THE IGNITOR PROJECT
Summary
This presentation introduces the joint Russian-Italian Ignitor Project, focused on the design and construction of a compact tokamak capable of reaching thermonuclear ignition through high plasma currents and ultra-strong magnetic fields. It details the project’s institutional framework between NRC Kurchatov Institute, Rosatom, and INFN, outlining milestones, conceptual design developments, core technical parameters, and facility infrastructure at TRINITI.
Title Slide
NATIONAL RESEARCH CENTRE «KURCHATOV INSTITUTE»
THE IGNITOR PROJECT
V.L. Kravchuk NRC «Kurchatov Institute»
CREMLIN Opening Conference Moscow, NRC «Kurchatov Institute», 07.10.2015
RUSSIAN-ITALIAN PROJECT IGNITOR
IGNITOR MACHINE
The purpose of the Russian-Italian «Ignitor» project is the creation of tokamak with a quasi stationary super strong magnetic field in which very strong current will heat up dense deuterium-tritium plasma up to 100–120 million degrees – necessary for ignition of thermonuclear fusion reactions.
THE MAIN GOAL OF THE IGNITOR PROJECT AND NEW CHALLENGES
• Justification for the creation of compact thermonuclear fusion reactors: fuel reactors and reactors for the disposal of highly radioactive waste.
Implementation of the project is of great interest for high-tech industries with a focus on: • development of electro-technological materials to create magnetic systems with a strong field of large volume; • development of technology of cryoconductors; • development of technology of high-temperature superconductors; • creation of new technologies of especially strong innovative construction materials designed for extreme exposure to electromagnetic fields, ultra-high temperatures and radiation; • creation of innovative cooling systems of cryogenic structural elements for a thermonuclear reactor; • development of intelligent control system for processes in plasma; • formation of the educational system in the field of CTF and new materials.
PARTICIPANTS OF THE IGNITOR PROJECT
From the Russian side organizations responsible for the implementation of the project are:
- NRC «Kurchatov Institute» (scientific coordinator),
- SC «Rosatom» (infrastructure).
From the Italian side responsible organization is:
- Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare (INFN) (tokamak load assembly).
MAJOR MILESTONES OF THE PROJECT DEVELOPMENT
2010: Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation and the Ministry of Education, Universities and Research of the Italian Republic was signed on cooperation in the field of the tokamak «IGNITOR».
2012: Memorandum of Understanding between National Research Centre «Kurchatov Institute» and the State Corporation «ROSATOM» on the implementation of the international project «IGNITOR».
RECENT HISTORY OF THE IGNITOR PROJECT
2013: Decision to elaborate the Conceptual Design Report of the tokamak IGNITOR was taken during the Meeting between the NRC «Kurchatov Institute» Director Professor M.V. Kovalchuk and the INFN President Professor F. Ferroni.
2013: Joint Russian-Italian Working Group was formed for the Elaboration of the CDR of the tokamak IGNITOR.
2014: Elaboration of the CDR of the tokamak IGNITOR by the joint Russian-Italian Working Group.
Conceptual Design-Report (CDR) of the Russian-Italian tokamak IGNITOR
Russian-Italian joint Working Group* completed CDR of tokamak IGNITOR in May, 2015.
The Russian-Italian Intergovernmental Agreement on realization of the tokamak IGNITOR project is under preparation.
IGNITOR MAIN TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS
IGNITOR Dimensions:
- Diameter: 7 m
- Height: 8 m
- Mass: 770 ton
Technical Parameters:
- Pulse length: 4 + 4 s
- Plasma current Ip: 11 MA
- Toroidal Field Bt: 13 T
- Poloidal Field Bp: 6.5 T
- Edge Safety factor qψ: 3.5
- RF Heating PICRH: < 18 MW
Scenario: 13 T, 11 MA Scenario (time: 0 to 10 sec)
INFRASTRUCTURE SRC RF TRINITI / SC «ROSATOM» TO HOST THE TOKAMAK IGNITOR
- Buildings with 4 generators
- Experimental hall of the TSF Complex
Closing Slide
Thank you for your attention!