus)
Conditions : Split
- 100 000 000 °C
- 250 milliard atm
=> high density
Fusion
Nuclear fusion
Collision => Fusion WORKING
Unstable => Split
Forming of new nucleus and release of energy and
neutron
Nuclear fission
Collision => Split
Releases energy and neutrons, who
will continue colliding with other
Uranium (U235) nuclei
e
E = ∆m × c²
Deuterium (2H) / tritium (3H)
Extreme heat + extreme pression (Tokamak)
Plasma state (electrons stripped from nuclei)
Plasma heated further using magnetic fields/ laser beams
+
Overcome electrostatic repulsion => Collides
Deuterium + tritium => Helium + high-energy neutron
Released energy can be converted into electricity
Careful : ignition (Chain reaction => Uncontrollable) WORKING
(energy released by fusion is sufficient to maintain
the high temperatures and pressures needed for further
fusion to occur without the need for
external heating.)
=
ADVANTAGES
- Main ingredient : Hydrogen (Very abundant fuel)
- Clean energy : no emissions
- No long-lived radioactive nuclear waste (in contrast to fission)
- Extreme conditions assure security in case of fails
- Huge energy density
DISADVANTAGES
- Difficulties to fulfil the extreme conditions
- Deal with radiation
- Expensive
