Synthesizing fuels with excess energy

Inspired by this question on putting massive capacitor-banks on spaceships I have been wondering about alternative ways to store excess energy from ever-running reactors.

In this question I would like to explore the possibility of synthesizing elements with the excess energy that could be then again used as an energy-source on demand.

Q: What fuel(s) could I synthesize with the excess energy from my reactors?

Answers are judged by the following criteria:

• Stability: The more stable it is in regards to reactions or spontaneous explosions, the better
• Longevity: A highly energetic element that decays in a few seconds is of no use, it must be possible to store it for longer amounts of time
• Compactness: The higher the potential energy in relation to the element's density, the better
• Efficiency: The less energy that is lost in the process of synthesizing and then burning the element again, the better

Setting: The question assumes a 20min into the future setting. Nothing mind-boggling or physics defying. The idea of synthesizing just seemed appropriate.

In regards to shutting down reactors instead: This is a valid point, and a good idea. Yet the goal of this question is to explore means of storing this excess energy that can amass between bouts of massive consumption. If it helps you, just think of these reactors as really complicated and hard to shut down¹.

_{¹E.g. a military vessel would not want to shut them down due to the complicated procedures and time involved in shutting them down and/or turning them on again.}

posted about 7 years ago

dot_Sp0T‭

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