james_davis_nicoll (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
james_davis_nicoll) wrote2011-02-25 05:01 pm
james_davis_nicoll) wrote2011-02-25 05:01 pm
Dear SF writers of the world
It seems unlikely given developments so far that fusion generators if they ever appear will be designed (or designable) so they are perpetually, delicately balanced on the edge of a runaway, catastrophic power spike able to level entire cities [1].
More likely what would happen is minor disruptions will abruptly quench the reaction, causing power output to plummet to zero.
1: Now, in the cases where the reaction is controlled with cryogenic superconducting magnets, having the magnet suddenly lose superconductivity can involve a sudden and dramatic release of energy. Ideally the system should be designed to manage this.
More likely what would happen is minor disruptions will abruptly quench the reaction, causing power output to plummet to zero.
1: Now, in the cases where the reaction is controlled with cryogenic superconducting magnets, having the magnet suddenly lose superconductivity can involve a sudden and dramatic release of energy. Ideally the system should be designed to manage this.