Researchers are enhancing the capabilities of the Korean Artificial Sun, known as KSTAR (Korea Superconducting Tokamak Advanced Research), to sustain temperatures of 100 million degrees.
(Photo : Korean Institute of Fusion Energy)
KSTAR(Korea Superconducting Tokamak Advanced Research) of KFE(Korea institute of Fusion energy) in Korea
Aiding Artificial Sun to Sustain 100M Degrees
The Korea Institute of Fusion Energy (KFE) has completed a significant modification, introducing tungsten divertors that enable the artificial Sun to operate for extended periods while maintaining high-temperature plasma.
Interesting Engineering reported that this development aims to achieve a remarkable milestone, operating the nuclear fusion reactor for 300 seconds at 100 million degrees by the year 2026.
Initiated in 2007, KSTAR is poised to conduct a plasma experiment with the newly installed divertor on December 21, building on its previous achievement in 2021 when it set a record by maintaining super-hot plasma for 30 seconds at one million degrees.
Mimicking the Sun's energy creation, nuclear fusion holds the promise of generating abundant and sustainable energy. Scientists employ tokamaks, specialized reactors equipped with powerful magnets, to control super-hot plasma, reaching temperatures in the millions of degrees.
This intense heat causes atoms to collide, creating heavier nuclei and releasing substantial energy. The potential of nuclear fusion technology presents an opportunity to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and combat climate change.
A critical component in magnetic fusion devices is the divertor, strategically positioned at the bottom of the vacuum vessel. It plays a pivotal role in managing the expulsion of waste gases and impurities from the reactor while enduring significant surface heat loads.
Addressing Previous Challenges
Recognizing its crucial function, EurekAlert reported that the development and deployment of a highly heat-resistant divertor become imperative for optimal reactor performance.
Originally equipped with a carbon divertor, KSTAR faced limitations as increased performance and prolonged operational durations at temperatures of 100 million ℃ surpassed the heat flux capacity of the carbon divertor.
In response, the team undertook the development of a divertor using tungsten. This endeavor culminated in the completion of the first tungsten divertor prototype in 2021, followed by an extensive installation process lasting over a year, commencing in September 2022.
The newly integrated divertor is an advanced system comprising 64 meticulously crafted cassettes from tungsten mono-blocks. These cassettes collectively envelop the entire bottom section of the vacuum vessel, forming a robust barrier to effectively manage and withstand the heat loads inherent in the fusion environment.
This innovative design addresses thermal challenges encountered with the previous carbon divertor, marking a significant leap in enhancing the performance and longevity of KSTAR's operations at extreme temperatures, as acknowledged by the research team.
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Dr. Suk Jae Yoo, President of the Korea Institute of Fusion Energy (KFE), announced the successful implementation of a tungsten divertor in KSTAR, aligning with the material choice made in ITER.
In a statement, Dr. Yoo expressed the institute's commitment to leveraging KSTAR experiments to provide essential data for ITER.
This significant upgrade aims to enhance the reactor's capabilities, with the team setting a goal to extend its endurance to 300 seconds. The objective is to achieve ion temperatures surpassing 100 million degrees by the conclusion of 2026.
Related Article: South Korea's KSTAR Fusion Reaction Breaks Own Record, Soon A Self-Sustaining Nuclear Energy Power Source?
