Siheyuan: Game of Red Dust

Chapter 131 Project Approved, Hydropower Station Project
Several leaders also listened carefully to Li Weidong's introduction.

Only after Li Weidong finished his introduction did the head shopkeeper say, "Weidong, according to what you said, the raw material for controlled nuclear fusion is seawater?"

Li Weidong replied: "Commander, the raw material is not seawater, but deuterium extracted from seawater."

The head shopkeeper nodded, indicating that he understood, and then continued, "You said that this controlled nuclear fusion power generation is not dangerous? And it won't release harmful radiation or anything like that?"

"That's right, Chief. But since this is our first research and development, I suggest we put it outside, not in the city." Li Weidong said.

The head shopkeeper nodded and started to discuss with the second shopkeeper and Li Weidong's two fathers-in-law. Li Weidong sat aside and watched quietly.

After a while, the head shopkeeper said to Li Weidong, "Weidong, after our discussion, we have approved your project. The specific matters will still be handled by your two fathers-in-law. If you need anything, please contact them. We will fully support your project."

"Yes, I will complete the mission!" Li Weidong stood up and said loudly.

"Haha, don't be so excited, Weidong. Let's talk about your ideas for future work. If this controlled nuclear fusion project is completed, what else do you want to do?" The shopkeeper said with a smile.

"Chief, after this controlled nuclear fusion project is completed, I would like to develop some military equipment. After all, I will feel less anxious if I have a gun in my hand!" Li Weidong also said with a smile.

"Haha! That's because we have food in our hands, so we don't have to worry!" said the second shopkeeper.

"Chief, what I mean is that we have just driven away the jackals, tigers and leopards. We need to sharpen the weapons in our hands. If they dare to come again, it will not be a matter of driving them away. We have to kill them and eat their meat!" said Li Weidong.

The chief and second-in-command looked at each other and burst into laughter. Li Weidong's two fathers-in-law also laughed.

The head shopkeeper patted Li Weidong on the shoulder and said, "Great! Weidong, it's well said. That's the way it should be. Be prepared for danger in times of peace and take precautions."

The second shopkeeper also nodded and looked at Li Weidong with satisfaction.

At this time, Yang Ruoxi's father, or Li Weidong's father-in-law, said:

"Weidong, please tell me in detail about the specific research and development direction of our military equipment in the future."

"Well, now that we have mushroom bombs, satellites, and various missiles, our security is guaranteed, and we have enough defensive weapons. The enemy can basically not enter our territory.

Our next goal is to go global, to the blue sky, and to the world. So my next goal is naval warships. After we succeed in controlled nuclear fusion, we will miniaturize it as quickly as possible, ideally so it can be loaded onto warships. That way, our warships will never lack power and can travel the world.

After miniaturization, we will design a new type of electromagnetic gun for the naval guns on warships. Unlike traditional cannons that use gunpowder gas pressure to apply to projectiles, electromagnetic guns use the Ampere force generated by the electromagnetic field in the electromagnetic system to accelerate metal projectiles so that they reach the kinetic energy required to hit the target. Compared with traditional gunpowder-propelled cannons, electromagnetic guns can greatly increase the speed and range of projectiles.

"Electromagnetic guns are more economical than traditional cannons. After all, they only have a metal warhead and don't require gunpowder, so they're very cheap. Furthermore, they're powered by controlled nuclear fusion, making them even cheaper," said Li Weidong.

The chief and second-in-command, as well as Li Weidong's two fathers-in-law, all listened to Li Weidong's introduction with serious expressions. Only then did they realize that Li Weidong did not study controlled nuclear fusion on a whim, but was doing it purposefully after making a detailed plan.

"Weidong, how confident are you in your research on controlled nuclear fusion power generation?" the head shopkeeper asked seriously. "About 80 percent. This is our first time, after all. I've run computer calculations, and it shouldn't be a problem. I've almost finished calculating the materials. We're just waiting to build the site and begin the experiment. As long as the materials are good, there won't be any problems," Li Weidong said truthfully.

"Okay, Lao Wang, Lao Yang, your two departments must fully cooperate with Li Weidong's experiment. Provide people and money, and give land to them. You must complete the controlled nuclear fusion power station project as soon as possible." said the chief shopkeeper.

"Yes, Chief." Li Weidong's two cheap fathers-in-law, Minister Wang and Chief Yang, responded in unison.

"Weidong, I'm waiting for your good news!" said the shopkeeper.

"By the way, Weidong, the hydropower generation you mentioned just now plays a very important role for us. Can you tell us more about it?" asked the chief shopkeeper.

"Sir, the working principle of a hydropower station is to use the kinetic energy and potential energy of water flow to drive the turbine, which in turn drives the generator to generate electricity.

Hydropower stations are built in fast-flowing rivers. First, water with a certain water level drop is directed to the power station through dams or diversion channels. As the water passes through the turbine, its kinetic and potential energy is converted into mechanical energy, driving the turbine blades. The turbine is connected to a generator, so the turbine's rotation drives the coils inside the generator in a magnetic field, generating an induced electromotive force (EMF), or electrical energy. This is the principle of hydroelectric power generation. Because dams hold back the flow of water, they also provide effective flood control. When the flow is too high, the sluice gates can be opened to release some water, alleviating the pressure on the dam. Of course, this requires prior notification to downstream communities so they can take appropriate measures to ensure effective flood control. Li Weidong spoke eloquently, detailing the role of hydropower stations.

"This project must also be carried out. It is a project that benefits the country and the people! Weidong, do you have any suggestions for this hydropower station project?" said the second manager.

"Chief, I don't want to get involved in the details. After all, the technological level here is very low. The main thing is that the construction must calculate the impact of the water flow, etc. There is nothing else. They need scientific researchers like us. At most, I will develop a few generators for them, and most of the rest are related to construction. So I'd better just study my controlled nuclear fusion honestly." Li Weidong said.

"Haha, did you see that? This kid doesn't think highly of this project!" The chief shopkeeper also said with a smile.

"Chief, it's not that I look down on this project, but I have more important projects in my hands. The hydropower station project can be built with or without me. The controlled nuclear fusion project really cannot be completed without me." Li Weidong said in a low voice with resentment.

"Haha, look at this kid, he's not happy even after hearing a few words from him." The head shopkeeper laughed.

"I've figured out that this guy is a naughty boy. He was a little nervous about us when he first came, but once we got familiar with each other, his true nature showed. Haha." The second shopkeeper also said with a smile.

Minister Wang and Chief Yang, Li Weidong's two adoptive fathers-in-law, were also very happy that the chief and second-in-command recognized Li Weidong, and they laughed.

After listening to the two leaders' words, Li Weidong scratched his head and smiled awkwardly.

"Okay, it's getting late. Weidong, do you have any other requests?" asked the chief shopkeeper with a smile.

Li Weidong scratched his head, chuckled, and then said, "Two leaders, can you write me two sentences? I'll post one in our institute and the other in our home. Hehe."

"Okay, then I'll write a few words for you," said the shopkeeper.

……

(End of this chapter)