Compact nuclear fusion reactor is 'very likely to work,' studies suggest
I never quite understood the math behind power densities in a fusion reactor.<p>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?<p>Is the density of the plasma so much higher in a fusion reactor?<p>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?<p>Nevertheless of course I hope it does work as advertised... someday.<p>Edit: thanks everyone for the thoughtful, insightful replies!