Strategies for Improving Fusion Reactor Performance

Imagine using video game technology to solve one of the toughest challenges in nuclear fusion — detecting high-speed particle collisions inside a reactor with lightning-fast precision. A team of researchers at UNIST has developed a groundbreaking algorithm inspired by collision detection in video games. This new method dramatically speeds up identifying particle impacts inside fusion reactors, essential for improving reactor stability and design. By cutting down unnecessary calculations, the algorithm enables real-time visualization and analysis, paving the way for safer and more efficient fusion energy development. 🎮 Gaming tech meets fusion science: The algorithm borrows from video game bullet-hit detection to track particle collisions. ⚡ 15x faster detection: It outperforms traditional methods by speeding up collision detection by up to fifteen times. 🔍 Smart calculation: Eliminates 99.9% of unnecessary computations with simple arithmetic shortcuts. 🌐 3D digital twin: Applied in the Virtual KSTAR, a detailed Korean fusion reactor virtual model. 🚀 Future-ready: Plans to leverage GPU supercomputers for faster processing and enhanced reactor simulations #FusionEnergy #VideoGameTech #ParticleDetection #NuclearFusion #Innovation #AIAlgorithm #VirtualKSTAR #CleanEnergy #ScientificBreakthrough #HighSpeedComputing https://lnkd.in/gfcssNTC

There are many different tools for controlling a fusion plasma and a power plant must utilize them in an efficient manner to optimize electricity output. In this research highlight from the DIII-D National Fusion Facility, Qiming Hu of the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) and colleagues show how combining electromagnetic wave injection and applied magnetic field perturbations makes for a more stable plasma. A plasma instability known as the ELM causes bursts of energy and particles from the confined plasma. These bursts reduce fusion output and have the potential to damage the wall. Applying controlled magnetic field perturbations has been shown to suppress ELMs, but sometimes the magnitude of the perturbation is larger than can easily be produced. This research shows how injecting electromagnetic waves into the far edge of the plasma can have a synergistic effect that allows for ELM suppression to be reached at lower perturbation amplitude. These electromagnetic waves are produced by gyrotrons, a rapidly developing MW-scale power injection technology. The incorporation of additional gyrotron power can reduce the performance specification of magnetic perturbation coils, which would make a power plant easier to design, build, and operate. This work includes contributing authors from Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL), Columbia University, and the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics. Q.M. Hu, et al., Nuclear Fusion 64, 046027 (2024), https://lnkd.in/gT5HBVz5 #fusionenergy #magnets #gyrotrons

The research led by Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) focuses on coating the inner walls of tokamak reactors with liquid lithium. This coating helps maintain a hot plasma edge, which is crucial for efficient energy confinement. The liquid lithium acts as a shield, absorbing approximately 40% of escaping hydrogen ions, reducing their recycling back into the plasma, and thereby improving plasma performance and stability. Annular Linear Induction Pumps (ALIPs) as the ones developed by MAIDANA RESEARCH and recently acquired by Nano Nuclear Energy Inc. (NASDAQ: NNE) could play a significant role in enhancing the efficiency of fusion reactors using liquid lithium. ALIPs are designed for the efficient handling and circulation of liquid metals, making them ideal for maintaining the liquid lithium coating in tokamak reactors. By ensuring a consistent and controlled flow of liquid lithium, ALIPs can help stabilize the plasma confinement, reduce energy loss at the plasma edges, and support the reactor’s thermal management. This integration not only improves the reactor’s performance but also extends its operational lifespan by minimizing the wear and tear on the reactor walls due to high-temperature plasma interactions. #nuclear #nuclearfusion #nuclearinnovation #fusion #liquidmetal #ALIP #electromagneticpump #princeton #nanonuclearenergy #maidanaresearch https://lnkd.in/gAqn5QEv