Posted on 12/18/2007 9:44:50 PM PST by HAL9000
Toshiba has developed a new class of micro size Nuclear Reactors that is designed to power individual apartment buildings or city blocks. The new reactor, which is only 20 feet by 6 feet, could change everything for small remote communities, small businesses or even a group of neighbors who are fed up with the power companies and want more control over their energy needs.The 200 kilowatt Toshiba designed reactor is engineered to be fail-safe and totally automatic and will not overheat. Unlike traditional nuclear reactors the new micro reactor uses no control rods to initiate the reaction. The new revolutionary technology uses reservoirs of liquid lithium-6, an isotope that is effective at absorbing neutrons. The Lithium-6 reservoirs are connected to a vertical tube that fits into the reactor core. The whole whole process is self sustaining and can last for up to 40 years, producing electricity for only 5 cents per kilowatt hour, about half the cost of grid energy.
Toshiba expects to install the first reactor in Japan in 2008 and to begin marketing the new system in Europe and America in 2009.
Famous last words.
What do you want to bet I can’t afford it?
I’d like to have a nuclear powered Phaser in my lifetime.
http://www.amazon.com/Radioactive-Boy-Scout-Frightening-Homemade/dp/0812966600/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1198043236&sr=1-1
He built a homemade breeder reactor in a backyard shed. Neighbors learned of it when NEST teams in moon suits were parading through their back yards.
Ohhhhhh....OK.....If you say so.....I'll take two (and a side of fries)
Despite my VBG, I'm pro-nuclear.
We built small reactors in the early 60’s. Read about my brush with one in my FRprofile titled “Greenland”.
.....Bob
I think this sounds pretty cool personally. It’s only a matter of time until this kind of technology changes energy as we know it and it will change again and again and again.
I Want One!
ping to self to read your story. Out at the Idaho National Labs there is a prototype of a nuke aircraft engine as I recall.
“Even God can’t sink the Titanic” 1912
“Even God can’t sink the HMS HUCKABEE” 2007
The INL were the folks that made the reactor used in Camp Century. I think it was serial #6 (which would imply that there were at least 6 made).
Assuming the power output remains the same over the stated lifetime, and at the per unit energy price quoted, the unit is worth $3.5 million.
Fantastic idea, especially for small remote areas (eg central Australia) currently using diesel generators. One problem - ISLAM ie Islamic nutbags opening them up and turning them into weapons.
Toshiba also sold machine tools to the Soviets during the peak of the Cold War that cost the taxpayers of this country billions in lost submarine surveillance capabilities. They were slapped on the wrist by some international court and paid a small fine, but the Soviets were able to make their submarine propellers significantly quieter and the damage was done. I’ll never knowingly purchase a Toshiba product again.
That’s Michigander Radioactive Boyscout to you.
Assuming it can’t dangerously malfunction, the real question is what can people who are bent on doing harm do with it?
Stealing smoke detectors, iirc.
Attempting to steal, I guess.
I want a nuclear powered car (and boat too).
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