I never quite understood the math behind power densities in a fusion reactor.
In the sun, isn't energy production occurring at something like 100-1000 W/m3? So, if you want to build a multiple MW fusion plant, shouldn't these plants be ridiculously huge compared to, say, a wind turbine rated at a couple of MW?
Is the density of the plasma so much higher in a fusion reactor?
Also, something else I never grokked, how do you get the power out? The plasma heats up, but how do you turn that into useful electrical energy?
Nevertheless of course I hope it does work as advertised... someday.
Edit: thanks everyone for the thoughtful, insightful replies!
In the sun, isn't energy production occurring at something like 100-1000 W/m3? So, if you want to build a multiple MW fusion plant, shouldn't these plants be ridiculously huge compared to, say, a wind turbine rated at a couple of MW?
Is the density of the plasma so much higher in a fusion reactor?
Also, something else I never grokked, how do you get the power out? The plasma heats up, but how do you turn that into useful electrical energy?
Nevertheless of course I hope it does work as advertised... someday.
Edit: thanks everyone for the thoughtful, insightful replies!