Electrical Propulsion finally practical at sea!

[john61ct]

The USN has patented a small nuclear fusion reactor.

Will likely be available on Ali Express by next Christmas 8-)

https://www.popularmechanics.com/sci...usion-reactor/

[john61ct]

And to try to reduce the fatuous arguments already endlessly repeated here.

EP is currently impractical for normal boats, if the owner wants the same functionality given by an ICE engine.

Unless powered by a diesel generator, which is much less fuel efficient than propulsion directly driven by a diesel engine.

EP **is** currently "somewhat practical", charged from mains and only used for a few hours, getting to and from your mooring or slip when going out daysailing.

Requires a large expensive bank in any case.

Recharging that bank from wind, hydro or solar takes A. Very. Long. Time.

more a replacement for a sculling oar than an ICE engine in that case, not for someone with any sort of schedule.

.

[Dsanduril]

Producing "more than a terawatt" of power, I think I'm going to have to fit a different prop

Fill 'er up with some deuterium son, that premium stuff, none of that stuff with the water and bacteria that clogs all the filters.

[Chris31415]

Originally Posted by john61ct

The USN has patented a small nuclear fusion reactor.

Will likely be available on Ali Express by next Christmas 8-)

https://www.popularmechanics.com/sci...usion-reactor/

I’ll just say that if someone succeeded in creating an economical, controlled nuclear fusion reactor, using it to power ships at sea would be far down the list of important things it would be used for.

[john61ct]

Yes, same with most of the other technologies we use, but this website is for discussions relevant to cruising sailors.

Not to mention, not exactly coincidence this was developed (is being researched) by the Navy

[john61ct]

Originally Posted by Dsanduril

Producing "more than a terawatt" of power, I think I'm going to have to fit a different prop

Yes, I'd like to see a calculation for the maximum speed this unit could power a Cheoy Lee Offshore 41, assuming sails now only for show.

Maybe directly via a compact little steam turbine?

[Chris31415]

Originally Posted by john61ct

Yes, same with most of the other technologies we use, but this website is for discussions relevant to cruising sailors.

Not to mention, not exactly coincidence this was developed (is being researched) by the Navy

Not really my point, but I may not have expressed it very well. Let me try again.

The quest for controlled fusion energy has been a major focus of research in the US and abroad for over 50 years, with billions of dollars spent. Most experts believe there are still many problems to be solved and we are decades away from success.

I would love it if the Navy figured it out. However, if they did, I think it would be announced at a news conference, probably by the President, rather than through an article in Popular Mechanics.

A Mr. fusion, like in the movie back to the future, would be awesome for a boat. I’m just skeptical.

[john61ct]

Oh yes absolutely, I in no way believe we're going to see a practical outcome from this in even my grandkids' lifetime.

Doesn't make dreaming, joking and learning about it any less fun though