What does it mean when we talk about “scientific feasibility of focus fusion?” What does “net energy” add up to? LPP has updated our energy analysis for a focus fusion generator based on our most recent data and calculations. The result is summarized in a chart called a Sankey diagram, in which the width of connecting lines represents the amount of energy. We want to emphasize that at this point in the research, there are large uncertainties in any net energy analysis, but it is important to illustrate what is meant by “net energy” from a Focus Fusion generator.
This analysis assumes 90% energy transfer to plasmoid, a ratio of fusion energy to plasmoid energy ratio of 100%, 80% energy efficiency recovery from the beam and X-ray pulse. If energy-recovery efficiency is only 70%, net energy is reduced to 14.6 kJ, but is still positive. If fusion energy is 120% of plasmoid energy instead of 100%, net energy yield is increased to 35 kJ. Net energy production occurs if gross fusion energy is above 35 kJ, the goal of our scientific feasibility demonstration.
In the baseline scenario of the diagram, cycling 200 times per second would provide 5MW to the grid.
