Economy of Scale?: Is Bigger Better?

It is possible for engineers to make incredibly complex calculations without a single math error that still come up with a wrong answer if they use a model based on incorrect assumptions. (Originally published May 1996) Pick up almost any book about nuclear energy and you will find that the prevailing wisdom is that nuclear…

Keep it Simple: Complex Systems Cost More

It must also be understood that the 60 percent efficient gas turbine combined cycle is a very sophisticated piece of machinery operating with its material at close to maximum limits. A first generation Adams Engine might achieve a thermal efficiency of approximately 30-35 percent, instead of the 55-60 percent that is currently being advertised for…

In the news: May 1996

Netherlands Begins NEREUS Study (March 1996) – At the instigation of ROMAWA, a small company led a former Royal Netherlands Navy engineering specialist, the Netherlands government and several large industrial companies have begun a study of a nine megawatt nuclear gas turbine designed for heat and/or power production, district heating and ship propulsion. Capt. Gulian…

Atomic Gas Turbines: Applying Related Inventions

Based on current projections, it appears that the gas turbine is destined to fulfill the majority of the new power plant market in the United States and much of western Europe. Many of the greatest innovations – if carefully investigated – can be seen to be the result of of an inventor recognizing other inventions…

Letter from the Editor: Small Is Beautiful

At the request of several readers, we have decided to dedicate this issue to discussing the Adams Engine concept. Rather than talking about technical details, however, we have decided to talk about general principles and philosophies. Adams Atomic Engines, Inc. has determined that it is possible to build uranium heated machines that can fulfill many…