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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.
S. Woodruff, J. E. Stuber, C. Bowman, P. E. Sieck, P. A. Melnik, C. A. Romero-Talamás, J. B. O’Bryan, R. L. Miller
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 72 | Number 4 | November 2017 | Pages 705-712
Technical Note | doi.org/10.1080/15361055.2017.1350488
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
A design point is presented here for a prototype fusion neutron source for waste transmutation ( n/s), based on the adiabatic compression of a compact torus (spheromak). The design utilizes the CORSICA (2D equilibrium) and NIMROD (3D time-dependent MHD) codes as well as analytic modeling with target parameters Rinitial = 0.5 m, Rfinal = 0.167 m, Tinitial = 0.4 keV, Tfinal = 4 keV, ninitial = 2 × 1020 m–3 and nfinal = 50 × 1020 m–3, with radial convergence of C = 3. 3D time-dependent simulations of spheromak compression agree well with analytic models for adiabatic compression, if the run-in time . Knowing required, we design coils and passive structure (with CORSICA) to ensure stability; then design the capacitor bank needed to both form the target plasma and drive coils. We specify target parameters for the compression in terms of plasma beta, formation efficiency and energy confinement.
