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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.
Richard J. Colchin, John D. Galambos, Paul L. Goranson, Steven P. Hirshman, Phillip H. Edmonds, John R. Uglum, Jr.
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 31 | Number 3 | May 1997 | Pages 350-369
Technical Paper | Magnet System | doi.org/10.13182/FST97-A30838
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
Recently, there have been several proposals to build low-aspect-ratio or spherical tokamaks with plasma currents in the range of 1 MA. These low-aspect-ratio tokamaks employ conventional engineering, except in the central core, which contains the central toroidal field conductors and an ohmic heating solenoid (if present). To achieve low aspect ratios, these components must be engineered to the limits of stress and thermal properties. Solutions are found for the steady-state cooling of the toroidal field conductors. The solenoid, which must be high performance to produce the flux swing required for a 1-MA plasma current, cannot be cooled steady state. The mathematics and procedures necessary to study these issues are given.