Plasma generation system, nuclear fusion reaction system and method

Abstract

The invention provides a plasma generation system and a nuclear fusion reaction system and method. The plasma generation system comprises a plasma generation assembly and a motion assembly connected with the plasma generation assembly. The movement assembly is used for driving the plasma generation assembly to move in a target direction; the plasma generation assembly is used for emitting plasma when moving to a target position. The plasma generation system can be applied to the nuclear fusion reaction chamber to generate a plasma ring, the difficulty of plasma generation in the nuclear fusion reaction chamber is reduced, and the nuclear fusion reaction effect is further improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of nuclear fusion technology, and particularly relates to a plasma generation system, a nuclear fusion reaction system, and a method. Background Art

[0002] Currently, nuclear fusion technology has been widely studied due to its advantage of generating a large amount of clean energy by using low-cost substances.

[0003] A nuclear fusion reaction device (such as a tokamak device) can use a central solenoid to generate a changing magnetic field, and then induce a toroidal electric field in the reaction chamber. This toroidal electric field ionizes the gas to generate plasma. Then, the plasma is heated to the nuclear fusion reaction temperature, and then the nuclear fusion reaction occurs to release energy.

[0004] In this method, since the resistance of the gas is greater than that of the reaction chamber wall, a lot of energy will be absorbed by the reaction chamber wall during the electromagnetic induction process, resulting in a low energy utilization rate during the plasma excitation process and a high difficulty in generating plasma, which will further affect the effect of the nuclear fusion reaction. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, this application provides a plasma generation system, a nuclear fusion reaction system, and a method. The plasma generation system can be applied to a nuclear fusion reaction chamber to generate a plasma ring therein, reduce the difficulty of generating plasma in the nuclear fusion reaction chamber, and thus improve the effect of the nuclear fusion reaction.

[0006] On the one hand, this application provides a plasma generation system, which includes: a plasma generation component and a connected motion component;

[0007] The motion component is used to drive the plasma generation component to move in a target direction;

[0008] The plasma generation component is used to emit plasma when it moves to a target position.

[0009] On the other hand, this application provides a nuclear fusion reaction system, which includes: a reaction chamber and the above-mentioned plasma generation system;

[0010] The motion component in the plasma generation system is used to drive the plasma generation component to move in a target direction;

[0011] The plasma generation component is used to inject plasma into the reaction chamber when it moves to a target position in the reaction chamber, so as to form a plasma ring in the reaction chamber for a nuclear fusion reaction.

[0012] In another aspect, the present application provides a nuclear fusion reaction method, which is applied to the above-mentioned nuclear fusion reaction system. The nuclear fusion reaction system further includes a central solenoid and a poloidal magnetic field coil. The method includes:

[0013] Driving the plasma generating assembly to move along a target direction to a target position in the reaction chamber by a motion assembly;

[0014] Injecting plasma into the reaction chamber through the plasma generating assembly to generate an initial plasma current loop in the reaction chamber;

[0015] Applying current to the central solenoid to generate a main plasma current loop based on the initial plasma current loop;

[0016] Applying current to the poloidal magnetic field coil to move and compress the main plasma current loop until a fusion condition is reached to generate a fusion reaction.

[0017] In the plasma generating system provided by the present application, the motion assembly can drive the plasma generating assembly to move in the target direction, and the plasma generating assembly emits plasma when it moves to the target position. This plasma generating system can be applied to a nuclear fusion system so that when the plasma generating assembly moves to the target position in the reaction chamber, plasma is injected into the reaction chamber to generate a plasma loop in the reaction chamber. Furthermore, there is no need to consume additional energy to ionize gas to generate plasma in the nuclear fusion reaction chamber, which can reduce the difficulty of generating plasma in the nuclear fusion reaction chamber and thus improve the nuclear fusion reaction effect. Description of the Drawings

[0018] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a plasma generating system provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0019] Figure 2 is a schematic structural diagram of a nuclear fusion reaction system provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0020] Figure 3 is a schematic structural diagram of another nuclear fusion reaction system provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0021] Figure 4 is a schematic structural diagram of yet another nuclear fusion reaction system provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0022] Figure 5 is a schematic structural diagram of still another nuclear fusion reaction system provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0023] Figure 6 is a schematic structural diagram of a nuclear fusion reaction system provided by another embodiment of the present application;

[0024] Figure 7 It is a flowchart of a nuclear fusion reaction method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0025] Figure 8 It is a flowchart of another nuclear fusion reaction method provided by an embodiment of the present application. Detailed implementation manners

[0026] Many specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present application. However, the present application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar generalizations without departing from the connotation of the present application. Therefore, the present application is not limited by the specific implementations disclosed below.

[0027] 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 "a", "the" and "said" used in one or more embodiments of the present application and the appended claims are also intended to include the 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 of the 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 "comprising" is an open description and should be understood as "including but not limited to", and other contents may also be included on the basis of the described contents.

[0028] It should be understood that although the terms "first", "second", etc. may be used in one or more embodiments of the present application to describe various information, such information should not be limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish the same type of information from each other. For example, without departing from the scope of one or more embodiments of the present application, "first" can also be referred to as "second", and similarly, "second" can also be referred to as "first". Depending on the context, the word "if" as used herein can be interpreted as "when" or "while" or "in response to determining".

[0029] Currently, nuclear fusion is considered an ideal option to solve the human energy problem. Through nuclear fusion reactions, a large amount of clean energy can be provided, and the fuel required for nuclear fusion reactions is widely sourced and has a low cost. Correspondingly, nuclear fusion reaction devices have been widely studied. For example, the tokamak device is a nuclear fusion reaction device that has been studied more.

[0030] Tokamak devices can use a central solenoid to generate a changing magnetic field to induce a toroidal electric field in the reaction chamber. This toroidal electric field ionizes the gas in the reaction chamber to generate plasma. Tokamak devices also generate a magnetic field through other magnets to confine the plasma and control its movement, heating the plasma to the fusion temperature to initiate a nuclear fusion reaction. In this method, since the resistance of the gas in the reaction chamber is greater than that of the reaction chamber wall, a lot of energy will be absorbed by the reaction chamber wall during the electromagnetic induction process, resulting in a low energy utilization rate during the plasma excitation process.

[0031] In related technologies, a filament can be used to generate seed electrons, and these electrons collide with gas-phase molecules to generate plasma. However, this method is suitable for generating in a relatively low-temperature environment. The temperature required in the reaction chamber of a nuclear fusion reaction scenario is relatively high, and the filament cannot be placed inside the reaction chamber. It is difficult to meet the requirements of a nuclear fusion reaction using this method to generate plasma. In another method, microwave pre-ionization of gas can also be used to generate plasma. However, microwave systems are often large in volume and complex in structure, and the energy utilization efficiency is still relatively low.

[0032] The embodiments of the present application provide a plasma generation system. This plasma generation system can be applied to the nuclear fusion reaction scenario for pre-ionization of plasma, reducing the difficulty of generating plasma in the nuclear fusion reaction scenario, and can generate plasma with a relatively high energy utilization rate, ensuring a good nuclear fusion reaction effect. The embodiments of the present application also relate to a nuclear fusion reaction system and a nuclear fusion reaction method.

[0033] Figure 1 It is a schematic structural diagram of a plasma generation system provided by an embodiment of the present application. As Figure 1 shown, the plasma generation system 10 includes: a plasma generation component 101 and a connected motion component 102. The motion component 102 can drive the plasma generation component 101 to move in a target direction. The plasma generation component 101 can emit plasma when it moves to the target position.

[0034] The plasma generation component 101 can be connected to the first end of the motion component 102, and the second end of the motion component 102 can be fixed at a certain position. The target direction is the arrangement direction of the plasma generation component 101 and the motion component 102, such as Figure 1in the y-direction. The movement of the plasma generation component 101 in the target direction can also be referred to as the telescoping of the plasma generation component 101. During this movement, the plasma generation component 101 can have an extended state and a retracted state. This state can be determined based on the relative position of the plasma generation component 101 and the second end of the movement component 102. For example, the retracted state of the plasma generation component 101 can be its state close to the second end, and the extended state of the plasma generation component 101 can be its state far from the second end.

[0035] The plasma generation component 101 emits plasma when it moves to the target position and can stop emitting plasma when it leaves the target position (such as being in the retracted state). In some embodiments, the plasma generation component 101 can also emit plasma at other positions outside the target position.

[0036] The plasma generation system 10 can be applied to the nuclear fusion reaction scenario. For example, the movement component 102 can drive the plasma generation component 101 to move to the target position in the nuclear fusion reaction chamber and output plasma into the nuclear fusion reaction chamber, thereby forming a plasma ring in the nuclear fusion reaction chamber, which is convenient for the magnets in the nuclear fusion reaction device to perform subsequent constraint and control on the plasma, and realize the nuclear fusion reaction. Through this plasma generation system, plasma can be generated in the nuclear fusion reaction chamber relatively simply and efficiently. Furthermore, there is no need to consume additional energy to ionize gas to generate plasma in the nuclear fusion reaction chamber, which can reduce the difficulty of generating plasma in the nuclear fusion reaction scenario and improve the nuclear fusion reaction effect.

[0037] In some embodiments, after the plasma ring is formed in the nuclear fusion reaction chamber, the movement component 102 can drive the plasma generation component 101 to leave the nuclear fusion reaction chamber, which can avoid the plasma generation component 101 affecting the subsequent plasma control process and also avoid the damage to the plasma generation component 101 caused by the heat generated during the plasma control process.

[0038] In the embodiments of the present application, the plasma generation system 10 can also be applied to other scenarios other than nuclear fusion reactions to generate plasma, which is not limited here.

[0039] Please continue to refer to Figure 1 ., the plasma generation component 101 can include a plasma chamber 1011. The plasma chamber 1011 is a hollow structure, and the plasma generation component 101 can generate plasma in the plasma chamber 1011. Opposite ends of the plasma chamber 1011 (such as Figure 1Both ends of K1 and K2 (in the plasma chamber 1011) may have openings. The plasma generated in the plasma chamber 1011 can be output from the openings at both ends thereof, thereby forming a plasma ring.

[0040] The plasma chamber 1011 in the plasma generating assembly 101 may be a tubular structure. As Figure 1 shown, the plasma chamber 1011 may be a straight tubular structure; alternatively, the plasma chamber may also be an arc-shaped tubular structure. In some embodiments, the plasma chamber 1011 may be a circular tube, a square tube or other styles of tubular structures.

[0041] The material of the plasma chamber 1011 may be an insulating material such as quartz or glass. The volume of the plasma chamber 1011 is small. The diameter range of the plasma chamber 1011 may be 3 cm to 5 cm, and the length range may be 6 cm to 9 cm. For example, the diameter of the plasma chamber 1011 is 4 cm and the length is 8 cm. The diameter and length of the plasma chamber 1011 may be positively correlated with the volume of the target device (such as the reaction chamber of a nuclear fusion reaction device) that requires plasma. For different target devices, the diameter and length of the plasma chamber 1011 may be adjusted accordingly.

[0042] Please continue to refer to Figure 1 Figure, the plasma generating system 10 may further include a gas injection assembly 104. The gas injection assembly 104 is connected to the plasma chamber 1011 and is used to inject working gas into the plasma chamber 1011. When the working gas is broken down by energy, plasma can be generated in the plasma chamber 1011. Exemplarily, the working gas may include hydrogen or deuterium.

[0043] In some embodiments, in addition to the above-mentioned opposite ends K1 and K2 having openings, a third end may protrude between the opposite ends of the plasma chamber 1011, and the third end also has an opening, which can be used to inject the working gas required to generate plasma, such as the third end communicating with the gas injection assembly 104. In some embodiments, only a gas injection port may be provided between the opposite ends of the plasma chamber 1011, without a protruding structure.

[0044] The gas injection assembly 104 may include: an injection pipeline 1041 and a gas storage component 1042. Both ends of the injection pipeline 1041 are respectively connected to the plasma chamber 1011 and the gas storage component 1042. The injection pipeline 1041 may communicate with the internal space of the plasma chamber 1011. The gas storage component 1042 is used to store the working gas, and the working gas is injected into the plasma chamber 1011 through the injection pipeline 1041. The gas storage component 1042 may be a gas cylinder.

[0045] The gas injection assembly 104 may further include a valve (not shown in the figure). The valve is located between the plasma chamber 1011 and the gas storage component 1042, such as on the injection pipe 1041 or at the connection position of the injection pipe 1041 and the gas storage component 1042. When the valve 1041 is opened, the working gas in the gas storage component 1042 is injected into the plasma chamber 1011 through the injection pipe 1041.

[0046] The density of the plasma excited in the plasma chamber 1011 may be positively correlated with the air pressure in the plasma chamber 1011. In the embodiments of the present application, the amount and rate of the gas injected into the plasma chamber 1011 by the gas injection assembly 104 may be determined based on the required plasma density.

[0047] In the embodiments of the present application, after the working gas is injected into the plasma chamber 1011, the air pressure in the plasma chamber 1011 reaches, for example, the order of 1 to 10 Pa (Pa), which is sufficient to generate the required plasma. When a nuclear fusion reaction occurs in the nuclear fusion reaction chamber, a vacuum state needs to be maintained, and the air pressure therein is approximately maintained at 1E-5 Pa. The volume of the plasma chamber 1011 is small, and the gas contained therein is also small. Even if the working gas in the plasma chamber 1011 completely diffuses into the nuclear fusion reaction chamber, it will only make the overall air pressure in the nuclear fusion reaction chamber reach 1E-3 Pa, and this air pressure is still within the working air pressure range in which the nuclear fusion reaction can be normally realized. Therefore, the influence of the working gas on the state of the nuclear fusion reaction chamber can be avoided, and the normal progress of the nuclear fusion reaction can be ensured.

[0048] The plasma generation assembly 101 in the embodiments of the present application may be a structure prepared based on any plasma generation method. Correspondingly, there are various ways to generate plasma in the plasma chamber 1011. In one way, plasma can be generated in the plasma chamber 1011 by applying a voltage between the cathode plate and the anode plate. In another way, the plasma generation assembly 101 may be a helicon wave plasma source, and helicon wave plasma can be generated in the plasma chamber 1011. The following continues to combine Figure 1 This method is used to introduce the plasma generation assembly 101 and other components in the plasma generation system 10 in detail.

[0049] Please continue to refer to Figure 1, the plasma generating assembly 101 may further include a helicon antenna 1012. The helicon antenna 1012 surrounds the internal space of the plasma chamber 1011. The helicon antenna 1012 can generate helicon waves in the plasma chamber 1011 to inject energy into the plasma chamber 1011 based on the helicon waves. Through this energy, the gas in the plasma chamber 1011 (such as the working gas injected by the breakdown gas injection assembly 104) can be ionized, and plasma can be generated in the plasma chamber 1011 (this plasma can be called helicon plasma). The generation density and efficiency of the helicon plasma can be relatively high, and the plasma energy can be controlled by controlling the helicon antenna. Therefore, a higher-quality plasma can be obtained by using this plasma generating assembly 101, improving the nuclear fusion reaction effect.

[0050] Please continue to refer to Figure 1 , the plasma generating system 10 may further include an energy source. The helicon antenna 1012 is connected to the energy source, and the energy source transmits energy (such as a current under certain conditions) to the helicon antenna 1012. The helicon antenna 1012 couples the received energy and feeds it into the internal space of the plasma chamber 1011. The density of the plasma excited in the plasma chamber 1011 may be positively correlated with the power of the energy source. In the embodiments of the present application, the power of the energy source can be determined based on the required plasma density.

[0051] Exemplarily, please continue to refer to Figure 1 , the energy source in the plasma generating system 10 can be a radio frequency wave source 103 for emitting radio frequency waves. The radio frequency wave source 103 transmits radio frequency wave energy to the helicon antenna 1012, and the helicon antenna 1012 couples the received radio frequency wave energy to the helicon waves it emits, so that the helicon waves with this energy ionize the gas in the internal space of the plasma chamber 1011 to generate plasma. In some embodiments, the energy source can also be a microwave source, or other energy sources that can excite the helicon antenna to generate helicon waves.

[0052] In the embodiments of the present application, by adjusting the parameters of the radio frequency wave source 103, the energy transmitted by the radio frequency wave source 103 to the helicon antenna can be controlled, and the energy of the excited plasma can be controlled. The parameter modulation range of the radio frequency wave source 103 can be relatively wide, and thus relatively rich control of the plasma can be achieved.

[0053] In the embodiments of the present application, it is only necessary to ensure that the helical wave antenna 1012 surrounds the internal space of the plasma chamber 1011, so that energy can be injected into this internal space. In one embodiment, the helical wave antenna 1012 can be sleeved outside the plasma chamber 1011 and surround the entire plasma chamber 1011. In one embodiment, the helical wave antenna 1012 can also be embedded in the wall of the plasma chamber 1011.

[0054] As Figure 1 shown, the helical wave antenna 1012 is helically and evenly wound around the plasma chamber 1011. Figure 1 The part indicated by the dashed line in the helical wave antenna 1012 refers to the part blocked by the plasma chamber 1011 in the Figure 1 view. The winding manner of the helical wave antenna 1012 can also be different from the Figure 1 shown manner, and it is only necessary to ensure that the helical wave antenna 1012 can emit helical waves that meet the requirements. For example, the winding of the helical wave antenna 1012 on the plasma chamber 1011 can be uneven, or the number of winding turns on the plasma chamber 1011 can be more or less compared to Figure 1 that.

[0055] In the embodiments of the present application, the plasma generating assembly 101, the radio frequency wave source 103, and the gas injection assembly 104 can jointly form a plasma generator, and this plasma generator can also independently generate plasma. In some embodiments, the plasma generating system 10 may not include the radio frequency wave source 103 and / or the gas injection assembly 104.

[0056] For the above-mentioned plasma generating assembly 101, the moving assembly 102 can be connected to the plasma chamber 1011. Please continue to refer to Figure 1 . The moving assembly 102 can drive the plasma chamber 1011 to move in the target direction, and this target direction (such as the Figure 1 y direction in) can intersect with the arrangement direction of the opposite ends of the plasma chamber 1011 (such as the Figure 1 x direction in). The arrangement direction of the opposite ends of the plasma chamber 1011 can be the length direction of the plasma chamber 1011. For example, the target direction is perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the opposite ends.

[0057] The motion component 102 can be connected to the portion between the opposite ends of the plasma chamber 1011. If the motion component is connected to the middle region of the plasma chamber 1011, the plasma generation system 10 can be of a T-shaped structure. The injection pipe 1041 in the gas injection component 104 and the position where the motion component 102 is connected in the plasma chamber 1011 can be staggered from each other. The motion component 102 and the plasma chamber 1011 can be of an integral structure, or can be snap-connected or thread-connected to the plasma chamber 1011. Figure 1 Taking the motion component 102 being strip-shaped as an example, the cross-section of the motion component 102 can be circular, square or any other shape, which is not limited here. The motion component 102 can also be plate-shaped or other shapes.

[0058] In one embodiment, the motion component 102 is a telescopic structure. Exemplarily, the motion component 102 can include multiple articulated motion parts, and each motion part can rotate to fold and unfold, so as to adjust the overall length of the motion component 102 in the target direction. Another example is that the motion component 102 can include multiple motion parts with different diameters connected in sequence, and each motion part can telescopically move in the target direction to adjust the overall length of the motion component 102 in the target direction. Among two adjacent motion parts with different diameters, the motion part with a larger diameter can be a hollow structure, and the motion part with a smaller diameter can be contracted into the motion part with a larger diameter.

[0059] In another embodiment, the motion component 102 can be a structure with a fixed form, and the motion component 102 can move as a whole in the target direction to drive the plasma chamber 1011 to move correspondingly in the target direction. For example, the motion component 102 includes a connected base and a motion part, the position of the base is fixed, and one end of the motion part is connected to the plasma generation component 101. The motion part can move relative to the base in the target direction to drive the plasma generation component 101 to move in the target direction. Another example is that the motion component 102 includes a connecting rod and a card slot, a partial area of the connecting rod is located in the card slot, and the connecting rod can move in the card slot, and one end of the connecting rod is connected to the plasma generation component 101. The connecting rod can be made to move relative to the card slot in the target direction to drive the plasma generation component 101 to move in the target direction.

[0060] In the embodiments of the present application, the maximum telescopic distance of the moving component 102 in the target direction can reach 10 centimeters. This maximum telescopic distance can be adjusted according to actual requirements. For example, the maximum telescopic distance can also reach 20 centimeters or even greater, and no limitation is made here. The moving speed of the moving component 102 can reach 20 meters per second (m / s). In this way, it can be ensured that the plasma chamber 1011 achieves a displacement of 10 centimeters within 5 milliseconds, which is convenient for the rapid control of the plasma generating component 101. The moving speed of the moving component 102 can also be 15 m / s, 30 m / s or other speeds, and no limitation is made here.

[0061] In the embodiments of the present application, the connection line between the helical wave antenna 1012 and the radio frequency wave source 103 can be flexible, and the injection pipe 1041 in the gas injection component 104 can also be flexible. In this way, when the plasma chamber 1011 moves, it can avoid the displacement limitation of the connection line and the injection pipe 1041 on the plasma chamber 1011, and ensure the working reliability of the plasma generating system 10.

[0062] Please continue to refer to Figure 1 , the plasma generating system 10 may further include a control unit 105. The control unit 105 can be connected to the radio frequency wave source 103, the gas injection component 104 and the moving component 102. This connection can be a communication connection or a direct connection through a wire. Figure 1 Only the connection relationship between the control unit 105 and the moving component 102 is shown in

[0063] The control unit 105 can transmit radio frequency wave energy to the helical wave antenna 1012 by controlling the radio frequency wave source 103, so that the helical wave antenna 1012 injects energy into the plasma chamber 1011, thereby realizing the control of the plasma generating component 101 to emit plasma. The control unit 105 can be connected to the valve in the gas injection component 104 to control the opening and closing of the valve, thereby realizing the control of injecting the working gas into the plasma chamber 1011.

[0064] For other forms of plasma generating components 101, the control unit 105 can also be directly connected to the plasma generating component 101 to directly control the plasma generating component 101 to emit plasma.

[0065] In summary, in the plasma generation system provided by the embodiments of the present application, the moving component can drive the plasma generation component to move in the target direction, and the plasma generation component emits plasma when it moves to the target position. This plasma generation system can be applied to a nuclear fusion system so that when the plasma generation component moves to the target position in the reaction chamber, plasma is injected into the reaction chamber, so that a plasma ring is generated in the reaction chamber. Furthermore, in the nuclear fusion reaction chamber, there is no need to consume additional energy to ionize gas to generate plasma, which can reduce the difficulty of generating plasma in the nuclear fusion reaction chamber, and thus improve the nuclear fusion reaction effect.

[0066] Figure 2 FIG. 4 is a schematic structural diagram of a nuclear fusion reaction system provided by an embodiment of the present application. Figure 3 FIG. 5 is a schematic structural diagram of another nuclear fusion reaction system provided by an embodiment of the present application. Figure 2 It may be a schematic diagram of a cross-section of the nuclear fusion reaction system. Figure 3 It may be a schematic diagram of a longitudinal section of the nuclear fusion reaction system. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the nuclear fusion reaction system may include a reaction chamber 20 and the above-mentioned plasma generation system 10, and the reaction chamber 20 is annular. Figure 2 and Figure 3 Only a partial area of the reaction chamber 20 is schematically shown. Since it is usually necessary to keep the reaction chamber 20 in a vacuum state during the nuclear fusion reaction, the reaction chamber 20 may also be referred to as a vacuum chamber. Figure 2 and Figure 3 Only a partial area of the reaction chamber 20 is schematically shown. Since it is usually necessary to keep the reaction chamber 20 in a vacuum state during the nuclear fusion reaction, the reaction chamber 20 may also be referred to as a vacuum chamber.

[0067] The moving component 102 in the plasma generation system 10 can drive the plasma generation component 101 to move in the target direction. For example, the plasma generation component 101 can be moved to the target position in the reaction chamber 20. In this case, the plasma generation component 101 can generate plasma, and this plasma can enter the reaction chamber 20 to form a plasma ring in the reaction chamber 20, and then a fusion reaction can be realized based on this plasma ring. For example, the plasma generation component 101 includes a plasma chamber 1011 and a helical wave antenna 1012. The plasma generation component 101 can be moved into the reaction chamber 20 so that the plasma generated in the plasma chamber 1011 enters the reaction chamber 20.

[0068] In one embodiment, the plasma generating assembly 101 can be fixedly arranged in the reaction chamber 20. In another embodiment, the plasma generating assembly 101 only moves into the reaction chamber 20 at certain moments. For example, after the initial plasma current loop is formed, the plasma generating assembly 101 can move outside the reaction chamber 20 to avoid the plasma generating assembly 101 affecting the subsequent plasma control process, and also to avoid damage to the plasma generating assembly 101 caused by the heat generated during the plasma control process.

[0069] The nuclear fusion reaction system can include a plurality of toroidal magnetic field coils longitudinally surrounding the reaction chamber 20, and the toroidal magnetic field coils can generate a toroidal magnetic field in the reaction chamber 20. As Figure 2 the direction b in shows the toroidal magnetic field direction. Under the action of this toroidal magnetic field, the plasma entering the reaction chamber 20 from the plasma chamber 1011 can form an initial plasma current loop. Figure 2 The arc shown by the dotted line in is used to represent this initial plasma current loop. The initial plasma current loop can reduce the resistance of the gas in the reaction chamber 20, making it easier for the gas in the reaction chamber 20 to be broken down.

[0070] The nuclear fusion reaction system can also include a central solenoid and poloidal magnetic field coils. The reaction chamber 20 surrounds the central solenoid, and the central solenoid can be arranged along the central axis of the reaction chamber 20. The poloidal magnetic field coils can be located outside the reaction chamber 20 and laterally surround the reaction chamber 20. The central solenoid and the poloidal magnetic field coils can generate corresponding magnetic fields respectively. The magnetic field generated by the central solenoid can induce an electric field in the toroidal direction of the reaction chamber 20, and this electric field further ionizes the gas with reduced resistance in the reaction chamber 20 to form a main plasma current loop. The current value of this main plasma current loop can be higher than the current value of the initial plasma current loop. The magnetic field generated by the poloidal magnetic field coils can push and compress this main plasma current loop until the fusion condition (such as the plasma is heated to the fusion reaction temperature) is reached to generate a fusion reaction.

[0071] As Figure 2 shown, when the plasma generating assembly 101 moves into the reaction chamber 20 (such as moving to the target position in the reaction chamber 20), the arrangement direction of the opposite ends K1 and K2 with openings in the plasma chamber 1011 (such as Figure 2 the x direction in) intersects with the radial direction (such as Figure 2 the y direction in) and the axial direction (such as Figure 3 the z direction in) of the reaction chamber 20. For example, this arrangement direction can be perpendicular to the radial and axial directions of the reaction chamber 20. In this way, the plasma output from the opening of the plasma chamber 1011 can be directly distributed in the toroidal magnetic field direction, facilitating the more efficient formation of a plasma current loop transmitted along this toroidal magnetic field direction under the action of the toroidal magnetic field.

[0072] The plasma generation assembly 101 can be moved to the intermediate region in the radial direction within the reaction chamber 20, such as when the target position is in this intermediate region. In the embodiments of the present application, this intermediate region can refer to the region where the midpoint in the radial direction is located within the annular width of the reaction chamber 20. Thus, the plasma output from the opening of the plasma chamber 1011 can be directly located in this intermediate region, without the need for additional radial position adjustment of the plasma, facilitating the formation of a plasma current loop that meets the requirements.

[0073] In the embodiments of the present application, plasma is generated in a relatively small plasma chamber 1011 in the nuclear fusion reaction system. In one example, the plasma chamber 1011 is circular tubular, with a diameter of 4 cm and a length of 8 cm, so its volume is 32π cubic centimeters. The radius of the initial plasma current loop is 0.5 m, the cross-sectional area is 4π square centimeters, and the volume is approximately 400π 2 cubic centimeters. The volume ratio of the two is approximately 1 / 40, and the working pressure of the helicon wave plasma is approximately 1 Pa (Pascal). Therefore, the pressure that the plasma experiences after entering the reaction chamber 20 is approximately 0.025 Pa, and this pressure meets the requirements for gas breakdown and discharge in the fusion reaction system.

[0074] As Figure 3 shown, the nuclear fusion reaction system can include two plasma generation systems 10, and these two plasma generation systems 10 can be respectively located at the top and bottom of the reaction chamber 20. The specific setting positions of the plasma generation system 10 at the top and bottom of the reaction chamber 20 can be determined based on the position of the required initial plasma current loop. For example, the plasma generation system 10 located at the top of the reaction chamber 20 can be located at one-third of the height in the upper half of the reaction chamber 20, or it can also be located at half or one-fourth of the height, which is not limited here.

[0075] The two plasma generation systems 10 can be arranged in alignment in the axial direction of the reaction chamber 20. As Figure 3 shown, the orthographic projections of the two plasma generation systems 10 on the reference plane can coincide, and this reference plane can be a plane perpendicular to the z-axis. In some embodiments, the two plasma generation systems 10 can also be arranged staggeredly, such as being located on different sides of the reaction chamber 20.

[0076] This nuclear fusion reaction system can be used to perform multi-stroke fusion compression fusion. Under the action of the two plasma generation systems 10, two local and complete initial plasma current loops can be formed at the top and bottom of the reaction chamber 20 respectively. Based on these initial plasma current loops, two main plasma current loops can be induced at the top and bottom of the reaction chamber 20. The poloidal magnetic field can push these two main plasma current loops towards the equatorial plane of the reaction chamber 20, causing the two main plasma current loops to fuse into one plasma current loop at the equatorial plane, and then further compressed to reach the fusion condition, generating a fusion reaction. This is a stroke of fusion compression fusion. After that, the currents of each coil can be reduced to zero, and the plasma will dissipate. Then this process can be repeated to achieve multi-stroke fusion compression fusion.

[0077] Figure 3 Take the example that the two plasma generation systems 10 both include corresponding control units 105. In some embodiments, the control units 105 in the two plasma generation systems 10 can also be shared.

[0078] Please continue to refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 , a window C can be opened on the side wall of the reaction chamber 20 to facilitate the plasma generation component 101 to enter the interior of the reaction chamber 20 driven by the moving component 102. At least part of the structure of the moving component 102 in the plasma generation system 10 can be located outside the window C (that is, on the side of the window C far from the internal space of the reaction chamber 102), and drive the plasma generation component 101 to move in the target direction, so that the plasma generation component 101 can switch between the first state and the second state. The window C is located in the target direction. The plasma generation component 101 is located outside the window C in the first state and moves through the window C to the target position in the reaction chamber 20 in the second state.

[0079] Figure 2 What is shown is the case where the plasma generation component 101 is in the second state. Figure 3 What is shown is the case where the plasma generation component 101 is in the first state. As Figure 3 shown, in the first state, the plasma generation component 101 can be located at the edge of the window C, basically flush with the wall of the reaction chamber 20. In some embodiments, relative to Figure 3 the schematic, in the first state, the plasma generation component 101 can be closer to the outside of the window C. This first state can be the initial state and the normal state of the plasma generation component 101, and it switches to the second state when plasma needs to be output to the reaction chamber 20, and then switches back to the first state.

[0080] In some embodiments, the shape and size of window C can be set based on the shape and size of the plasma generating assembly 101. For example, the shape of window C can be rectangular, trapezoidal, or other shapes that allow the plasma generating assembly 101 to pass through freely.

[0081] In some embodiments, a closable sealing assembly can be correspondingly provided at the edge of window C. The sealing assembly can be closed to cover window C when the plasma generating assembly 101 is in the first state, so as to further isolate the plasma generating assembly 101 from the internal space of the reaction chamber 20 and avoid damage to the plasma generating assembly 101 caused by the nuclear fusion reaction.

[0082] In the embodiments of the present application, when preparing to supply power to the magnet in the nuclear fusion reaction system, the control unit 105 can control the movement of the moving assembly 102 to drive the plasma generating assembly 101 to move through window C into the reaction chamber 20, that is, to change the plasma generating assembly 101 from the first state to the second state. Figure 4 It is a schematic structural diagram of another nuclear fusion reaction system provided by an embodiment of the present application. The control unit 105 can control the movement of the moving assembly 102 so that the plasma generating assembly 101 changes from Figure 3 the state shown to Figure 4 the state shown. Figure 4 The arrow in the moving assembly 102 of is used to indicate the movement direction of the moving assembly 102.

[0083] Then, the plasma generating assembly 101 can be controlled to inject plasma into the reaction chamber 20. For example, the gas injection assembly 104 is controlled to inject working gas into the plasma chamber 1011, and the radio frequency wave source 103 is controlled to transmit radio frequency wave energy to the helical wave antenna 1012, so that the helical wave antenna 1012 feeds the radio frequency wave energy into the plasma chamber 1011 to ionize the working gas to generate helical wave plasma. The helical wave plasma is discharged from the openings at both ends of the plasma chamber 1011 into the reaction chamber 20 and forms a toroidal initial plasma current. Figure 5 It is a schematic structural diagram of another nuclear fusion reaction system provided by an embodiment of the present application. As Figure 5 shown, a toroidal initial plasma current can be formed in the reaction chamber 20 at the plasma chamber 1011, and the concentric circles indicated by the dashed lines represent the initial plasma current.

[0084] Figure 6 It is a schematic structural diagram of a nuclear fusion reaction system provided by another embodiment of the present application. As Figure 6As shown, after an initial plasma current is formed in the reaction chamber 20, the control unit 105 can further control the movement of the movement assembly 102 to drive the plasma generation assembly 101 to move through window C to the outside of the reaction chamber 20, that is, the plasma generation assembly 101 changes back from the second state to the first state. After the initial plasma current is formed, the plasma generation assembly 101 can stop emitting plasma. For example, the control unit 105 can control the gas injection assembly 104 to stop injecting the working gas into the plasma chamber 1011, and control the RF wave source 103 to stop transmitting RF wave energy to the helical wave antenna 1012.

[0085] After that, the initial plasma current can be controlled. For example, after the plasma generation assembly 101 leaves the target position, the initial plasma current can be controlled to reduce the risk of plasma diffusion and disappearance. Alternatively, the control of the initial plasma current can also be performed after the plasma generation assembly 101 moves outside the reaction chamber 20. For the control of the initial plasma current, please refer to the above relevant introduction about the central solenoid and the poloidal magnetic field coil, which will not be elaborated here.

[0086] In the nuclear fusion reaction system of the embodiments of the present application, helical waves are used for pre-ionization of plasma, and high-density plasma can be efficiently obtained. This plasma can be independently controlled from the magnets in the nuclear fusion reaction system, and relatively rich control can be performed on this plasma.

[0087] Since the working voltage requirement of helical waves is relatively high, if the method of forming plasma with helical waves is directly applied to the nuclear fusion plasma system, usually a large helical wave antenna will be installed in the reaction chamber. In this way, the entire reaction chamber will be at a relatively high voltage when the helical wave breaks down the gas, which will cause the discharge components in the nuclear fusion reaction system to fail to discharge normally, so it is not compatible with the discharge components in the nuclear fusion reaction system. In the embodiments of the present application, a plasma generation system is used to form a local high gas pressure in a small glass tube, and then helical waves are used to break down the gas to generate plasma, so as to generate plasma in a large-volume reaction chamber. In this way, it is possible to avoid the entire reaction chamber working at a high gas pressure and avoid affecting the discharge components in the nuclear fusion reaction system.

[0088] If the helicon wave is directly transmitted into the reaction chamber, plasma will be generated in a relatively large space from top to bottom in the reaction chamber, and it is difficult to generate a complete plasma current loop locally. The plasma generation system adopted in the embodiments of the present application includes a plasma chamber with open ends and a helicon wave antenna nested outside. In this way, the helicon wave plasma generated in the plasma chamber will quickly enter the reaction chamber through the two ends, thereby forming a complete plasma current loop locally. This method is very suitable for a double-ring fusion compression fusion reaction system to generate two local and complete plasma current loops at the top and bottom of the reaction chamber.

[0089] If the plasma generation component is directly arranged inside the reaction chamber, after high-temperature plasma is generated in the reaction chamber, the plasma generation component (such as the helicon wave antenna therein) will affect the subsequent discharge process (such as causing plasma breakup), and the high-temperature plasma may also damage the helicon wave antenna. The plasma generation system adopted in the embodiments of the present application includes a movable component that can expand and contract. It can drive the plasma generation component into the reaction chamber before the discharge component starts to discharge, generate an initial plasma current loop, and then quickly leave the plasma region and enter again when the next discharge occurs. The movement speed of the movable component is relatively fast. For example, it can complete a reciprocating movement process of 10 cm within 5 milliseconds. This time is much shorter than the discharge time of the discharge component in the nuclear fusion reaction system. Therefore, the influence on the discharge process is very small, and it can ensure to avoid the influence on other working processes while efficiently generating plasma. This method is very suitable for a multi-shot fusion reactor where plasma needs to be generated and dissipated periodically.

[0090] In summary, in the nuclear fusion reaction system provided by the embodiments of the present application, a plasma generation system is used to generate plasma. Among them, the movable component drives the plasma generation component to move in the target direction, and the plasma generation component emits plasma when it moves to the target position in the reaction chamber. In this way, plasma can be injected into the reaction chamber to generate a plasma loop in the reaction chamber. Furthermore, in the nuclear fusion reaction chamber, there is no need to consume additional energy to ionize gas to generate plasma, which can reduce the difficulty of generating plasma in the nuclear fusion reaction chamber and thus improve the nuclear fusion reaction effect. And after the plasma loop is generated, the movable component can drive the plasma generation component out of the reaction chamber, which can avoid the influence of the plasma generation component on the nuclear fusion reaction process and avoid the damage of the nuclear fusion reaction process to the plasma generation component.

[0091] The embodiments of the present application also provide a nuclear fusion reaction method, which can be applied to Figures 2 to 6Any of the shown nuclear fusion reaction systems can be executed by a control unit that can be controlled by a staff member. The nuclear fusion reaction method can be cross-referred to the working process of the plasma generation system and the process of carrying out the nuclear fusion reaction described above, and will not be elaborated in detail below.

[0092] Figure 7 is a flowchart of a nuclear fusion reaction method provided by an embodiment of the present application. As Figure 7 shown, the method may include the following steps:

[0093] Step 702: Drive the plasma generation component to move along the target direction to the target position in the reaction chamber through a motion component.

[0094] The plasma generation component of the plasma generation system can always remain in the reaction chamber, or the control unit in the nuclear fusion reaction system can control the plasma generation component of the plasma generation system to move from the state outside the reaction chamber to the reaction chamber, and then step 702 is executed in this case. For example, the control unit can be the control unit in the plasma generation system.

[0095] Step 704: Inject plasma into the reaction chamber through the plasma generation component to generate an initial plasma current loop in the reaction chamber.

[0096] The control unit can control the plasma generation component to generate plasma and inject the plasma into the reaction chamber to generate an initial plasma current loop in the reaction chamber.

[0097] Step 706: Energize the central solenoid to generate a main plasma current loop based on the initial plasma current loop.

[0098] The control unit can control the power supply module of the central solenoid to supply power to the central solenoid to generate a corresponding magnetic field in the reaction chamber, and then generate a main plasma current loop on the basis of the initial plasma current loop under the action of this magnetic field.

[0099] Step 708: Energize the poloidal magnetic field coil to move and compress the main plasma current loop until the fusion condition is reached to generate a fusion reaction.

[0100] The control unit can control the power supply module of the poloidal magnetic field coil to supply power to the poloidal magnetic field coil to generate a corresponding magnetic field in the reaction chamber, and then realize pushing the main plasma current loop to move and compress under the action of this magnetic field until the fusion condition is reached to generate a fusion reaction.

[0101] Figure 8FIG. 0 is a flowchart of another nuclear fusion reaction method provided by an embodiment of the present application. The plasma generation component included in the nuclear fusion reaction system to which this method is applied can be a helicon wave plasma source, and the nuclear fusion reaction system further includes a gas injection component. As Figure 8 shown, the method may include the following steps:

[0102] Step 802: Drive the plasma generation component through the window opened on the side wall of the reaction chamber to move to the target position in the reaction chamber by the motion component.

[0103] Exemplarily, step 802 may correspond to the Figure 4 state of the nuclear fusion reaction system shown.

[0104] Step 804: Inject the working gas into the plasma chamber of the plasma generation component through the gas injection component.

[0105] Step 806: Inject energy into the plasma chamber through the helicon wave antenna of the plasma generation component to generate plasma in the plasma chamber, and the plasma enters the reaction chamber through the opening of the plasma chamber to generate an initial plasma current loop.

[0106] Exemplarily, step 806 may correspond to the Figure 5 state of the nuclear fusion reaction system shown.

[0107] Step 808: Drive the plasma generation component to move outside the window by the motion component.

[0108] Exemplarily, step 808 may correspond to the Figure 6 state of the nuclear fusion reaction system shown.

[0109] Step 810: Energize the central solenoid to generate a main plasma current loop based on the initial plasma current loop.

[0110] Step 812: Energize the poloidal field coils to move and compress the main plasma current loop until the fusion condition is reached to generate a fusion reaction.

[0111] It should be noted that Figure 8Each step in [the description] is only an exemplary description, and it is not necessary to execute in the order shown or to complete the previous step before proceeding to the next step. Taking step 808 and step 810 as an example, during the process of the moving component driving the plasma generating component away from the reaction chamber, as long as the plasma generating component leaves the plasma region, that is, the plasma generating component completely leaves the reaction chamber, the central solenoid can be energized. In this case, it can not only ensure that the main plasma current loop is generated as soon as possible based on the initial plasma current loop, but also ensure that energizing the central solenoid will not damage the plasma generating component.

[0112] In summary, in the nuclear fusion reaction method provided by the embodiments of the present application, a plasma generating system is used to generate plasma. Among them, a moving component drives the plasma generating component to move in a target direction, and the plasma generating component emits plasma when it moves to a target position in the reaction chamber. In this way, plasma can be injected into the reaction chamber to generate a plasma ring in the reaction chamber. Furthermore, in the nuclear fusion reaction chamber, there is no need to consume additional energy to ionize gas to generate plasma, which can reduce the difficulty of generating plasma in the nuclear fusion reaction chamber, and thus improve the nuclear fusion reaction effect. And after the plasma ring is generated, the moving component can drive the plasma generating component to move outside the window, which can avoid the influence of the plasma generating component on the nuclear fusion reaction process and avoid damage to the plasma generating component during the nuclear fusion reaction process.

[0113] The above 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 a different order than in the embodiments and still achieve the desired results. Additionally, the processes depicted in the figures do not necessarily require the specific order or sequential order shown to achieve the desired results. In certain embodiments, multitasking and parallel processing are also possible or may be advantageous.

[0114] 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 essential to the present application. In the above embodiments, each embodiment is described with its own emphasis. For parts not detailed in a certain embodiment, reference can be made to the relevant descriptions of other embodiments.

[0115] The preferred embodiments of the present application disclosed above are only used to help explain the present application. The alternative embodiments do not elaborate on all the details and do not limit the present application to only the specific embodiments described. Obviously, many modifications and variations can be made according to the content of the present application. The present application selects and specifically describes these embodiments to better explain the principles and practical applications of the present application, so that those skilled in the art can understand and utilize the present application well.

Claims

1. A plasma generation system, characterized in that, The plasma generation system includes: a plasma generation component and a motion component connected thereto; The motion component is configured to drive the plasma generation component to move in a target direction; The plasma generation component is configured to emit plasma when it moves to a target position.

2. The plasma generation system according to claim 1, wherein The plasma generation component includes: a plasma chamber, and the motion component is connected to the plasma chamber; The opposite ends of the plasma chamber have openings, plasma is generated in the plasma chamber, and the plasma is output from the openings.

3. The plasma generation system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The target direction intersects with the arrangement direction of the opposite ends.

4. The plasma generation system according to claim 2, wherein The plasma generation component further includes: a helical wave antenna; The helical wave antenna surrounds the inner space of the plasma chamber and is configured to inject energy into the plasma chamber to generate plasma in the plasma chamber.

5. The plasma generation system according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that, The plasma generation system further includes: a gas injection component; The gas injection component is connected to the plasma chamber and is configured to inject a working gas into the plasma chamber; when the working gas is broken down by energy, plasma is generated in the plasma chamber.

6. The plasma generation system according to claim 4, wherein The plasma generation system further includes a radio frequency wave source; the radio frequency wave source is connected to the helical wave antenna and is configured to transmit radio frequency wave energy to the helical wave antenna; the helical wave antenna is configured to couple the radio frequency wave energy and inject it into the plasma chamber.

7. The plasma generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The plasma generation system further includes a control unit, which is configured to control the motion component to move along the target direction and to control the plasma generation component to emit plasma.

8. A nuclear fusion reaction system, characterized in that, The nuclear fusion reaction system includes: a reaction chamber and the plasma generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 7; The motion component in the plasma generation system is configured to drive the plasma generation component to move in a target direction; The plasma generation component is configured to inject plasma into the reaction chamber when it moves to a target position in the reaction chamber, so as to form a plasma ring in the reaction chamber for a fusion reaction.

9. The nuclear fusion reaction system according to claim 8, characterized in that, A window is provided on the side wall of the reaction chamber; the motion component in the plasma generation system is configured to drive the plasma generation component to switch between a first state and a second state; The plasma generation component is located outside the window in the first state and moves through the window to the target position in the reaction chamber in the second state.

10. The nuclear fusion reaction system according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The plasma generation component includes: a plasma chamber, and the opposite ends of the plasma chamber have openings; The reaction chamber is annular. When the plasma chamber moves to the target position in the reaction chamber, the arrangement direction of the opposite ends intersects both the radial direction and the axial direction of the reaction chamber.

11. The nuclear fusion reaction system according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The reaction chamber is annular, and the target position is located in the middle region in the radial direction of the reaction chamber; And / or, the nuclear fusion reaction system includes two plasma generation systems, and the two plasma generation systems are respectively located at the top and the bottom of the reaction chamber.

12. A nuclear fusion reaction method, characterized in that, Applied to the nuclear fusion reaction system according to any one of claims 8 to 11, the nuclear fusion reaction system further includes a central solenoid and a poloidal magnetic field coil, and the method includes: Driving the plasma generating assembly to move along a target direction to a target position in the reaction chamber by a motion assembly; Injecting plasma into the reaction chamber through the plasma generating assembly to generate an initial plasma current loop in the reaction chamber; Applying an electric current to the central solenoid to generate a main plasma current loop based on the initial plasma current loop; Applying an electric current to the poloidal magnetic field coil to move and compress the main plasma current loop until the fusion condition is reached to generate a fusion reaction.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein A window is provided on the side wall of the reaction chamber in the nuclear fusion reaction system. The driving the plasma generating assembly to move along a target direction to a target position in the reaction chamber includes: Driving the plasma generating assembly to move through the window to a target position in the reaction chamber by the motion assembly; After generating an initial plasma current loop in the reaction chamber, the method further includes: Driving the plasma generating assembly to move outside the window by the motion assembly.

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that The plasma generating assembly includes a plasma chamber and a helicon antenna. The nuclear fusion reaction system further includes a gas injection assembly. The injecting plasma into the reaction chamber through the plasma generating assembly includes: Injecting a working gas into the plasma chamber through the gas injection assembly; Injecting energy into the plasma chamber through the helicon antenna to generate plasma in the plasma chamber, and the plasma enters the reaction chamber through an opening of the plasma chamber.

Images