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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.
W. Chen, E. T. Cheng
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 4 | Number 2 | September 1983 | Pages 1346-1351
Magnet Engineering | doi.org/10.13182/FST83-A23043
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
A minimum thickness, low activation toroidal field coil design concept is presented. The concept is consistent with the low activation fusion reactor design requirements suitable for STARFIRE type devices. The design approach consists mainly of replacing the high activation components such as stainless steel structure and copper stabilizer in the high flux region of the TF coils by low activation components such as aluminum alloy structure and aluminum stabilizer, while leaving the core of the coils unchanged from earlier designs. The resulting low activation front regions will reduce the dose level due to its lower residual activity and the fact that it is acting as a shield between the high activity core and the personnel access area. The cross sectional areas required for various low activation TF coil options were compared in order to develop a design that fits within the very constrained space suitable in the inboard region of a tokamak reactor.