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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.
IGNITEX Group
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 19 | Number 3 | May 1991 | Pages 1070-1075
Ignition Device | doi.org/10.13182/FST91-A29485
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
A relatively simple and inexpensive fusion ignition experiment is described. The experiment can be realized in a single-turn tokamak powered by homopolar generators. The discharge will proceed by ohmically heating a DT plasma to over 3 keV and then by using alpha heating to produce a stable ignited phase of operation. The technologies required for the realization of the experiment are in hand. A fulltorus, IGNITEX toroidal field magnet prototype has been operated to date at 15 Tesla. This record value in toroidal magnets establishes the possibility for ohmic ignition. The magnet prototype is scheduled for operation at 20 Tesla levels later this year. Various physics and engineering characteristics that contribute to the simplicity and low cost of the IGNITEX experiment are discussed. The IGNITEX concept has the potential to make a significant contribution to the development and study of fusion in the near term.