Optimum Global Energy Supply: A Technological Summary
The purpose of this essay is to introduce you to the self-replicating organic fusion energy converter. Fusion energy, as you may know, is the dream of engineers. Fusion energy is produced when atoms collide together and fuse to form new elements. Now, when this fusion process occurs, energy is released. The challenge in energy production is in making most efficient use of the released energy.
Recent studies have indicated that sufficient quantities of simple matter, such as hydrogen, will fuse if collapsed under the appropriate level of force. I propose to gather together approximately 2 x 1030 kilograms of hydrogen. This mass will collapse under its own gravity and begin to fuse hydrogen into helium, producing tremendous amounts of energy, which will be radiated. By placing this fusion generator in space, at about ninety million miles or so from Earth, we will flood the surface of the planet with usable radiation.
The energy released by this fusion process will be in the form of electromagnetic radiation. Although the amount of energy released by this amount of mass will be tremendous, by placing an Earth-sized planet at a distance of approximately ninety-million miles, the balance of energy released by the fusion-mass and the amount striking the surface of the planet will be optimal.
Although energy can exist in many forms, electromagnetic energy is the choice for transporting the energy from the primary fusion generator to the planet. Electromagnetic waves are able to travel without a medium through the distance from the generator to the planet, and do so at the maximum possible speed.
Once the electromagnetic energy has reached the earth’s surface, the energy converters must transform it from electromagnetic form to a more permanently storable form. For energy storage, chemical energy is desirable. Chemical energy is transferrable and storable. It is thus necessary to devise a system that can convert electromagnetic energy into chemical form. Of course, chemical storage requires a source of raw chemicals, and it makes sense to use the most abundant forms of chemicals on the planet for this purpose. We have isolated a molecular complex called chlorophyll which is able to absorb electromagnetic energy and transfer it to the bonds between carbon compounds. By making use of abundant atmospheric carbon dioxide and water, the energy converter is able to transfer electromagnetic energy (from the fusion source) into carbon-based molecules. These molecules can then be stored up or converted to other forms in order to make use of the energy they hold.
Because the key point of transference between the fusion-generated electromagnetic stage and the absorption-chemical-production stage involves broadcasted electromagnetic energy, the converter device makes use of maximum surface area. Although the converters come in many forms, the general design involves broad, flat surface broken into multiple branched pieces. These flat “leafs” are placed on tall, spreading columns and branches, allowing maximum absorption of incident electromagnetic energy. Specialized forms are available for challenging environmental conditions, such as dryness, cold, and shady areas. Interestingly, because the chlorophyll complex absorbs red and blue light preferentially, the appearance of the energy converter is typically green in color.
The final important feature of the energy conversion device is that it is capable of self-replication. By making use of nanotechnology, the energy converter is based on an organic cellular design. Each cellular component contains coded information for the construction of the device in its entirety, including adaptive programming which allows individual devices to adjust themselves to make optimal use of their particular circumstances. The programming includes routines for the development of replicating structures that are able to produce transportable cellular modules capable of organic regeneration of an entire new energy conversion device.
I also propose that training for a group of specialized workers be established for the development and maintenance of these energy conversion devices. These Energy Network Technicians (or ENTs) will be knowledgeable and passionate caretakers of the organic converter devices.
In consultation with biologists, I believe it is in the interest of full disclosure to mention a possible alternative to my form of technology for energy production. It appears that a similar device is already in existence and is deployed throughout the planet. If you are interested in learning about this older and alternative form of energy conversion device, I can inform you that it is called a tree.
