Primary Intelligence Asset

Device for compressing a compact toroidal plasma for use as a neutron source and fusion reactor

Declassified Public record OCR verified
INTEL

Executive Summary

This patent disclosure relates to methods and devices for the adiabatic compression of a compact toroidal plasma (spheromak) within a magnetic well in a plasma combustion chamber. A moveable compression member, such as a piston driven by a cam and follower with integral magnetic field coils, axially pushes the plasma into the magnetic well to substantially increase its density and temperature beyond the point of thermonuclear ignition. The generated neutron and hot particle flux is captured by an surrounding blanket and divertor system to produce thermal energy, drive electricity generation, and breed tritium fuel.
Analysis Confidence: High
ST_CODE: 142185

System Metadata

Source ID

DOC-US201101

Process Date

Public archive record

Integrity Hash

SHA256-US2011014218...

Indexer Status

COMPLETE

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Page 1 of 3

Abstract

Provided are methods and devices for compression of a spheromak plasma (e.g., deuterium-trirtium (D-T)-derived) in a magnetic well configured within a plasma combustion chamber using an induction coil axially adjacent to the plasma, wherein a moveable member (e.g., piston, cam and follower) drives the induction coil toward the plasma, pushing the plasma via magnetic pressure into the magnetic well and compressing the plasma substantially adiabatically (e.g., coil motion is well below the plasma sound speed). The compression quickly increases both plasma density and temperature past the point of ignition, and after plasma burn, the coil is backed-off to allow the plasma to re-expand, providing for refueling and repetition of the compression cycle. Additionally provided are spaced annular plasma formation electrodes, suitably configured for generating and injecting magnetized plasma into a plasma combustion chamber. Preferably, spaced annular plasma formation electrodes are used in combination with moveable compression members as disclosed herein.

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This patent disclosure relates to methods and devices for the adiabatic compression of a compact toroidal plasma (spheromak) within a magnetic well in a plasma combustion chamber. A moveable compression member, such as a piston driven by a cam and follower with integral magnetic field coils, axially...