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Fusion reactor: Difference between revisions

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{{Era|HCW}}
{{Era|HCW}}
{{References}}
A '''fusion reactor''' is a type of nuclear power plant that uses [[nuclear fusion]] for power generation.
{{Cleanup}}
The '''deuterium fusion reactor''' is a type of a [[nuclear fusion]] reactor used as a power source on [[United Nations Space Command]] warships. Warships are typically equipped with one primary reactor and at least two secondary reactors.<ref>'''Halo: First Strike''', ''page 275''</ref>


==Description==
==Usage==
{{Conjecture}}
The UNSC utilizes nuclear fusion reactors to a great degree, from spacecraft to [[UNSC Reactor|groundside bases]]. Fusion reactors are used as a power source on [[United Nations Space Command]] warships. The reactor makes up the main component of a ship's primary propulsion system, known as a [[fusion drive]], which uses vectored drive exhaust to provide thrust.<ref>'''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''', campaign level ''[[The Maw]]''</ref> UNSC fusion reactors are known to use the [[hydrogen]] isotope [[deuterium]] as fuel.<ref>'''Halo: First Strike''', ''page 275''</ref>
Based on the name, a deuterium fusion reactor probably combines nuclei from [[deuterium]], a light [[hydrogen]] isotope, into heavier elements, accompanied by a net gain of energy. Deuterium may be fused with itself, or with [[tritium]], another hydrogen isotope. This latter reaction is the easiest to initiate.


Since they have not been seen on screen, it is not possible to meaningfully speculate on the technique a deuterium core uses to induce fusion. However, a UNSC warship is powered by just two of these devices,{{citation needed}} so it could be deduced that they are not easily portable. Though not explicitly stated, it may also be used to power other kinds of spacecraft, and could be related to the oft-used [[fusion core]].
The UNSC has also mastered fusion rector technology on a remarkably small scale, as demonstred by the miniature fusion plants mounted on the [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor|MJOLNIR armor]].<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 45''</ref> Despite their size, these reactors are extremely efficient; the microfusion plant of the [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark IV|MJOLNIR Mark IV]] was capable of providing power for 15 years of continuous operation.<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 140''</ref>
{{Conjecture end}}
 
The [[Covenant]] employ a more advanced type of fusion power plant, known as the [[pinch fusion reactor]], to power their starships and other machines.<ref>'''Halo: First Strike''', ''page 305''</ref>


==Real world==
==Real world==
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*''[[Halo 2]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo 2]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo: The Flood]]''
*''[[Halo: First Strike]]''
*''[[Halo: First Strike]]''
*''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''
*''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]''


==Sources==
==Sources==
<references/>
<references/>
[[Category:Power generation]]
[[Category:Power generation]]

Revision as of 04:31, October 4, 2011

A fusion reactor is a type of nuclear power plant that uses nuclear fusion for power generation.

Usage

The UNSC utilizes nuclear fusion reactors to a great degree, from spacecraft to groundside bases. Fusion reactors are used as a power source on United Nations Space Command warships. The reactor makes up the main component of a ship's primary propulsion system, known as a fusion drive, which uses vectored drive exhaust to provide thrust.[1] UNSC fusion reactors are known to use the hydrogen isotope deuterium as fuel.[2]

The UNSC has also mastered fusion rector technology on a remarkably small scale, as demonstred by the miniature fusion plants mounted on the MJOLNIR armor.[3] Despite their size, these reactors are extremely efficient; the microfusion plant of the MJOLNIR Mark IV was capable of providing power for 15 years of continuous operation.[4]

The Covenant employ a more advanced type of fusion power plant, known as the pinch fusion reactor, to power their starships and other machines.[5]

Real world

Real-world fusion reactors currently require more power than they release, so are not yet an economical means of electricity generation. Promising approaches include doughnut-shaped tokamaks, Polywells and laser-driven inertial confinement fusion.

List of appearances

Sources

  1. ^ Halo: Combat Evolved, campaign level The Maw
  2. ^ Halo: First Strike, page 275
  3. ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, page 45
  4. ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, page 140
  5. ^ Halo: First Strike, page 305