ENN's Roadmap for Proton-Boron Fusion Based on Spherical Torus

ENN's Roadmap for Proton-Boron Fusion Based on Spherical Torus

June 11, 2024 | Min-sheng Liu*, Hua-sheng Xie**, Yu-min Wang, Jia-qi Dong, Kai-ming Feng, Xiang Gu, Xian-li Huang, Xin-chen Jiang, Ying-ying Li, Zhi Li, Bing Liu, Wen-jun Liu, Di Luo, Yueng-Kay Martin Peng, Yue-jiang Shi, Shao-dong Song, Xian-ming Song, Tian-tian Sun, Mu-zhi Tan, Xue-yun Wang, Yuan-ming Yang, Gang Yin and Han-yue Zhao*
ENN has developed a roadmap for proton-boron (p-B) fusion using spherical torus (ST) technology. The goal is to achieve environmentally friendly and cost-effective fusion energy by utilizing abundant aneutronic fuel. p-B fusion is considered ideal due to its high energy yield and minimal neutron production. Recent studies suggest that p-B fusion is feasible with a hot ion mode and high wall reflection to reduce electron radiation loss. The ST's high beta and good confinement make it suitable for p-B fusion. A reactor with R₀=4 m, B₀=6 T, Tᵢ₀=150 keV, Iₚ=30 MA, and Tᵢ/Tₑ=4 can achieve Q>10. The next-generation device, EHL2, is planned for completion by 2026. The existing ST device EXL-50 was upgraded to support the new roadmap, with EXL-50U completed in 2023 and achieving its first plasma in 2024. The roadmap includes key parameters for EHL2, such as R₀≈1.05 m, A≈1.85, B₀≈3 T, Tᵢ₀≈30 keV, Iₚ≈3 MA, and Tᵢ/Tₑ≈2. The paper discusses the selection of fuels, system code calculations, key technologies, and the ENN fusion roadmap. p-B fusion is chosen due to its abundance of boron, no neutron production, and potential for direct electricity generation. The system code calculates plasma parameters, fusion power, and energy confinement time. The roadmap outlines phases for developing ST p-B fusion, including EXL-50, EXL-50U, and EHL2. The goal is to achieve commercial p-B fusion by 2035, with EHL2 aiming to verify thermal reaction rates and establish scaling laws. The roadmap emphasizes technological challenges, such as high heat load materials, high-power supply, and advanced divertor design. ENN's approach includes rapid iteration and digital technology development to accelerate fusion research. The paper concludes that p-B fusion is a promising candidate for commercial fusion energy due to its advantages over other fusion reactions.ENN has developed a roadmap for proton-boron (p-B) fusion using spherical torus (ST) technology. The goal is to achieve environmentally friendly and cost-effective fusion energy by utilizing abundant aneutronic fuel. p-B fusion is considered ideal due to its high energy yield and minimal neutron production. Recent studies suggest that p-B fusion is feasible with a hot ion mode and high wall reflection to reduce electron radiation loss. The ST's high beta and good confinement make it suitable for p-B fusion. A reactor with R₀=4 m, B₀=6 T, Tᵢ₀=150 keV, Iₚ=30 MA, and Tᵢ/Tₑ=4 can achieve Q>10. The next-generation device, EHL2, is planned for completion by 2026. The existing ST device EXL-50 was upgraded to support the new roadmap, with EXL-50U completed in 2023 and achieving its first plasma in 2024. The roadmap includes key parameters for EHL2, such as R₀≈1.05 m, A≈1.85, B₀≈3 T, Tᵢ₀≈30 keV, Iₚ≈3 MA, and Tᵢ/Tₑ≈2. The paper discusses the selection of fuels, system code calculations, key technologies, and the ENN fusion roadmap. p-B fusion is chosen due to its abundance of boron, no neutron production, and potential for direct electricity generation. The system code calculates plasma parameters, fusion power, and energy confinement time. The roadmap outlines phases for developing ST p-B fusion, including EXL-50, EXL-50U, and EHL2. The goal is to achieve commercial p-B fusion by 2035, with EHL2 aiming to verify thermal reaction rates and establish scaling laws. The roadmap emphasizes technological challenges, such as high heat load materials, high-power supply, and advanced divertor design. ENN's approach includes rapid iteration and digital technology development to accelerate fusion research. The paper concludes that p-B fusion is a promising candidate for commercial fusion energy due to its advantages over other fusion reactions.
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