• disguy_ovahea@lemmy.world
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    3 days ago

    I don’t know why this is constantly criticized as a method of energy capture. Liquids allow for maximum surface area contact, creating more efficient heat transfer from the irradiated rods.

    Armchair nuclear physicists should release an improved model before being so critical of the most effective and reliable method of energy generation we currently have.

    • glimse@lemmy.world
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      3 days ago

      I’d not that it’s criticized, it’s just kinda funny that everything comes back to steam engines

      • disguy_ovahea@lemmy.world
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        3 days ago

        Oh for sure. It’s like a desire path or evolution’s crab in that way. I think I just misunderstood people’s criticisms as belittlement of the process without them understanding why it’s still the standard.

        • glimse@lemmy.world
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          3 days ago

          Fair enough, I’m sure people DO criticize it but it’s mostly a joke.

          On a side note, are there any theoretical energy sources that DON’T involve steam? I’m not well-versed

          • macarthur_park@lemmy.world
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            3 days ago

            Solar (photovoltaics), wind turbines, and hydroelectric are a few non-steam energy sources in use.

            As for theoretical sources, some of the pulsed-power fusion concepts use the electromagnetic pulse from fusion to directly induce electrical power. But none of these have been demonstrated yet.

    • SkyeStarfall@lemmy.blahaj.zone
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      3 days ago

      I don’t think it’s a criticism? It’s more about highlighting the slight absurdity of super-high tech power generation still using the same method that has been used since the very start of electricity generation. A turbine spun by evaporated water.