• Natural Sciences -> Physics and astronomy

• 0 Comment

What advancements have been made in fusion technology over the last decade?

Cal Ricciardi

Over the past decade, there have been significant advancements in fusion technology, marking a new era for energy generation. Scientists and researchers have made numerous breakthroughs and developed innovative technologies for harnessing the power of fusion energy. These developments have provided immense hope for the future, and it is exciting to see what's coming next.

One of the most notable advancements is the construction of a new nuclear reactor that is currently under construction in France. The International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) is the most ambitious project in the field of fusion research at present. The project involves the collaboration of 35 nations, and its primary objective is to demonstrate the feasibility of fusion as a substantial and virtually inexhaustible source of energy.

ITER will use a fusion reaction utilizing a hydrogen isotope, deuterium, and tritium, as fuel. To ignite the reaction, researchers need to create conditions similar to those that exist in the sun; these conditions entail a temperature of around 150 million degrees Celsius and a magnetic field about ten times stronger than the earth's magnetic field. This temperature demands an advanced cooling system, so researchers built the cryogenic system, which will maintain ITER's superconducting magnets at -269°C.

The second remarkable achievement is the advancement in the development of advanced materials for fusion reactors. Typically, the materials used in the construction of fusion reactors must resist the extreme environmental conditions created by the fusion reaction, including high radiation levels and high temperatures. Materials degraded by these conditions pose significant safety risks and can even limit the lifecycle of a fusion reactor. Advanced materials like vanadium alloy has been developed to withstand high-temperature environments, and by adding tungsten for mechanical strength, it will provide better radiation resistance.

In addition to that, another prominent advancement is the development of smaller-scale fusion experiments, known as "compact fusion reactors." Instead of the large fusion reactors, these compact fusion reactors aim to be more economically feasible. These reactors use advanced algorithms and increased magnetic field strength to create higher pressure, making it possible to generate more output using less fuel. Some companies are working on the design of these reactors, and researchers believe that they will become commercially feasible in the near future.

Lastly, advancements have been made in the magnetic confinement fusion reactors. These reactors use powerful magnetic fields to confine the fusion reaction to reduce the size of the device required to produce power. In the last decade, researchers have made significant strides in the development of these magnetic confinement systems, which are crucial to reducing the cost of fusion energy.

In conclusion, over the past decade, fusion energy technology has made tremendous advancements. However, it may still be some time before fusion energy is ready to replace traditional sources. With continued support from governments, private organizations, and scientists, these advancements will continue, and the possibility of fusion energy becoming a viable source of energy generation is not far-fetched.