Reply To: turn heat into electricity

[asymmetric_implosion]

I was under the impression that a plasmoid can form with any atoms so hydrogen atoms could be used. I don’t know of a way to spin the atoms once they ionize to the speeds you desire. The problem with alternating magnetic fields in a plasma is the plasma shields out the fields on a fast time scale which would be required to spin up the plasma. I know that one can spin a plasma up at 100 km/s but beyond that is pretty challenging with any substantial density. Instabilities and power considerations usually limit you. Even if you get the speed you desire, keeping the plasma contained is a problem. Tokamek folks have been working this problem for a long time with little luck. A pinch seems to be the only solution but I am not familiar with the scaling of the plasmoids down to lower current plasma focus or Z-pinch devices.