Future nuclear fusion experiment reactor 'Wendelstein 7-X' that achieved world record will be updated further

The fusion experiment experimental reactor " Wendelstein 7-X " developed at Max Planck-Plasma Physics Laboratory (IPP) in Germany is conducting demonstration experiments to realize nuclear fusion power generation. Such Wendelstein 7-X has left a good experimental result, and it is reported that further improvements can be added as planned in the past.

Successful second round of experiments with Wendelstein 7 - X | Max - Planck - Institut für Plasmaphysik
https://www.ipp.mpg.de/4550215/11_18

A nuclear fusion reactor that generates energy using nuclear fusion reactions with light atoms such as hydrogen and helium has attracted attention as a next generation generation mechanism for a long time. It is also due to nuclear fusion reaction that the stars including the sun shine, but in order to generate nuclear fusion reaction on the earth it is necessary to artificially create extremely high temperature or high pressure environment.

The nuclear fusion reactor - Wendelstein 7 - X that generates such a nuclear fusion reaction uses a method called helical type . In a helical type nuclear fusion reactor, a confined type magnetic field is generated by flowing a current through a mechanism in which a twisted coil circulates, and a high temperature / high density plasma generated by a nuclear fusion reaction is confined in the mechanism It is getting.

In the realization of a nuclear fusion reactor, it is necessary to sustain the nuclear fusion reaction for a long time, but because the nuclear fusion reaction stops easily due to failure or misadjustment of any equipment, researchers and others We are conducting experiments to keep plasma for a long time. In June, 2018, a record was reported that Wendelstein 7 - X held high temperature / high density plasma for 26 seconds.

Nuclear fusion experiment reactor "Wendelstein 7-X" achieved world record of high temperature / high density plasma - GIGAZINE

After that, the research team refined Wendelstein 7 - X and installed a new measuring device and heating system. In experiments again conducted from July to October 2018, it seems that we succeeded in sustaining the plasma for 100 seconds.

In response to these very strong experimental results, the research team started further improvement of Wendelstein 7-X to achieve the goal of "sustaining the plasma for 30 minutes". In order to increase thermal energy without loading the wall of the equipment, we are replacing the diverter graphene tiles that make up the fusion reactor with water-cooled equipment made from reinforced carbon fiber over the next two years.