Image: Pacific Fusion
California-based firm is reportedly following a unique approach to use pulsed magnetic concept to achieve fusion energy that has been powering the sun for centuries. Pulsed magnetic fusion uses large electrical current pulses to generate enormous magnetic fields, to compress and heat the fusion fuel.
The company claims that it is using fast-rising, high-current pulses to magnetically squeeze and heat small containers of deuterium-tritium fuel, driving the fuel to fusion conditions. Pacific Fusion is building a fast pulser, similar to Sandia’s well-proven Z Machine.
The company is using three major components; pulser modules, a small meter-scale fusion chamber, and centimeter-scale fuel containers for the critical process.
The pulser modules store electricity in capacitors and release it in fast pulses that deliver that energy with help from metallic pulse tubes that speed toward the fusion chamber before imploding. The energy from multiple transmission lines is coupled into two electrodes, which drive current through the target and electromagnetically compress it to cause fusion.
This approach brings advantages that reduce cost and complexity, including high efficiency and mass-manufacturability, a compact fusion chamber, and built-in water shielding.
Pacific Fusion claims that a future energy producing system would be built of small mass-manufacturable units called bricks (two capacitors and a switch), which are assembled into modules that fit into shipping containers. Their fusion chamber is compact and cylindrical, facilitating low-cost maintenance.
Source: American Nuclear Society
Image: Pacific Fusion