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Fusion energy: Progress, partnerships, and the path to deployment
Over the past decade, fusion energy has moved decisively from scientific aspiration toward a credible pathway to a new energy technology. Thanks to long-term federal support, we have significantly advanced our fundamental understanding of plasma physics—the behavior of the superheated gases at the heart of fusion devices. This knowledge will enable the creation and control of fusion fuel under conditions required for future power plants. Our progress is exemplified by breakthroughs at the National Ignition Facility and the Joint European Torus.
R. Herbermann, V. Calia J. Erickson, S. Fixler T. Luzzi, D. Sedgley, W. Barr, R. Moir
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 4 | Number 2 | September 1983 | Pages 279-283
Fusion Systems Studies | doi.org/10.13182/FST83-A22881
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
An End Plasma System was designed for the MARS tandem mirror reactor. This includes an electrostatic direct converter, a halo plasma scraper, a vacuum pumping system, and a vacuum enclosure. The converter recovers 327 MW of electrical power and absorbs 239 MW of thermal power from the charged particle energy in the plasma fans. The system provides the vacuum pumping necessary to remove the helium ash, accompanying fuel ions, and impurities present in the reactor. It also provides a means to control the central cell plasma potential relative to the first wall.