System and method for small, clean, steady-state fusion reactors
US11322265B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 4, 2021 |
| Grant date | May 3, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 4, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E30/10
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
According to some embodiments, a system for widening and densifying a scrape-off layer (SOL) in a field reversed configuration (FRC) fusion reactor is disclosed. The system includes a gas box at one end of the reactor including a gas inlet system and walls of suitable heat bearing materials. The system further includes an exit orifice adjoining the gas box, wherein the exit orifice has a controllable radius and length to allow plasma to flow out from the gas box to populate the SOL with the plasma. The system may also include fusion products, which decrease in speed in the plasma in the SOL, allowing energy to be extracted and converted into thrust or electrical power and further allowing ash to be extracted to reduce neutron emissions and maintain high, steady-state fusion power.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.