Direct energy conversion
ID: direct-energy-conversion
- www.iter.org/sci/MakingitWork ITER page mentions that 80% of energy goes out on neutrons and that capturing this is a major challenge[ref]
- 2024 DARPA announcement: x.com/DARPA/status/1819112110988657075
We're requesting info & ideas for fundamental breakthroughs to enable high-power, direct conversion from nuclear energy into electricity by converting reactor neutrons to alphas or betas for voltaics.
Direct energy conversion refers to processes that convert one form of energy directly into another without the intermediate step of converting it to heat or another intermediate form. Traditional energy conversion methods often involve multiple steps, such as converting chemical energy in fossil fuels to heat, then to mechanical energy, and finally to electrical energy. In contrast, direct energy conversion aims to reduce energy losses and improve efficiency by streamlining this process.
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