Updates on Uranium hydride reactor and Bussard fusion


Hyperion power generation has a new frequently asked question page.

I had detailed coverage of the Hyperion Power generation uranium hydride reactor from their patent submission.

I also had considered applying the device for space power.

Power output of the device: Approximately 70 megawatts (MW) of heat (thermal energy) and 25 megawatts (MW) of electrical power via steam turbine.

Often referred to as a “cartridge” reactor or “nuclear battery,” the Hyperion hydride reactor is self- regulating with no moving parts to break down or corrode.

Initial design efforts for Hyperion indicate that the sealed chamber dimensions of the power modules can be limited in size — approximately the size of a typical backyard hot tub. [A Uranium Hydride device that was 56 inches in diameter and 66 inches long weighed 7400lb. Jacuzzi hot tubs tend to be 78 inches in diameter and 60 inches tall. So the Hyperion reactor chamber would probably be about 8 tons in weight.]

HPG estimates that approximately 4,000 of the first module design will be needed to meet initial demand.

HPG has already had several meetings with the NRC and will continue to pursue the necessary design approvals and license to manufacture and operate Hyperion power modules.

Hyperion Power Generation was funded by the Altira group which has raised $300 million under management for energy investments. The typical initial investment is $5-$10 million with follow-on investments as warranted. They invest in companies that are commercializing technology and are lead by an effective management team with a compelling value proposition and a sustainable competitive advantage. Several publicized investments by Altira have been for $16 million. The press release on the funding of Hyperion Power Generation

EMC2 fusion who are working on the Bussard Inertial Electrostatic (IEC) Fusion have released a picture of the outside of the test chamber for the new prototype.

From the International Academy of Science Technology of the Year 2006 award briefing on the IEC fusion device.

Dr. Bussard’s Inertial Electrostatic Fusion offers

-Small, efficient power reactors, 1-3% the size of current magnetic confinement reactors.
-Clean, radiation-free energy utilizing p B-11.
-Relatively simple engineering with commercial viability in 6-10 years.
-Low cost ($150-200 million from program inception to demonstration of clean power.)

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