Perspective on the fusion-fission energy concept

A concept which has potential for near-term application in the electric power sector of our energy economy is combining fusion and fission technology. The fusion-fission system, called a hybrid, is distinguished from its pure fusion counterpart by incorporation of fertile materials (uranium or thorium) in the blanket region of a fusion machine. The neutrons produced by the fusion process can be used to generate energy through fission events in the blanket or produce fuel for fission reactors through capture events in the fertile material. The performance requirements of the fusion component of hybrids is perceived as being less stringent than those for pure fusion electric power plants. The performance requirements for the fission component of hybrids is perceived as having been demonstrated or could be demonstrated with a modest investment of research and development funds. This paper presents our insights and observations of this concept in the context of why and where it might fit into the picture of meeting our future energy needs. A bibliography of hybrid research is given

Electro-Deposition of Carbon Structures at Mid Voltage and Room Temperature Using Ethanol/Aqueous Solutions

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Direct syntheses of carbon structures including nanodiamond, microdiamond and diamond-like carbon (DLC) on silicon wafers by liquid phase electro-deposition are presented. The solution (ethanol/water) was employed as electrolyte at different concentration levels. Assays were carried out maintaining constant the electric potential between the silicon electrodes in the range of (80-300 V) at current density of approximately 2.0 mA/cm(2). Scanning electron microscopy showed that non-uniform, smooth and heterogeneous structures were produced. The structural composition was evaluated by micro-Raman spectroscopy. A mechanism for the formation of sp(3) and sp(2) hybridizations is proposed. (C) 2012 The Electrochemical Society. [DOI: 10.1149/2.066203jes] All rights reserved.1593D159D161Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq

Evolución del comportamiento físico químico de los pozos en Termas de Rio Hondo como aporte al diagnóstico de situación actual

En la Provincia de Santiago del Estero, la Ciudad de Termas de Rio Hondo constituye un importante ce ntro urbano turístico invernal. Posee en el subsuelo, aguas termales usadas en balneoterapia con propiedades termomedicinales. La extracción excesiva en época de temporada invernal asociadas al turismo, genera un desfasaje entre las demandas potenciales y la disponibilidad del recurso, alterando el sistema. La geoquímica, provee información sobre la distribución de los elementos químicos y su evolución espacial y temporal en el sistema hídrico, caracterizando el agua de los acuíferos y definiendo problemas ambientales. La metodología, se basó en la selección de resultados de análisis físico-químicos existentes y actuales comparados, respecto a TSD. Las anomalías observadas en la concentración de los iones, respecto a las profundidades de explotación están asociadas a la presión antrópica del sistema.In the province of Santiago del Estero, the City of Termas de Rio Hondo is a major urban center winter resort. It has in the subsurface thermal properties used in balneotherapy termomedicinales. Excessive extraction in times of winter season associated with tourism, generates a potential mismatch between the demands and resource availability, altering the system. The geochemistry, provides information on the distribution of chemical elements and their spatial and temporal evolution in the water system, characterizing water aquifers and defining environmental problems. The methodology was based on the selection of results of physicochemical analysis of existing and current compared with respect to TSD. The anomalies observed in the concentration of ions, with respect to depths of operation are associated with human pressure system.Universidad Nacional de La Plat

ASEAN External Debt Perspectives

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Fusion-fission energy systems evaluation

This report serves as the basis for comparing the fusion-fission (hybrid) energy system concept with other advanced technology fissile fuel breeding concepts evaluated in the Nonproliferation Alternative Systems Assessment Program (NASAP). As such, much of the information and data provided herein is in a form that meets the NASAP data requirements. Since the hybrid concept has not been studied as extensively as many of the other fission concepts being examined in NASAP, the provided data and information are sparse relative to these more developed concepts. Nevertheless, this report is intended to provide a perspective on hybrids and to summarize the findings of the rather limited analyses made to date on this concept