Friday, February 20, 2009

Aim High -- Thorium energy cheaper than from coal


Liquid Fluoride Thorium Reactor

The liquid fluoride thorium reactor is another advanced nuclear power source, even more promising than the pebble bed reactor. The LFTR uses inexpensive thorium as a fuel, transforming it to uranium-233 which fissions, producing heat and electric power at a cost less than that from coal power plants.

Thorium and uranium are dissolved in molten salt, simplifying fueling and waste removal compared to today's nuclear power plants. Prototype molten salt reactors were developed and tested by the US at Oak Ridge National Laboratories in the 1960s and 1970s. In 2006 the Oak Ridge research papers were scanned and posted on the internet. A collaboration of scientists, engineers, and professional volunteers has begun developing an updated conceptual design for the LFTR.

Aim High

Aim High is a proposal to factory-produce 100 MW electric power reactors to achieve an electric power cost cheaper than from coal. By economically undercutting coal power plants we can dissuade India, China, and the other developing nations from burning coal, without carbon taxes, which they would never accept. Less expensive, affordable electric power is also key to helping the developing nations achieve a modest level of prosperity that leads to population stability.

The Aim High book is available at Amazon. The Aim High website contains a Power Point version of the proposal and more information. The Energy From Thorium website contains an extensive blog, forum, and reference library.

16 comments:

whareagle said...

YEA! Another solution!

I'm ordering about 4 copies and will send them to my Congressman, my Senator, and one of the Obama-istes in Dallas County who helped raise a couple mil for him in the hopes of getting an ambassadorship (wanna trade?)


Seriously - You're finding good answers to the energy problem. Please keep it up. Thanks.

Robert Hargraves said...

shareagle,

Thanks. I just returned from DC 2 hours ago pursuing the same subject with staffs of several senators.

whareagle said...

Amen. I just forwarded the link to Mark & Wendy S, the local gonzo fundraisers that I coach in cycling. Fingers crossed.

whareagle said...

Robert,
Quick question. Have you ever approached Jimmy Carter about this stuff? I mean, he IS a Nuclear Engineer, isn't he? If he still has his mind and wits, maybe he'd be the more appropriate person to approach and persuade as an ex-head of state...

friend2all said...

Aim High and your PBMR Blog are great contributions to discussion on our US energy predicament.

While reactors can be designed without it, I can't help but be impressed with the CAD graphics that Dr. Kadak of MIT produced for the PBMR. Do you happen to know what drafting tool(s) Kadak and team used to make such excellent and detailed 3D views of their PBMR concept?

Do you know if drawing files for the MIT PBMR is available in some CAD format like .dxf or .dwg ?

It would be wonderful to have a similar CAD drafting model for a 3D or perhaps 4D (includes time and can show an order of assembly) for a Thorium LFTR Reactor.

Robert Hargraves said...

I don't know what CAD/CAE programs were used at MIT by Kadak et al. His email address is Kadak AT MIT DOT EDU so ask him.

I'd sure like to know of a relatively simple, inexpensive (or free) 3D CAD system. I tried Visio, but no 3D.

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Reaserch Papers said...

Many institutions limit access to their online information. Making this information available will be an asset to all.

Anonymous said...

It is extremely interesting for me to read this article. Thanx for it. I like such themes and everything that is connected to them. I definitely want to read more on that blog soon.

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Anonymous said...

looks quite a great post, it's having good information for research analysis. great job

Patrick said...

Robert, Thank you for all the good work. Perhaps if several politicians stayed awake in Science Class long enough, they will understand. This is SURVIVAL for MANKIND. We need to accept some level of risk and press on at a fantastic rate to bring many Thorium reactors online immediately.
Peak Oil and Climate Equilibrium Disruption are imminent. Mankind's time on earth is fleeting.

Patrick said...

Robert, Thanks for all the good work.
Hope the politicians stayed awake in Science Class...probably not. Peak Oil and Climate Equilibrium disruption are IMMINENT. I do not think the public really knows how little time remains. SURVIVAL for Mankind depends on this solution. I see not other even close. I am a retired Aero Engineer in Delaware. I volunteer. I am a sailor too.