New research about magnetic fusion energy can now confine plasma with the help of magnetic fields. This works by heating the plasma until it reaches a temperature hotter than the sun's core which produces a fusion of ions that releases excess energy where it can be turned into electricity.
During this process, the most developed configuration is based on the Tokamak device where it confines plasma using magnetic fields in the shape of a torus. In this new study, the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor is now working on a project that aims to design and develop an experimental reactor based on this Tokamak concept.
According to the ITER, the ITER will be based on this Tokamak concept of magnetic confinement where the plasma will be contained in a vacuum vessel similar to the shape of a doughnut. Powerful magnetic fields keep the plasma from touching the walls as they are produced with superconducting coils that surround the vessel where an electric current is driven through the plasma.
Reseachers from the United States and China led by Andrea Garofalo from General Atomics, California and Xianzu Gong from the Institute of Plasma Physics Chinese Academy Of Sciences, China, are now in the process of developing this facility that will hold a 500 megawatt ITER fusion research center in France as this will become a joint project that involves 35 nations.
In this vacuum vessel, the plasmas are called "magnetic islands" where their temperatures do not decline, leading to more turbulence. When this turbulence escapes outside of these magnetic islands where the temperatures remain constant, the turbulence will eventually transfer into the islands. The amount of turbulence and its intensity will determine whether these magnetic islands can confine the plasma.
If the confinement state of these magnetic islands will improve and become more stable, this can eventually lead to the future of fusion plasma.
In this new study, scientists discovered this new confinement states that can lead to better understanding and development of fusion reactor plasma, leading towards to more research on fusion energy. The team also investigated the phenomenon known as "high bootstrap current" that can improve the resulting electrical current where this event helps to pinpoint the ideal Tokamak pattern in order to produce fusion energy.
When the distance between the plasma and the wall is reduced, this can result in massive self generating electric current and high plasma pressure, that can produce an overall stabilizing effect. The experiment resulted in stable flowing plasma under high pressure that maintained its confined state.
Garofalo says that this is unlike any other process as it is very risky to move the plasma close to the wall. The chief operator warned that the experiment won't be allowed to do that anymore as it can inflict more damage to the ITER.