Sustainable Energy Source Enquiry

[jimi]

There are tons of instructions out there for nuclear bombs, but I can't find any for a nuclear power plant for a boat. Has anybody tried this and are there any guidelines? I'm thinking of installing electric jet drives with nuclear power as a source so I do'nt get whacked when the tax increases on diesel.

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[Wiggo]

It's quite within the ability of the average home enthusiast/nuclear engineer, and one could easily be adapted from, say, an old Baby Burco boiler, a small gas turbine and some suitable lead shielding. The efficiency will be low, however, as it's not really feasible to build a proper automated boron control rod system at home, and so to avoid a core meltdown (which would inevitable lead to a sinking, as it melted its way through your hull), you will be forced to run a t lower temperatures and consequently replenish your fuel rods more often.

What concerns me mainly is the lack of any decent facilities supplying enriched Uranium on the South Coast. It's hard enough to get petrol.

<hr width=100% size=1>Si hoc legere scis, nimium eruditionis habes.

 

[jimi]

I was actually thinking of adapting my calorifier and using the thermostat on that as the rod control solenoid, I vaguely remember hearing someone say that was practicable?

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[Wiggo]

It would, but the power you can generate that way will limit you to semi-displacement speeds. But as long as you don't try to hump underway, you could go on for ever like that.

<hr width=100% size=1>Si hoc legere scis, nimium eruditionis habes.

 

[Nick_H]

How do you expect us to advise you when you don't give enough information. Are you planning a fission or fusion reactor, and does your boat have cup holders?

<hr width=100% size=1>He who dies with the most toys, wins

 

[Wiggo]

of course he doesn't have cup holders, he's a raggie! The only concession his boat makes to comfort and convenience is a large hanging locker for his hair shirts.

<hr width=100% size=1>Si hoc legere scis, nimium eruditionis habes.

 

[hlb]

Surely it would be much easier to put the steam from the califier through a tubine. I've heard of some stuff called heavy water, will that be ok, or would it sink the boat!

<hr width=100% size=1> No one can force me to come here. I'm a volunteer!!.

Haydn

 

[Peppermint]

Re: The US Navy have a little bit of experience

Why not mail them?

Don't mention the war though.

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[jimi]

The heavy water is good. To cope with the power plant going critical I'd have a mercury 3.3 as a stand by also useful for dinghy. I'd have a dump tube so the whole shebang could just be dumped. I also see advantages, get the toasting fork out and crisp toast in an in an instant. Hole in the hull .. dump the heavy water and you float anyway .. cant really see any drawbacks .. can you?

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