Plasma Power Generation System

Abstract

The present invention relates to a plasma power generation system. A system and device for controlling fusion and direct-to-electricity conversion of fusion product energy in a field reverse configuration (FRC) magnetic topology. Preferably, the plasma ions are magnetically confined in the FRC, while the plasma electrons are electrostatically confined in a deep energy well created by tuning the applied magnetic field. In this configuration, the ions and electrons can be of such density and temperature that upon collision they are fused together by nuclear forces to form fusion products in the form of a ring beam. As the fusion product ions spiral through the electrodes of the inverse cyclotron converter, energy is removed from them. Advantageously, fusion fuel plasmas usable with the present confinement and energy conversion system include advanced (non-neutron) fuels.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the application with the application number 200680007428.2, the application date is March 7, 2006, and the invention name is "plasma power generation system". technical field [0002] This invention relates generally to the field of plasma physics, and more particularly to methods and apparatus for confining plasmas to enable nuclear fusion energy and for converting energy from fusion products into electrical energy. Background technique [0003] Fusion is the process by which two light nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus. The fusion process releases enormous amounts of energy in the form of fast-moving particles. Because the nuclei are positively charged - due to the protons contained within - there is a repulsive electrostatic or Coulomb force between them. For two fused nuclei, this repulsive force barrier must be overcome. This occurs when the two nuclei are sufficiently close together that the short distance ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Disadvantages of the neutron reaction are: (1) the fast neutron stream creates many problems, including structural damage to the reactor walls and, for most materials of manufacture, high levels of radioactivity; Electrics harvest their energy, which is very inefficient (less than 30%)

Although there have been many research topics on the electrostatic confinement of ions, none of them have succeeded in establishing the required electrostatic field when the ions have the density required for a fusion reactor

Finally, none of those patents cited above discuss field-reversed configuration magnetic topologies

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