Fusion power has long posed a paradox. While creating the fusion reaction itself can be straightforward, converting it into usable electricity remains a daunting challenge. Daniel Velásquez, materials science lead at Avalanche Energy, highlights this conundrum, noting that while numerous fusion reactors exist, few successfully generate electricity efficiently.
Fusion reactions generate immense energy by merging lighter atoms into a heavier one, but effectively harnessing this energy has proven problematic. Traditional methods, such as heating water to drive steam turbines, only capture about 60% of the generated power, which is less than ideal.
Avalanche Energy aims to improve energy capture through innovative materials known as radiovoltaics. These resemble traditional solar panels, relying on semiconductors to convert radiation directly into electricity. While radiovoltaics have existed for some time, their efficiency has been limited; they are susceptible to damage from the radiation they harvest and produce minimal electrical output.
Recently, Avalanche secured a $5.2 million contract from DARPA to advance their radiovoltaic technology. DARPA is keen on utilising these materials in a novel class of nuclear batteries that leverage radioactive decay—such as from polonium—to produce electricity. Such batteries could power spacecraft, satellites, and even military applications, particularly in scenarios where logistical support is difficult.
Although this DARPA project does not align with Avalanche’s primary vision, it reflects their ambitions. Notably, both fusion reactions and nuclear batteries emit alpha particles, which can harm various equipment, including reactor infrastructure. Avalanche is also working on a desktop-sized fusion reactor intended to replace diesel generators in remote military locations.
Developing a new radiovoltaic design for a nuclear battery could have crossover benefits for fusion reactors. A protective sheathing, enhanced with knowledge from their nuclear battery project, could capture alpha particles. This would not only safeguard the reactor’s components but also heighten electricity generation efficiency. Additionally, Avalanche has received a $1.25 million grant from the U.S. Air Force’s AFWERX lab to expedite material discovery using advanced computational methods.
The race among fusion startups to achieve breakeven—where the energy output surpasses the input—remains intense. Leveraging alpha particles for power generation could simplify the journey toward commercial fusion energy.
Avalanche’s success could position it as a technology supplier to other fusion enterprises facing similar challenges, highlighting a collaborative trend emerging within the fusion industry.
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