Chinese co's roadmap for aneutronic fusion
9 days ago
- #proton-boron fusion
- #fusion energy
- #spherical torus
- ENN Science and Technology Development Co., Ltd. (ENN) aims to generate fusion energy using proton-boron (p-B) fusion, an environmentally friendly and cost-effective method.
- Recent studies suggest p-B fusion is feasible with new cross-section data, requiring hot ion mode and high wall reflection to reduce electron radiation loss.
- The spherical torus (ST) is ideal for p-B fusion due to its high beta and good confinement properties.
- A reactor with specific parameters (R0=4 m, B0=6 T, Ti0=150 keV, Ip=30 MA, Ti/Te=4) can achieve p-B fusion with Q>10.
- ENN has developed a roadmap for p-B fusion, with the next-generation device named EHL-2, targeting R0≃1.05 m, B0≃3 T, Ti0≃30 keV, Ip≃3 MA, and Ti/Te≥2.
- The existing ST device EXL-50 was upgraded to EXL-50U, achieving first plasma in January 2024.
- Construction of EHL-2 is estimated to be completed by 2026.