 |
| Nuclear-powered car |
Search of alternative fuel to propel the vehicle continues to be done. Scientists at the company's research and development of Laser Power Systems has developed a system of turbine-driven electric generators thorium-based lasers.
Thorium is a radioactive metal lighter with an atomic weight 90. In other words, this is a nuclear-powered cars. The principle works is very simple. Thorium is used to generate heat that produces steam in a closed cycle.
Steam is then moving the generators. Because it only takes a thin sheet of aluminum foil to prevent radiation leaks, so the mini-reactors are very safe to use as a power vehicle.
According to LPS, a unit of power, capable of generating 250 kW of power equivalent to 335 hp with a weight of less than 227 kg. According to its inventor, Charles Stevens, per gram of thorium has an energy equivalent to 28,390 liters of gasoline.
As a result, with only 8 grams of thorium can run the average car for 5,000 hours or the equivalent mileage of 480,000 miles or over the life of the ideal vehicle itself.
LPS was not alone in this affair. Cadillac had introduced a thorium-powered concept car at the Chicago Auto Show 2009 and designed by LORUS Kulesus.
The vehicles did not have nuclear power reactors from Thorium is actually functioning. However, someone at General Motors have been thinking about an interesting idea to create a concept car for the show.
