Nuclear fusion reaction device, system and method

Abstract

A nuclear fusion reaction device, system and method. The outer wall of a vacuum chamber (301) in the nuclear fusion reaction device (30) comprises an inner ring surface (M1) and an outer ring surface (M2) which are connected to each other; the outer ring surface (M2) surrounds the inner ring surface (M1); the inner ring surface (M1) protrudes toward the central axis of the vacuum chamber (301); the vacuum chamber (301) surrounds a plurality of first coils (302); at least some of the plurality of first coils (302) extend in the circumferential direction of the inner ring surface (M1) and are sequentially arranged in the axial direction of the vacuum chamber (301); a plurality of second coils (303) surround the vacuum chamber (301), extend in the circumferential direction of the outer ring surface (M2), and are sequentially arranged in the axial direction of the vacuum chamber (301); a plurality of third coils (304) all surround the vacuum chamber (301) and are sequentially arranged in the circumferential direction of the vacuum chamber (301); and the plurality of first coils (302), the plurality of second coils (303), and the plurality of third coils (304) are used for generating a magnetic field, such that plasma rings with negative triangular deformation are generated in the vacuum chamber (301), and a fusion reaction occurs.

Description

Nuclear fusion reaction device, system and method

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on November 7, 2023, with application number "202311474506.1" and invention name "Nuclear fusion reaction device, system and method", the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the field of nuclear fusion technology, and in particular to a nuclear fusion reaction device, system and method. Background Art

[0003] Nuclear fusion technology has been widely studied due to its advantage of using low-cost materials to produce large amounts of clean energy, and the requirements for the stability of fusion plasma are becoming increasingly higher.

[0004] A nuclear fusion reaction device (such as a tokamak device) can include an annular vacuum chamber with a D-shaped cross-section. The vacuum chamber can surround a central column, on which a plurality of solenoids are arranged in sequence, and the periphery of the vacuum chamber is surrounded by a plurality of poloidal magnetic field coils. By transmitting current to the plurality of solenoids and poloidal magnetic field coils, two plasma rings can be generated in the vacuum chamber. By adjusting the current in the solenoids and poloidal magnetic field coils, the two plasma rings can be driven to merge so that the plasma is heated to the fusion reaction temperature, thereby causing a fusion reaction to release energy.

[0005] However, the stability of fusion plasma in current nuclear fusion reaction devices still needs to be improved.

[0006] Summary of the Invention

[0007] In view of this, the present application provides a nuclear fusion reaction device, system and method that can improve the stability of fusion plasma.

[0008] According to one aspect of an embodiment of the present application, a nuclear fusion reaction device is provided, comprising: an annular vacuum chamber, a plurality of first coils, a plurality of second coils, and a plurality of third coils;

[0009] The outer wall of the vacuum chamber includes an inner annular surface and an outer annular surface connected to each other, the outer annular surface surrounds the inner annular surface, and the inner annular surface protrudes toward the central axis of the vacuum chamber;

[0010] The vacuum chamber surrounds the plurality of first coils, at least some of the plurality of first coils extend along the circumference of the inner annular surface and are arranged sequentially in the axial direction of the vacuum chamber;

[0011] The plurality of second coils surround the vacuum chamber, extend along the circumference of the outer annular surface, and are arranged in sequence in the axial direction of the vacuum chamber;

[0012] The plurality of third coils all surround the vacuum chamber and are arranged in sequence along the circumference of the vacuum chamber;

[0013] The plurality of first coils, the plurality of second coils and the plurality of third coils are used to generate a magnetic field, so as to generate a negative triangular plasma ring in the vacuum chamber and cause a fusion reaction.

[0014] According to another aspect of an embodiment of the present application, a nuclear fusion reaction system is provided, comprising:

[0015] The above-mentioned nuclear fusion reaction device;

[0016] a magnet power supply connected to the coil in the nuclear fusion reactor and configured to transmit current to the coil;

[0017] a plasma diagnostic unit configured to detect parameters of the plasma in the vacuum chamber of the nuclear fusion reactor; and

[0018] A control unit is configured to adjust the current delivered to the coil based on the parameter.

[0019] According to another aspect of the embodiments of the present application, a nuclear fusion reaction method is provided, which is applied to the above-mentioned nuclear fusion reaction system, and the nuclear fusion reaction method includes:

[0020] Starting an exhaust pump in the nuclear fusion reaction system to exhaust gas from a vacuum chamber of a nuclear fusion reaction device in the nuclear fusion reaction system;

[0021] Starting a magnet power supply in the nuclear fusion reaction system to transmit current to a plurality of third coils in the nuclear fusion reaction device, thereby generating a toroidal magnetic field in the vacuum chamber;

[0022] controlling an air inlet valve in the nuclear fusion reaction device to inject fusion fuel gas into the vacuum chamber;

[0023] controlling the magnet power supply to transmit current to a first coil and a second coil located at two ends of the vacuum chamber in the axial direction in the nuclear fusion reaction device, respectively, so that two magnetic zero points are formed at two ends of the vacuum chamber in the axial direction, and two plasma rings are generated at the two magnetic zero points;

[0024] Controlling the magnet power supply to transmit current to each first coil and each second coil in sequence from both ends to the middle along the axial direction;

[0025] Based on the parameters detected by the plasma diagnostic unit in the nuclear fusion reaction system, the current transmitted by the magnet power supply to each first coil and each second coil is adjusted to cause the two plasma rings to fuse into a negative triangular plasma ring, and the plasma in the plasma ring is heated to a fusion temperature to generate a fusion reaction.

[0026] In the nuclear fusion reaction device provided by the present application, the inner ring surface of the outer wall of the vacuum chamber protrudes toward the central axis of the vacuum chamber, and the first coil extends along the circumference of the inner ring surface and is arranged in sequence in the axial direction of the vacuum chamber. The magnetic field generated by the first coil and the second coil causes a negative triangular plasma ring to be generated in the vacuum chamber and a fusion reaction to occur. In this way, the first coil is closer to the negative triangular plasma ring, so only a small current can be input to the first coil to apply the force required for the negative triangular change to the plasma ring, thereby reducing current loss and improving the efficiency of generating the negative triangular plasma ring. Since the control of lower current can be more stable, the accuracy and stability of controlling the negative triangular plasma ring can be improved, and the stability of the fusion plasma can be improved accordingly. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] FIG1 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a tokamak device in the related art;

[0028] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of a cross-sectional shape of a plasma ring provided by the related art;

[0029] FIG3 is a schematic structural diagram of a nuclear fusion reaction device provided in one embodiment of the present application;

[0030] FIG4 is a schematic structural diagram of another nuclear fusion reaction device provided in one embodiment of the present application;

[0031] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of a state of a nuclear fusion reaction device during a nuclear fusion reaction provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0032] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of another state of a nuclear fusion reaction device during a nuclear fusion reaction provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0033] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of a state of a nuclear fusion reaction device during another nuclear fusion reaction process provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0034] FIG8 is a schematic diagram of the state of a nuclear fusion reaction device during another nuclear fusion reaction process provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0035] FIG9 is a schematic diagram of a state of a nuclear fusion reaction device during a nuclear fusion reaction provided by another embodiment of the present application;

[0036] FIG10 is a schematic structural diagram of another nuclear fusion reaction device provided in one embodiment of the present application;

[0037] FIG11 is a schematic structural diagram of another nuclear fusion reaction device provided in one embodiment of the present application;

[0038] FIG12 is a schematic structural diagram of a nuclear fusion reaction device provided in another embodiment of the present application;

[0039] FIG13 is a schematic structural diagram of another nuclear fusion reaction device provided in another embodiment of the present application;

[0040] FIG14 is a flow chart of a nuclear fusion method provided in one embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] The following description sets forth many specific details to facilitate a thorough understanding of the present application. However, the present application can be implemented in many other ways than those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar generalizations without violating the scope of the present application. Therefore, the present application is not limited to the specific implementations disclosed below.

[0042] The terms used in one or more embodiments of the present application are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to limit one or more embodiments of the present application. The singular forms of "a", "said" and "the" used in one or more embodiments of the present application and the appended claims are also intended to include plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term "and / or" used in one or more embodiments of the present application refers to and includes any or all possible combinations of one or more associated listed items. The term "at least one" in one or more embodiments of the present application refers to "one or more" and "a plurality" refers to "two or more". The term "including" is an open description and should be understood as "including but not limited to", and may include other content on the basis of the content already described.

[0043] It should be understood that although the terms "first", "second", etc. may be used to describe various information in one or more embodiments of the present application, such information should not be limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish information of the same type from each other. For example, without departing from the scope of one or more embodiments of the present application, "first" may also be referred to as "second", and similarly, "second" may also be referred to as "first". Depending on the context, the word "if" as used herein may be interpreted as "at the time of" or "when" or "in response to determining".

[0044] Currently, nuclear fusion is considered an ideal solution to humanity's energy needs. It can provide a large amount of clean energy, and the fuel required for fusion reactions is widely available and relatively low-cost. Consequently, nuclear fusion reactors are being widely researched, with the tokamak being a particularly popular option.

[0045] FIG1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a tokamak device in the related art. As shown in FIG1 , the tokamak device 10 includes an annular vacuum chamber 101 and magnets located around the vacuum chamber 101. The cross-section is the plane where the central axis z1 of the vacuum chamber 101 lies, and the cross-sectional shape of the vacuum chamber 101 is D-shaped. The magnet includes a central solenoid 102 located within the area enclosed by the vacuum chamber 101, a poloidal magnetic field coil 103 that surrounds the vacuum chamber 101 laterally, and a toroidal magnetic field coil 104 that surrounds the vacuum chamber 101 longitudinally. The transverse direction refers to a direction perpendicular to the central axis z1 (the x-direction in the figure), and the longitudinal direction refers to a direction parallel to the central axis z1 (the y-direction in the figure). The magnets can generate a magnetic field to confine the plasma within the vacuum chamber 101 and achieve a nuclear fusion reaction by heating it.

[0046] Continuing with Figure 1 , the tokamak also includes a divertor 104, which is used to remove heat and dust from the vacuum chamber. It should be noted that the divertor 104 shown in the figure is merely intended to illustrate its relative position to the vacuum chamber 101 and does not limit the actual shape and size of the divertor 104.

[0047] However, conducting nuclear fusion reactions in tokamaks also faces a number of challenges, including the high instability and turbulence of the generated plasma, which in turn creates a high thermal load on the divertor. Plasma instability and turbulence not only lead to plasma energy loss and reduce the duration of energy confinement, but can also cause plasma rupture and serious damage to the tokamak. The current divertor target plate is limited to a thermal load of 10 megawatts per square meter (MW / m²), far below the requirements for future nuclear fusion reactors.

[0048] The present invention provides a nuclear fusion reaction device that can improve the stability of fusion plasma, increase energy confinement time, and reduce the thermal load of the divertor. The present invention also provides a nuclear fusion reaction system and a nuclear fusion reaction method.

[0049] The nuclear fusion reactor provided in the embodiments of the present application is designed based on a plasma ring with negative triangularity. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional shape of a plasma ring provided by related art, which can be generated in the vacuum chamber of the tokamak device shown in Figure 1. The negative triangularity of plasma is described below in conjunction with Figure 2.

[0050] As shown in Figure 2, the plasma ring has a major radius of R and a minor radius of a, with an annular diameter ratio of A = R / a. The major radius refers to the distance between the central axis z2 of the plasma ring and a reference axis z3, which passes through the midpoint of the plasma ring cross section and is parallel to the central axis z2. The minor radius refers to the maximum distance between the reference axis z3 and the outer edge of the plasma ring in a direction perpendicular to the central axis z2 (e.g., the x-direction).

[0051] The cross-sectional parameters of the plasma ring may also include an elongation ratio k and a triangular variable parameter δ. The elongation ratio may reflect the elongation of the plasma ring in the vertical direction (y-direction). Vertical elongation is conducive to an increase in the specific pressure value, which refers to the ratio of the plasma pressure to the magnetic field pressure. The triangular variable parameter may reflect the triangular deformation of the plasma ring, which is conducive to the stability of the plasma. Half of the maximum distance of the plasma ring in its axial direction (such as the y-direction) may be b, and the elongation ratio k of the plasma ring is k = b / a. In the direction perpendicular to the axial direction (such as the x-direction), the distance between the highest point or lowest point of the plasma ring and the reference axis z3 may be △, and the triangular variable parameter δ = Δ / a.

[0052] As shown in Figure 2, the cross-section of the plasma ring is D-shaped, consisting of a straight side and an arcuate side, with the straight side facing the inside of the tokamak's vacuum chamber. A plasma ring of this shape generated by a tokamak is called a plasma ring with a right triangle shape. If the cross-section of the plasma ring is an inverted D-shape, with the straight side facing the outside of the tokamak's vacuum chamber, the plasma ring is called a negative triangle shape.

[0053] FIG3 is a schematic structural diagram of a nuclear fusion reaction device provided in one embodiment of the present application, and FIG4 is a schematic structural diagram of another nuclear fusion reaction device provided in one embodiment of the present application. FIG3 shows the structure of the remaining portion of the nuclear fusion reaction device after being cut by a plane, and FIG4 is a schematic cross-sectional diagram of the nuclear fusion reaction device shown in FIG3 . Referring to FIG3 and FIG4 , the nuclear fusion reaction device 30 includes: a vacuum chamber 301 and a magnet, the magnet including a plurality of first coils 302, a plurality of second coils 303, and a plurality of third coils 304. The number and position of the first coil 302, the second coil 303, and the third coil 304 in FIG3 and FIG4 are merely exemplary illustrations, and the actual number and position of the coils may be different from the illustration.

[0054] The vacuum chamber 301 is annular and is used to accommodate plasma. The vacuum chamber 301 can also be called a plasma chamber. The cross section can be the plane where the central axis of the vacuum chamber 301 lies. The outer wall of the vacuum chamber 301 can include an inner annular surface M1 and an outer annular surface M2 connected to each other. The outer annular surface M2 surrounds the inner annular surface M1, and the inner annular surface M1 can protrude toward the central axis z of the vacuum chamber 301. The vacuum chamber 301 can be symmetrical about a reference plane C, which is a plane perpendicular to the central axis z. The reference plane C can pass through the point on the inner annular surface M1 that is closest to the central axis z. In some embodiments, the vacuum chamber 301 can also be asymmetrical about the reference plane C.

[0055] In the embodiment of the present application, the outer annular surface of the vacuum chamber 301 is roughly flat. Accordingly, the axial space of the vacuum chamber 301 gradually increases along the direction from the central axis z of the vacuum chamber 301 to the outer edge, and the vacuum chamber 301 is an annular structure with a concave center and convex sides. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the vacuum chamber 301 can be an inverted D-shape or a triangle. In the embodiment of the present application, the cross-sectional shape is triangular, such as a rounded isosceles triangle, as an example. It should be noted that the cross-sectional shape only needs to be roughly inverted D-shape or triangle, and does not necessarily have to be a standard inverted D-shape or triangle.

[0056] In some embodiments, the outer annular surface M2 of the vacuum chamber 301 may also protrude in a direction away from the central axis z of the vacuum chamber 301 . This implementation is not illustrated in the embodiments of the present application.

[0057] The vacuum chamber 301 in the nuclear fusion reactor 30 surrounds the plurality of first coils 302. At least some of the plurality of first coils 302 extend along the circumference of the inner annular surface M1 and are arranged sequentially in the axial direction (e.g., the y-direction) of the vacuum chamber 301. These at least some of the first coils 302 can be evenly arranged in the y-direction. Figures 3 and 4 illustrate an example in which all first coils 302 extend along the circumference of the inner annular surface M1, i.e., are arranged in a row along the inner annular surface M1.

[0058] In some embodiments, in addition to the first coil 302 shown in FIG3 , the nuclear fusion reaction device 30 may further include additional first coils 302. The first coils 302 may also be referred to as ohmic coils or central solenoids. In some embodiments, the multiple first coils 302 in the nuclear fusion reaction device 30 may also be symmetrical about the reference plane. These multiple first coils 302 may also not be symmetrical about the reference plane, and this is not a limitation in the present embodiment.

[0059] The multiple second coils 303 in the nuclear fusion reactor 30 surround the vacuum chamber 301. The multiple second coils 303 extend along the circumference of the outer annular surface M2 and are arranged sequentially in the axial direction of the vacuum chamber 301. The multiple second coils 303 can uniformly surround the vacuum chamber 301 laterally. The second coils 303 are also poloidal magnetic field coils. In some embodiments, the multiple second coils 303 can also be symmetrical about the reference plane. The multiple second coils 303 can also be symmetrical about the reference plane, which is not limited in this embodiment of the present application.

[0060] The multiple third coils 304 in the nuclear fusion reaction device 30 all surround the vacuum chamber 301 and are arranged in sequence along the circumference of the vacuum chamber 301. The annular surface of each third coil 304 is parallel to the central axis z of the vacuum chamber 301. The third coil 304 is also a toroidal magnetic field coil. The multiple third coils 304 can uniformly surround the vacuum chamber 301 longitudinally. The multiple third coils 304 are used to generate a toroidal magnetic field in the vacuum chamber 301. The triangular shape of the third coil 304 changes direction to the negative direction, and the negative direction refers to the direction from the central axis z of the vacuum chamber 301 to the edge. In one embodiment, the shape of the third coil 304 can match the shape of the vacuum chamber 301, and the third coil 304 can be in an inverted D shape or a triangle.

[0061] The magnet (including the first coil 302, the second coil 303 and the third coil 304) in the nuclear fusion reaction device 30 is used to generate a magnetic field, so that plasma is generated in the vacuum chamber 301, and the plasma can be constrained to form a plasma ring, and the shape and position of the plasma ring can be controlled. By adjusting the current on the magnet, a force can be applied to the plasma in the vacuum chamber 301 to push the plasma into the desired shape and move it to a set position, thereby generating a negative triangle-shaped plasma ring and a fusion reaction. In some embodiments, the magnet can be made of a superconducting coil, which can achieve zero resistance at low temperatures, thereby improving the stability and efficiency of the magnetic field.

[0062] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of the state of a nuclear fusion reaction device during a nuclear fusion reaction provided by an embodiment of the present application, FIG6 is a schematic diagram of the state of a nuclear fusion reaction device during another nuclear fusion reaction provided by an embodiment of the present application, FIG7 is a schematic diagram of the state of a nuclear fusion reaction device during yet another nuclear fusion reaction provided by an embodiment of the present application, FIG8 is a schematic diagram of the state of a nuclear fusion reaction device during yet another nuclear fusion reaction provided by an embodiment of the present application, and FIG9 is a schematic diagram of the state of a nuclear fusion reaction device during a nuclear fusion reaction provided by another embodiment of the present application. The following describes the process of generating and deforming a plasma ring in a nuclear fusion reaction device in conjunction with FIG5 to FIG9 , and FIG5 to FIG9 only illustrate the cross-section of the structure to the right of the central axis z of the nuclear fusion reaction device (including the vacuum chamber 301, the first coil 302, and the second coil 303).

[0063] For example, current can first be transmitted to the multiple third coils 304 in the nuclear fusion reactor 30 to generate a toroidal magnetic field in the vacuum chamber 301. As shown in Figure 5, current can then be transmitted to the two first coils 302 and the two second coils 303 (the coils framed in Figure 5) located at the two axial ends of the vacuum chamber 301, respectively, to form two magnetic zero points in the spaces at the two ends of the axial direction of the vacuum chamber 301. Then, as shown in Figure 6, two plasma rings can be generated at these two magnetic zero points. Then, current can be transmitted to each first coil 302 and each second coil 303 in sequence from the two axial ends to the middle, so as to propel the two plasma rings toward the equatorial plane of the vacuum chamber 301 (as shown in Figure 7). This equatorial plane can be the same plane as the reference plane mentioned above. Then, based on the parameters of the plasma ring, the current transmitted to each first coil 302 and each second coil 303 can be adjusted to cause the two plasma rings to merge into a negative triangular plasma ring (as shown in Figure 8). The current transmitted to each first coil 302 and each second coil 303 is continuously adjusted to continue pushing the plasma ring toward the central axis z of the vacuum chamber 301 (as shown in FIG9 ), thereby reducing the maximum radius of the plasma ring and shrinking its volume. During the fusion and contraction of the plasma ring, a large amount of heat energy is released, heating the plasma to the fusion temperature and causing the plasma to produce a fusion reaction.

[0064] Compared to the traditional positive triangle change, the negative triangle change plasma ring can effectively increase the area of ​​the magnetic field lines with good curvature inside, greatly reducing the boundary turbulence of the plasma ring and suppressing ion-scale micro-instabilities (such as trapped electron modes); accordingly, the interaction between the plasma and the walls of the vacuum chamber is also reduced, which can effectively reduce the risk of wall damage. In addition, the electron temperature and density perturbations in the core region of the negative triangle change plasma ring can be lower, which can significantly improve the energy confinement time. Moreover, when the negative triangle change plasma ring is generated, the nuclear fusion reaction device can achieve a higher normalized specific pressure value and confinement performance equivalent to that in the high confinement mode (H mode) when discharging in the low-confinement mode (L mode), without the occurrence of boundary localized modes, which can improve the stability of the fusion plasma. The negative triangle change plasma ring can also achieve a higher normalized specific pressure value, making the magnetic field energy utilization more efficient and more conducive to achieving net energy output.

[0065] In related art, two induction coils are placed one above the other inside a vacuum chamber, and a high induction voltage is transmitted to the induction coils to generate a plasma ring. Because the induction coils are located inside the vacuum chamber, they are more likely to interact with the plasma and be damaged by this interaction.

[0066] In the embodiment of the present application, a first coil 302 arranged outside the vacuum chamber is used in conjunction with a second coil 303 to generate a plasma ring at the double magnetic zero point in the vacuum chamber 301, without the need to set an induction coil inside the vacuum chamber 301 to generate the plasma ring. In this way, the coil used to generate the plasma ring is far away from the plasma, which can avoid damage caused by interaction with the plasma. In addition, in the embodiment of the present application, as the plasma ring moves toward the equatorial plane of the vacuum chamber 301 and merges, the volume of the plasma ring will be reduced to a certain extent, which is more conducive to the release of heat energy, so it can be easier to heat the plasma to the fusion temperature, reducing the difficulty of triggering the fusion reaction.

[0067] In conventional nuclear fusion reactors with a positive D-shaped cross-section, generating a negatively triangular plasma ring requires a very large current to be transmitted to the central solenoid to exert sufficient force on the plasma to cause the negatively triangular change. This results in significant current loss, making the generation of a negatively triangular plasma ring inefficient. Furthermore, because the current use of excessively large currents to generate a magnetic field makes it difficult to maintain stable control of the magnetic field, the control of the plasma ring is less stable, resulting in correspondingly poor fusion plasma stability.

[0068] The first coil 302 in the nuclear fusion reaction device 30 of the embodiment of the present application is relatively close to the negative triangular plasma ring. Therefore, only a small current can be input into the first coil 302 to apply the force required for the negative triangular change to the plasma ring. This can reduce current loss and improve the efficiency of generating the negative triangular plasma ring. Because the control of the lower current can be more stable, the accuracy and stability of the control of the negative triangular plasma ring can be improved, and the stability of the fusion plasma can be correspondingly improved. The nuclear fusion reaction device 30 provided in the embodiment of the present application is more suitable for the requirements of future fusion reactors.

[0069] In addition, the nuclear fusion reaction device 30 provided in the embodiment of the present application can also suppress the instability of the plasma in the vertical direction. In the traditional nuclear fusion reaction device with a positive D-shaped cross-section, the plasma ring is attracted and elongated in the vertical direction. The central solenoids are only arranged in a row along the vertical direction. If the coil current on the upper or lower side is slightly unstable, the plasma will quickly move to that side as a whole, and then the plasma may hit the wall of the vacuum chamber, causing damage to the nuclear fusion reaction device. In the embodiment of the present application, the first coils are distributed along the inner annular surface of the vacuum chamber as a whole, and each first coil can apply a certain upward force to the plasma. Even if the force generated by one coil is unstable, the plasma will be pushed by the force generated by the other coils and cannot slide down, thereby ensuring the stability of the fusion plasma.

[0070] In one embodiment, in addition to arranging the first coil 302, the space surrounded by the vacuum chamber 301 can also be equipped with a coil support structure and accommodate the power connector led out from the coil. Based on the structural design of the nuclear fusion reaction device 30 in the embodiment of the present application, the volume of the space surrounded by the vacuum chamber can be greatly expanded relative to the traditional nuclear fusion reaction device, so that more coils with larger radii can be accommodated in the space, ensuring that the coil can generate a larger magnetic flux. In addition, there is also more space to install the coil support structure and accommodate the power connector led out from the coil, so the setting of the coil can be more stable, and the power connector can also be set more firmly, thereby improving the reliability of the coil. It can greatly alleviate the constraints on the central column of the traditional nuclear fusion reaction device.

[0071] The embodiment of the present application provides a nuclear fusion reaction device with a low aspect ratio. The aspect ratio of the vacuum chamber 301 of the nuclear fusion reaction device 30 can be less than 3.

[0072] The above description uses the example of a nuclear fusion reactor 30 in which the vacuum chamber 301 surrounds only a plurality of first coils 302, and the plurality of first coils 302 are arranged along the inner annular surface M1 of the vacuum chamber 301 and arranged in a single row. Other possible implementations of the coils in the nuclear fusion reactor 30 provided in the present embodiment are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0073] In one embodiment, among the multiple first coils 302 of the nuclear fusion reaction device 30, at least one first coil 302 surrounds another first coil 302. For example, Figure 10 is a structural schematic diagram of another nuclear fusion reaction device provided in an embodiment of the present application, and Figure 10 shows a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the nuclear fusion reaction device. As shown in Figure 10, based on Figure 4, the number of first coils 302 in the nuclear fusion reaction device 30 can be even greater. Figure 10 takes the example of setting three additional first coils 302 on each side of the reference plane C based on Figure 4, that is, the first coils 302 in the dotted box in Figure 10. The original first coils 302 in Figure 4 can surround the newly added first coils 302. Among the two first coils 302 located at the top of the newly added first coils 302, one first coil 302 surrounds the other first coil 302.

[0074] Figure 10 is merely an example. In actual applications, the number of first coils 302 added to Figure 4 can be 1, 2, 3, or any other acceptable number. Figure 10 uses the example of an identical number of first coils 302 on both sides of reference plane C, with a symmetrical arrangement. In one embodiment, the number of first coils 302 on both sides of reference plane C can also be different, and the arrangement can also be asymmetrical.

[0075] In one embodiment, among the multiple first coils 302 of the nuclear fusion reactor 30, at least three first coils 302 located on one side of reference plane C are arranged in a triangle. For example, referring again to FIG10 , there are six first coils 302 arranged in a triangle on each side of reference plane C. In this embodiment of the present application, at least three first coils 302 may be arranged in a triangle on each side of reference plane C, or at least three first coils 302 may be arranged in a triangle on only one side of reference plane C.

[0076] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the structure of another nuclear fusion reaction device provided in one embodiment of the present application. Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a nuclear fusion reaction device provided in another embodiment of the present application. Figure 12 may be a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the nuclear fusion reaction device. As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the nuclear fusion reaction device 30 may further include multiple fourth coils 305. These multiple fourth coils 305 are surrounded by the vacuum chamber 301 and arranged in sequence along the axial direction of the vacuum chamber 301. At least one fourth coil 305 is surrounded by the multiple first coils 302 of the nuclear fusion reaction device 30. As shown in Figure 12, the three fourth coils 305 at the top and the three fourth coils 305 at the bottom of the multiple fourth coils 305 may all be surrounded by the first coil 302. In one embodiment, the absolute value of the difference between the diameters of any two fourth coils 305 may be less than a length threshold, such as if all fourth coils 305 have the same dimensions. The fourth coils 305 may function in the same manner as the first coils 302.

[0077] In the embodiments of the present application, modifications can be made to some of the structures of nuclear fusion reaction devices in related art to obtain the nuclear fusion reaction device 30 provided in the embodiments of the present application. For example, the fourth coil 305 can be the central solenoid in a conventional nuclear fusion reaction device with a vacuum chamber having a regular D-shaped cross-section. These multiple fourth coils 305 together constitute the central column of a conventional nuclear fusion reaction device. Multiple first coils 302 can be added to the central column of a conventional nuclear fusion reaction device to obtain the coil surrounded by the vacuum chamber 301 in the nuclear fusion reaction device 30 of the embodiments of the present application. For example, the multiple added first coils 302 include the first coils 302 arranged in a triangle within the dashed box in FIG. 12 .

[0078] In one embodiment, part of the fourth coil 305 originally included in the central column may be removed, and multiple first coils 302 may be added thereto. The added multiple first coils 302 may not necessarily be symmetrical about the reference plane.

[0079] In one embodiment, more first coils 302 may be added based on FIG. 12 , so that the first coils 302 at the top and bottom that are not in the dotted frame in FIG. 12 further surround other first coils 302 .

[0080] In the embodiment of the present application, the central axes of the coils in the nuclear fusion reaction device 30 may coincide with each other, and may also coincide with the central axis z of the vacuum chamber 301 .

[0081] FIG13 is a schematic structural diagram of another nuclear fusion reaction device provided in another embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG13 , based on any of the above-mentioned nuclear fusion reaction devices (taking the nuclear fusion reaction device shown in FIG3 as an example), the nuclear fusion reaction device 30 further includes a divertor 306, which is located at the junction area between the inner annular surface M1 and the outer annular surface M2 of the vacuum chamber 301. The divertor 306 is used to remove fusion-generated waste (such as helium ash) and incorporated impurities from the plasma. FIG13 takes the divertor 306 located at the junction area at the bottom of the vacuum chamber 301 as an example. In some implementations, a divertor may also be provided at the junction area between the inner annular surface M1 and the outer annular surface M2 at the top of the vacuum chamber 301. In this case, the nuclear fusion reaction device 30 may include two divertors. In some implementations, the nuclear fusion reaction device 30 may also only include a divertor provided at the top of the vacuum chamber 301.

[0082] The weak-field side of the nuclear fusion reactor 30 is the side farther from the central axis z of the vacuum chamber 301, while the strong-field side is the side closer to the central axis z of the vacuum chamber 301. Compared to conventional nuclear fusion reactors, in the nuclear fusion reactor 30 of the present embodiment, because the magnetic zero point is closer to the weak-field side of the nuclear fusion reactor 30, the plasma impact point is closer to the weak-field side. Accordingly, the maximum radius of the impact point can be significantly increased, and the divertor 306 can also be closer to the weak-field side. As a result, the radius of the divertor 306 target plate is larger, resulting in a larger wetted area (i.e., the effective heat-bearing area) of the divertor 306 target plate, which can reduce the heat load of the divertor 306.

[0083] Please continue to refer to Figure 13. The nuclear fusion reaction device 30 also includes an air pump 307, which can be connected to the divertor 306. The position of the air pump 307 can be determined based on the position of the divertor 306. As shown in Figure 13, the air pump 307 is located at the bottom of the vacuum chamber 301. If the divertor 306 is located at the top of the vacuum chamber 301, the air pump 307 can also be located at the top of the vacuum chamber 301 accordingly. The air pump 307 is used to discharge the gas in the vacuum chamber 301 to maintain a high vacuum environment. The air pump 307 can be a pump group composed of multiple pumps. For example, the air pump 307 includes a molecular pump, a mechanical pump and an ion pump to provide a sufficient pumping rate.

[0084] The nuclear fusion reactor 30 may also include an inlet valve assembly (not shown). The inlet valve assembly connects the interior and exterior of the vacuum chamber 301 and is used to control the rate and type of fusion fuel gas entering the vacuum chamber 301. By adjusting the inlet valve assembly, the composition and density of the plasma can be adjusted. The fusion fuel gas transmitted by the inlet valve assembly can be hydrogen or deuterium.

[0085] In summary, in the nuclear fusion reaction device provided by the present application, the inner annular surface of the outer wall of the vacuum chamber protrudes toward the central axis of the vacuum chamber, the first coil extends along the circumference of the inner annular surface and is arranged in sequence in the axial direction of the vacuum chamber. The magnetic field generated by the first coil and the second coil causes a negative triangular plasma ring to be generated in the vacuum chamber and a fusion reaction to occur. In this way, the first coil is closer to the negative triangular plasma ring, so only a small current can be input to the first coil to apply the force required for the negative triangular change to the plasma ring, thereby reducing current loss and improving the efficiency of generating the negative triangular plasma ring. Since the control of lower currents can be more stable, the accuracy and stability of controlling the negative triangular plasma ring can be improved, and the stability of the fusion plasma can be improved accordingly.

[0086] A nuclear fusion reaction system is also provided in an embodiment of the present application. In addition to the above-mentioned nuclear fusion reaction device 30, the nuclear fusion reaction system may further include a magnet power supply, a plasma diagnostic unit, and a control unit.

[0087] The magnet power supply is used to provide the electrical energy required by the magnets in the nuclear fusion reactor 30. The magnet power supply is connected to the coils in the nuclear fusion reactor 30 (such as the first coil 302, the second coil 303, the third coil 304, and the fourth coil 305) to transmit current to each coil.

[0088] The plasma diagnostic unit is used to detect the parameters of the plasma in the vacuum chamber 301 of the nuclear fusion reactor 30. The plasma diagnostic unit may include a microwave interferometer, a Langmuir probe, a magnetic probe, and various radiation diagnostic (e.g., hard X-ray, soft X-ray, AXUV) units. The acquired parameters may include plasma density, temperature, doping impurities, and magnetic field information.

[0089] The control unit is used to adjust the current transmitted to each coil based on this parameter. The control unit, which can also be called a control and data acquisition system, is used to control parameters such as plasma density, temperature, and shape in real time, while also recording various operating data of the nuclear fusion reactor 30. The control unit can utilize advanced real-time feedback control algorithms to precisely control plasma parameters.

[0090] The present application also provides a nuclear fusion reaction method in an embodiment, which can be applied to any of the above-mentioned nuclear fusion reaction systems. This method can be cross-referenced with the relevant descriptions of Figures 5 to 9. Figure 14 is a flow chart of a nuclear fusion method provided in an embodiment of the present application, such as the method can be executed by the above-mentioned control unit. As shown in Figure 14, the method includes the following steps:

[0091] Step 402: Start the vacuum pump in the nuclear fusion reaction system to discharge the gas in the vacuum chamber of the nuclear fusion reaction device in the nuclear fusion reaction system.

[0092] Before step 402, preparatory work may be performed to ensure that the nuclear fusion reactor 30 and other related equipment are in good condition and to perform necessary maintenance and repairs. For example, the vacuum chamber, magnets, magnet power supply, divertor, vacuum pump, inlet valve assembly, plasma diagnostic unit, and control unit may be checked to ensure that they are functioning properly.

[0093] Step 402 may be used to create a vacuum environment, exhaust the gas in the vacuum chamber, and ensure that the interior of the vacuum chamber reaches the required high vacuum environment.

[0094] Step 404: Start the magnet power supply in the nuclear fusion reaction system to transmit current to the multiple third coils in the nuclear fusion reaction device, so as to generate a toroidal magnetic field in the vacuum chamber.

[0095] In step 404 , magnetic field configuration may be performed to enable the superconducting coil to start operating and generate a toroidal magnetic field at the magnetic axis of the nuclear fusion reactor.

[0096] Step 406: Control the air inlet valve in the nuclear fusion reaction device to inject fusion fuel gas into the vacuum chamber.

[0097] In step 406, gas injection may be performed, for example, by activating a millisecond pulsed gas inlet valve to inject an appropriate amount of high-purity fusion fuel gas into the vacuum chamber. For example, the fusion fuel gas may include hydrogen or deuterium.

[0098] Step 408: Control the magnet power supply to transmit current to the first coil and the second coil located at the two ends of the vacuum chamber in the axial direction in the nuclear fusion reaction device, so that two magnetic zero points are formed at the two ends of the vacuum chamber in the axial direction, and two plasma rings are generated at the two magnetic zero points.

[0099] For example, referring to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 , the first coil 302 and the second coil 303 may be charged to generate two plasma rings at the double magnetic zero points at the top and bottom of the vacuum chamber 301 .

[0100] Step 410: Control the magnet power supply to transmit current to each first coil and each second coil in sequence from both ends to the middle of the axial direction.

[0101] For example, with reference to Figures 7 to 9, plasma ring fusion compression can be performed in step 410. The magnet power supply can transmit current to multiple groups of first coils and multiple groups of second coils in sequence to push the two plasma rings to move toward the equatorial plane and fuse into a plasma current ring. Each group of first coils includes two first coils that are symmetrical about the reference plane, and each group of second coils includes two second coils that are symmetrical about the reference plane. Large-scale magnetic reconnection occurs in this process, and magnetic energy can be converted into the internal energy of the plasma. The plasma is heated to the fusion temperature, and a fusion reaction is generated. In some embodiments, if the first coil and the second coil are not symmetrical about the reference plane, each group of first coils may include at least two first coils respectively located on both sides of the reference plane, and each group of second coils may include at least two second coils respectively located on both sides of the reference plane.

[0102] Step 412: Based on the parameters detected by the plasma diagnostic unit in the nuclear fusion reaction system, adjust the current transmitted by the magnet power supply to each first coil and each second coil, so that the two plasma rings are fused into a negative triangle plasma ring, and the plasma in the plasma ring is heated to the fusion temperature to produce a fusion reaction.

[0103] Step 412 involves monitoring and controlling plasma parameters. In this step, the plasma diagnostic unit can be used to monitor the plasma's density, temperature, impurities, and magnetic field in real time. Based on these monitoring results, the currents of the multiple sets of first coils and the multiple sets of second coils are adjusted in real time to precisely control the shape and position of the plasma.

[0104] In the nuclear fusion reaction method provided in the embodiment of the present application, a first coil arranged outside the vacuum chamber is used in conjunction with a second coil 303 to generate a plasma ring at the double magnetic zero point in the vacuum chamber, without the need to set an induction coil inside the vacuum chamber to generate the plasma ring. In this way, the coil used to generate the plasma ring is far away from the plasma, which can avoid damage caused by interaction with the plasma. Moreover, in the process of the plasma ring moving toward the equatorial plane of the vacuum chamber and merging in the embodiment of the present application, as shown in Figure 9, the large radius of the plasma ring will decrease, and accordingly the volume of the plasma ring will decrease to a certain extent, which is more conducive to the release of heat energy, so it can be easier to heat the plasma to the fusion temperature, reducing the difficulty of triggering the fusion reaction.

[0105] The foregoing description describes specific embodiments of the present application. Other embodiments are within the scope of the appended claims. In some cases, the actions or steps recited in the claims can be performed in an order different from that described in the embodiments and still achieve the desired results. Furthermore, the processes depicted in the accompanying drawings do not necessarily require the specific order shown or the sequential order to achieve the desired results. In certain embodiments, multitasking and parallel processing are also possible or may be advantageous.

[0106] Those skilled in the art should also be aware that the embodiments described in the specification are all preferred embodiments, and the actions and modules involved are not necessarily required by this application. In the above embodiments, the description of each embodiment has its own emphasis. For parts not detailed in one embodiment, please refer to the relevant description of other embodiments.

[0107] The preferred embodiments disclosed above are intended only to help illustrate the present application. The optional embodiments do not exhaustively describe all details, nor do they limit the present application to the specific embodiments described. Obviously, many modifications and variations can be made based on the content of the present application. The present application selects and describes these embodiments in detail in order to better explain the principles and practical applications of the present application, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to better understand and utilize the present application.

Claims

1. A nuclear fusion reaction device, comprising: An annular vacuum chamber, a plurality of first coils, a plurality of second coils, and a plurality of third coils; The outer wall of the vacuum chamber comprises an inner annular surface and an outer annular surface connected to each other, the outer annular surface surrounds the inner annular surface, and the inner annular surface protrudes toward the central axis of the vacuum chamber; The vacuum chamber surrounds the plurality of first coils, at least some of the plurality of first coils extend along the circumferential direction of the inner annular surface, and are arranged sequentially in the axial direction of the vacuum chamber; The plurality of second coils surround the vacuum chamber, the plurality of second coils extend along the circumferential direction of the outer annular surface, and are arranged in sequence in the axial direction of the vacuum chamber; The plurality of third coils all surround the vacuum chamber and are arranged in sequence along the circumference of the vacuum chamber; The plurality of first coils, the plurality of second coils and the plurality of third coils are used to generate a magnetic field, so that a negative triangular plasma ring is generated in the vacuum chamber and a fusion reaction occurs.

2. The nuclear fusion reaction device according to claim 1, wherein: The axial space of the vacuum chamber gradually increases along the direction from the central axis to the outer edge of the vacuum chamber.

3. The nuclear fusion reaction device according to claim 2, wherein: The cross-section of the vacuum chamber is in an inverted D-shape or a triangle, and the cross-section is a plane where the central axis of the vacuum chamber is located.

4. The nuclear fusion reaction device according to claim 3, wherein: The third coil is in an inverted D shape or a triangle shape.

5. The nuclear fusion reaction device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: At least one first coil among the plurality of first coils surrounds another first coil.

6. The nuclear fusion reaction device according to claim 5, wherein: At least three first coils located on one side of a reference plane are arranged in a triangle, and the reference plane is perpendicular to the axial direction of the vacuum chamber.

7. The nuclear fusion reaction device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a plurality of fourth coils; The plurality of fourth coils are surrounded by the vacuum chamber and are arranged in sequence along the axial direction of the vacuum chamber, and at least one of the fourth coils is surrounded by the plurality of first coils.

8. The nuclear fusion reaction device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The vacuum chamber has an annular diameter ratio of less than 3.

9. The nuclear fusion reaction device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a divertor, wherein the divertor is located at a junction area between the inner annular surface and the outer annular surface of the vacuum chamber.

10. The nuclear fusion reaction device according to claim 9, further comprising an air pump connected to the divertor.

11. A nuclear fusion reaction system, comprising: The nuclear fusion reaction device according to any one of claims 1 to 10; A magnet power supply connected to the coil in the nuclear fusion reaction device and configured to transmit current to the coil; a plasma diagnostic unit configured to detect parameters of plasma in a vacuum chamber of the nuclear fusion reaction device; as well as A control unit is configured to adjust the current delivered to the coil based on the parameter.

12. A nuclear fusion reaction method, applied to the nuclear fusion reaction system according to claim 11, the method comprising: Starting an exhaust pump in the nuclear fusion reaction system to exhaust the gas in the vacuum chamber of the nuclear fusion reaction device in the nuclear fusion reaction system; Starting a magnet power supply in the nuclear fusion reaction system to transmit current to a plurality of third coils in the nuclear fusion reaction device, so as to generate a toroidal magnetic field in the vacuum chamber; Controlling the air inlet valve in the nuclear fusion reaction device to inject fusion fuel gas into the vacuum chamber; Controlling the magnet power supply to transmit current to the first coil and the second coil located at two ends of the vacuum chamber in the axial direction in the nuclear fusion reaction device, so that two magnetic zero points are formed at two ends of the vacuum chamber in the axial direction, and two plasma rings are generated at the two magnetic zero points; Controlling the magnet power supply to transmit current to each first coil and each second coil in sequence from both ends to the middle along the axial direction; Based on the parameters detected by the plasma diagnostic unit in the nuclear fusion reaction system, the current transmitted by the magnet power supply to each first coil and each second coil is adjusted to make the two plasma rings fuse into a negative triangle-shaped plasma ring, and the plasma in the plasma ring is heated to the fusion temperature to produce a fusion reaction.

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