Direct Energy Conversion Readiness
Converting charged particles straight to electricity has bench heritage but must be shown at Aegis scale and power before it counts as demonstrated.
A concept with heritage
Direct energy conversion (DEC) captures the kinetic energy of charged fusion products as electricity, skipping the steam cycle. Small-scale DEC has been demonstrated in earlier mirror work, which is why it sits at mid readiness — higher than the plug magnet, lower than the underlying physics.
What must be proven at scale
- Conversion efficiency at Aegis power, not bench power
- Grid and collector survival under continuous high flux
- Behaviour with the 5.44% neutron background present
- Integration with the plant electrical system
Readiness statement
The principle is not in doubt; the scale is. The test burner around 2032 is where DEC efficiency is measured under representative conditions. Until then, quoted efficiencies are modelled.
Direct energy conversion is the subsystem where heritage and scale diverge most sharply. The principle has been shown in small mirror experiments, which is why it sits above the plug magnet in readiness, but efficiency at Aegis power under a real neutron background is unmeasured. Quoted conversion efficiencies are therefore modelled, and the test burner is where they first meet representative conditions.