Experimental fusion reactor “Wendelstein 7-X” supports the implementation of a new generation fusion reactor – GIGAZINE

by Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics

Experimental nuclear fusion reactor that produces energy by discharge of plasma “Wendelstein 7-XIt was revised, 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

Wendelstein 7-X concept proves its worth | Max-Planck-Institut für Plasmaphysik
https://www.ipp.mpg.de/5125328/05_21

Wendelstein 7-X is GermanyGreifswaldIt is an experimental fusion reactor installed in. For nuclear fusion reactors, which are nuclear reactors that use nuclear fusion reactions, the temperature is extremely high.plasmaConfineMagnetic confinement methodThe so-called Wendelstein 7-X technique is attracting attention as a next-generation technology, and the Wendelstein 7-X is an experimental reactor that allows experiments with this magnetic confinement method.

The magnetic field confinement method is a method in which a coil is wound into a donut shape to allow an electric current to flow and the plasma is confined in the generated magnetic field.Helical type“When”Tokamak typeIt is divided into two types. 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 objective 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 begun.

previousto experienceA thought experiment was performed based on the plasma discharge data set in, and in the case of assuming “if the Wendelstein 7-X was not optimized”, the plasma loss exceeded the heating power. From this, Mr. Beidler concluded that “the 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. .