Hyperion Power Module Neighborhood Nuclear Reactor

The Hyperion Power Module is a small, compact nuclear reactor that can be readily transported for reliable electricity. That's the claim, anyway; I've been burned on this kind of story before (see the probably apocryphal Toshiba Micro Nuclear Reactor).


(Hyperion Power Module Neighborhood Nuclear Reactor)

Anyway, Hyperion has a nice website and it has a nice science-fictional feel to it. Here's the brief Hyperion description:

Invented at the famed Los Alamos National Laboratory, Hyperion small modular power reactors make all the benefits of safe, clean nuclear power available for remote locations. For both industrial and community applications, Hyperion offers reliable energy with no greenhouse gas emissions. Hyperion power is also cheaper than fossil fuels and, when you consider the cost of land and materials, watt to watt, Hyperion’s innovative energy technology is even more affordable than many developing “alternative” energy technologies.

Small enough to be transported on a ship, truck or train, Hyperion power modules are about the size of a "hot tub" — approximately 1.5 meters wide. Out of sight and safe from nefarious threats, Hyperion power modules are buried far underground and guarded by a security detail. Like a power battery, Hyperion modules have no moving parts to wear down, and are delivered factory sealed. They are never opened on site. Even if one were compromised, the material inside would not be appropriate for proliferation purposes. Further, due to the unique, yet proven science upon which this new technology is based, it is impossible for the module to go supercritical, “melt down” or create any type of emergency situation. If opened, the very small amount of fuel that is enclosed would immediately cool. The waste produced after five years of operation is approximately the size of a softball and is a good candidate for fuel recycling.

It puts out about 25 MWe for 7-10 years, which is enough to power 20,000 American homes (or at least 60,000 of anyone else's homes) for that period of time.

Those of us who were weaned on books like Disney's Our Friend the Atom can't wait for friendly "nuclear batteries" that don't use greenhouse gassy coal or oil to provide electricity. Those of us who read books like Silent Spring warning of environmental contaminants, on the other hand, are rooting for sustainable power options. What do you think of these devices?

Robert Heinlein, writing in Friday in the twilight of his long career (1982), wrote about "shipstones" that could provide long-lasting power in a relatively small package.

From Mini nuclear plants to power 20,000 homes and Hyperion Power Generation (company website); thanks to Jerry for pointing out this item.

Scroll down for more stories in the same category. (Story submitted 11/11/2008)

Follow this kind of news @Technovelgy.

| Email | RSS | Blog It | Stumble | del.icio.us | Digg | Reddit |

Would you like to contribute a story tip? It's easy:
Get the URL of the story, and the related sf author, and add it here.

Comment/Join discussion ( 6 )

Related News Stories - (" Engineering ")

Bio-Mechanics And Micro-Robotic Flight
Take a close look at one of nature's wonders - the micro air vehicle called a dragonfly.

Star Trek Replicator For Space Station?
Electron beam freeform fabrication is what they're testing, but sf fans know a replicator when they see one.

NASA iPhone Sensors Like Tricorder
Tricorders will be here before we know it! Although it's true we've been waiting a long time.

Europa May Support Life
Is there life on Europa? SF author Arthur C. Clarke popularized the idea in a book and a subsequent movie. There is a liquid ocean - but is there enough oxygen?

 

Google
  Web TechNovelgy.com   

Technovelgy (that's tech-novel-gee!) is devoted to the creative science inventions and ideas of sf authors. Look for the Invention Category that interests you, the Glossary, the Invention Timeline, or see what's New.

 

 

 

 

 

Current News

AirRobot Micro-UAV 'Fairies' In Shakespeare Play
At least they were not the 'rude mechanicals'.

Paralysis Ray Uses Photocontrolled Molecular Switch
Gerry was dubious. She had seen abortive attempts at paralysis rays before.

Brine Wells May Swallow Towns
Dissolve 1 teaspoon of the Quadraturin essence in 1 cup of water.

Will In-Vitro Meat Change Our Lives?
ChickieNobs, anyone?

Walky iPhone Finger Gesture Robot Controller
Let your fingers - uh - your robot do the walking. And hopping.

OnStar Stolen Vehicle Slowdown Foils Carjacker
Better than a car chase.

Robot Martial Arts Videos
Robo-Shiko!

Interactive TV Patent From Sony
Can you dance faster than the White Clown?

Smart Contact Lens With Power Harvesting Circuits
Smart contacts with VR connections.

'Significant Amount' Of Lunar Water Found
Droogs! There's water ice on the moon!

FOXP2 Tweak Yields Planet Of The Apes?
Get your filthy words off me, you damn dirty ape!

Lev, Theremin-Playing Robot
Patsy Cline classic played by robot.

XT-1 Micro Mouse With Blazing Speed
These are fully autonomouse robots.

Escape Pods, Refuge Of ISS Astronauts From Space Junk
Who first thought about escape pods?

Steerable Bowling Ball Is A Cheesy Spherical Robot
Once the province of geeks, now in bowling alleys.

Bio-Mechanics And Micro-Robotic Flight
Micro air vehicles and insect flight.

More SF in the News Stories

More Beyond Technovelgy science news stories

Home | Glossary | Invention Timeline | Category | New | Contact Us | FAQ | Advertise |
Technovelgy.com - where science meets fiction™

Copyright© Technovelgy LLC; all rights reserved.