There is a new type of reactor that uses a new kind of fuel.  Instead of
using Uranium fuel "rods", it uses Uranium fuel "spheres" or "balls".
Simply, when placed in proximity of each other, the fission reaction takes
place.  It is much easier to avoid a meltdown and I believe the cooling
system is self contained, no need for cooling water.  I think I read it was
a closed helium heat exchange system.  I saw an article on it in Time
magazine a couple of months back.  Seams much safer and more efficient to
cool.

Tom Veldhouse
veldy at veldy.net

----- Original Message -----
From: "Colin Kilbane" <colin at tyr.med.umn.edu>
To: <tclug-list at mn-linux.org>
Sent: Monday, August 06, 2001 3:00 PM
Subject: Re: [TCLUG] OT: Lights Out?


> The problem with wind is the high cost of installation and maintence per
> unit of energy.  In california nearly 30% of the wind generators are idle
> at any one time.  We need to make the towers damn cheap first.  My money
> is on nuclear, not like what we have now but like the way that europe does
> it.  Small reactors that are standardized making maintence, safety, and
> regulation simple.  Recycling the fuel helps too seriously reduce the
> amount of high risk waste.
>
> Colin Kilbane
>
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