The problem with a wet cell is that material is continuously being
transferred from the anode to the cathode, and Li is slowly dissolving
in the cathode. This can not be prevented. These changes will
eventually destroy the NAE. In addition, the higher the temperature,
the faster these reactions will occur. Also, D2O is harder to keep free
of H2O compared to keeping D2 free of H2. In short, more engineering
problems have to be solved when D2O is used.
Ed
Jed Rothwell wrote:
Stephen A. Lawrence wrote:
OK, I can't really argue with that, beyond saying such calculations
are useful for showing exactly what you just said: wet cells operate
at too low a temperature.
I do not know any reason why a wet cell could not be pressurized to
operate at 200 or 300°C. This would be ideal for producing electricity.
Many fission reactors use pressurized water. On the other hand gas
loading does seem more promising for various other reasons.
- Jed
