A high-density and high-confinement tokamak plasma regime for fusion energy

A high-density and high-confinement tokamak plasma regime for fusion energy

16 May 2024 | S. Ding, A. M. Garofalo, H. Q. Wang, D. B. Weisberg, Z. Y. Li, X. Jian, D. Eldon, B. S. Victor, A. Marinoni, Q. M. Hu, I. S. Carvalho, T. Odstrcil, L. Wang, A. W. Hyatt, T. H. Osborne, X. Z. Gong, J. P. Qian, J. Huang, J. McClenaghan, C. T. Holcomb & J. M. Hanson
A new tokamak plasma regime has been demonstrated that achieves a line-averaged density 20% above the Greenwald density and an energy confinement quality 50% better than the standard high-confinement mode. This regime, realized in the DIII-D tokamak, utilizes high density gradients in the high-poloidal-beta scenario to suppress turbulent transport. The experiment also shows low edge transient perturbations and supports key requirements for fusion reactor designs, including high-performance core and excellent core-edge integration. The regime enables sustained operation with high normalized density and confinement, and small edge-localized modes (ELMs), which is crucial for future long-pulse fusion power plants. The results show that the plasma can maintain high confinement quality and density simultaneously, with a normalized plasma pressure of approximately 3.5 and a poloidal beta of approximately 2.9. The experiment also demonstrates reduced divertor electron temperature, which is essential for mitigating tungsten erosion. The findings suggest that the high-poloidal-beta scenario is a promising path for achieving economically attractive fusion energy. The study also highlights the importance of alpha stabilization in reducing turbulent transport and achieving favorable low-transport regimes at high density. The results provide essential support for many attractive fusion power plant designs and demonstrate the potential for a sustainable, high-performance tokamak plasma regime.A new tokamak plasma regime has been demonstrated that achieves a line-averaged density 20% above the Greenwald density and an energy confinement quality 50% better than the standard high-confinement mode. This regime, realized in the DIII-D tokamak, utilizes high density gradients in the high-poloidal-beta scenario to suppress turbulent transport. The experiment also shows low edge transient perturbations and supports key requirements for fusion reactor designs, including high-performance core and excellent core-edge integration. The regime enables sustained operation with high normalized density and confinement, and small edge-localized modes (ELMs), which is crucial for future long-pulse fusion power plants. The results show that the plasma can maintain high confinement quality and density simultaneously, with a normalized plasma pressure of approximately 3.5 and a poloidal beta of approximately 2.9. The experiment also demonstrates reduced divertor electron temperature, which is essential for mitigating tungsten erosion. The findings suggest that the high-poloidal-beta scenario is a promising path for achieving economically attractive fusion energy. The study also highlights the importance of alpha stabilization in reducing turbulent transport and achieving favorable low-transport regimes at high density. The results provide essential support for many attractive fusion power plant designs and demonstrate the potential for a sustainable, high-performance tokamak plasma regime.
Reach us at info@futurestudyspace.com
[slides] A high-density and high-confinement tokamak plasma regime for fusion energy | StudySpace