Fusion experimental reactor 'Wendelstein 7-X' supports the implementation of a new generation fusion reactor


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Max-Planck Institut für Plasmaphysik

The research on the fusion experimental reactor 'Wendelstein 7-X ' that produces energy by plasma discharge was reviewed, and a thought experiment showed that the optimization of the implemented system was 'not a mistake'.

Demonstration of reduced neoclassical energy transport in Wendelstein 7-X | Nature
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-021-03687-w



The Wendelstein 7-X concept proves its efficiency | Max-Planck-Institut für Plasmaphysik

https://www.ipp.mpg.de/5125328/05_21

Wendelstein 7-X is a fusion experimental reactor installed in Greifswald, Germany. For nuclear fusion reactors that utilize nuclear fusion reactions, a method called magnetic confinement method that confine ultra-high temperature plasma is attracting attention as a next-generation technology, and Wendelstein 7-X is a magnetic confinement method. An experimental reactor that enables experiments.

The magnetic field confinement method takes a method in which a coil is wound in a donut shape to pass an electric current and plasma is confined in the generated magnetic field, but there are two types, 'helical type ' and ' tokamak type ', depending on how the coil is wound. It is divided. The helical type is easier to operate in a steady state than the tokamak type, but it has a problem that it is difficult to design due to a large amount of plasma loss. The Wendelstein 7-X is a helical experimental reactor with the most important goal of 'reducing plasma loss'.


by Anita Gould

Craig Beidler of the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics, who led the study, wondered if the Wendelstein 7-X was optimized for plasma confinement, but actually had the desired effect. The investigation has started.

In a thought experiment based on the plasma discharge data established in the previous experiment , in the case of assuming 'if the Wendelstein 7-X was not optimized', the plasma loss is the power for heating. It is said that it has exceeded. From this, Mr. Beidler concluded that 'optimized Wendelstein 7-X has succeeded in reducing plasma loss.'

'The purpose of fusion research is to develop climate- and environmentally friendly power plants,' said Weidler, aiming to bring the quality of Wendelstein 7-X plasma confinement to the level of competing tokamak facilities. We are proceeding with research as.

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