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If nuclear fusion were to become useful for residential heating, could the plasma be useful for fake fireplaces? (lemmy.world)

submitted 7 months ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

18 comments fedilink hide all child comments

When I say “fake fireplace”, I mean something like those structures fueled by fossil methane that produce flame and heat but obviously don’t burn actual wood

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[–] [email protected] 7 points 7 months ago (1 children)

Not to mention that the plasma arc would be so bright that it would blind you.

[–] [email protected] 10 points 7 months ago (2 children)

Even worse, wavelengths of light change based on temperature so multi million degree plasma will blast you with ultraviolet and X-ray radiation

[–] [email protected] 4 points 7 months ago

And that's why you can get a sunburn if you're welding without proper clothing/protection.

Technically speaking nothing is stopping you from building a plasma fireplace right now, it doesn't need fusion energy. Just grab a stick welder transformer and place couple of carbon rods carefully next to each other. That might be a bit loud, a bit bright for your living room and might set things on fire and have other minor issues like killing your wifi-signal, but it could be done.

Or if you're satisfied with a bit smaller "flame" you can get a plasma lighter from amazon for 10-20€.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 7 months ago* (last edited 7 months ago)

on the plus side, your teeth will never be whiter! or your bones!