Do you see the stars?
Because the plasma within Tokamak is dynamic, many magnetic interventions are required to keep it stable, and the fusion is pulsed. There is another approach called Stellarator. This produces a highly complex magnetic field that can support simpler and more stable plasma and stable fusion. Implemented by Wendelstein 7-X Stellarator In Germany, this meant a series of complex types of magnets due to their very low resistance to deviations. However, some companies have decided that they will stand up to the challenge.
One of them, Type 1 Energyessentially, we reached the stage where we started Commonwealth Fusion. We have created a detailed case of physics that underlie the design of the stellarator. In this example, the case can even be quite detailed. Six peer-reviewed articles In the Journal of Plasma Physics. This paper details structural design, the behavior of the plasma therein, handling of helium produced by fusion, the production of tritium from the generated neutrons, and the heat gain from the whole.
The company is partnering with Oak Ridge National Labs and the Tennessee Valley Department to build a demonstration reactor on the site of the former fossil fuel power plant. (That’s the case too I’m working with the Federation About the development of magnets. ) Like SPARC Tokamak, this is not a working power plant, but a combination of technology demonstrations and learning experiences.
Another company is pursuing the design of the Stellarators, called Thea Energy. CEO Brian Berzin told ARS that the company’s focus is on simplifying the magnet geometry needed for stellerators, and that it uses software to generate comparable magnetic fields. “The complexity of this device has always been really, really limited,” he said. “That’s what we’re really focused on. How can we make simpler hardware? The way to allow simpler hardware is using really, really complex software.
