FRC fusion system and blanket structure for FRC fusion

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of fusion cladding and discloses a cladding structure for FRC fusion and an FRC fusion system, the cladding structure for FRC fusion comprising a first layer body and a second layer body, the material of the first layer body being silicon carbide-silicon carbide composite material, the second layer body being arranged on the first layer body in the thickness direction of the first layer body, and non-metallic neutron multiplier balls and non-metallic tritium breeder balls being filled in the second layer body. The cladding structure can overcome the technical problem of how to avoid the shielding effect of a metal cladding structure under a high-frequency pulsed magnetic field, the non-conductive and non-magnetic non-metallic material adopted by the cladding structure can avoid the metal shielding effect of the cladding structure under a high-frequency pulsed magnetic field operation environment and can prevent a large amount of heat from being generated by the metal under the high-frequency pulsed magnetic field operation environment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of fusion blanket technology, and more specifically, to blanket structures and FRC fusion systems for FRC fusion. Background Technology

[0002] In the field-inverse fusion (FRC) industry, there are four main fusion methods: DD, DT, D-3He, and pB. Since the fusion product of the other three methods is much higher than that of DT fusion, DT fusion is currently the most feasible method for achieving commercial fusion. Currently, research on the utilization of fusion reactor energy and the breeding of tritium fuel mainly focuses on the blanket scheme of magnetically confined tokamak fusion reactors. There are currently no publicly reported studies on the utilization of DT fusion neutrons in field-inverse fusion reactors, as well as the breeding methods of tritium fuel and the design of its components.

[0003] The blanket of a magnetically confined tokamak fusion reactor uses metallic materials such as low-activation steel, ODS steel, or even vanadium alloys as its structural materials. Lithium-lead alloys can be used as neutron multipliers and tritium breeders, or beryllium microspheres can be used as neutron multipliers and lithium silicate as tritium breeders. Furthermore, the blanket is located within the magnetic field coils and vacuum chamber, adjacent to the plasma. Compared to the quasi-steady-state operating magnetic field of a magnetically confined tokamak fusion reactor, the magnetic field of an FRC fusion reactor (especially the intermediate secondary acceleration and compression coils) operates in a high-frequency pulse mode. This high-frequency magnetic field generates strong eddy currents on the surface of internal metal components, producing a very strong heating effect, causing the metal components to heat up rapidly and even fail. Simultaneously, the induced magnetic field generated by the metal components in the changing magnetic field resists the changes in the external magnetic field, preventing the external magnetic field from quickly and effectively accelerating and compressing the plasma.

[0004] In the prior art, how to avoid the shielding effect of metal cladding structures under high-frequency pulsed magnetic fields is a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved by those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention aims to at least partially solve one of the technical problems in related technologies. To this end, embodiments of this invention propose a blanket structure and an FRC fusion system for FRC fusion. The blanket structure for FRC fusion includes a first layer and a second layer. The first layer is made of silicon carbide-silicon carbide composite material. The second layer is disposed on the first layer along its thickness direction and is filled with non-metallic neutron multiplier microspheres and non-metallic tritium multiplier microspheres. The blanket structure overcomes the technical problem of how to avoid the shielding effect of metallic blanket structures under high-frequency pulsed magnetic fields. The non-conductive and non-magnetic non-metallic material used in the blanket structure can both avoid the metallic shielding effect under high-frequency pulsed magnetic field operation and prevent the metal from generating strong surface eddy currents that heat components under such conditions.

[0006] The blanket structure for FRC fusion of the present invention includes:

[0007] The first layer is made of silicon carbide-silicon carbide composite material;

[0008] The second layer is disposed on the first layer in the thickness direction of the first layer, and the second layer is filled with non-metallic neutron multiplier microspheres and non-metallic tritium multiplier microspheres.

[0009] Optionally, the surface of the first layer near the second layer is coated with a dense silicon carbide coating.

[0010] Optionally, the material of the nonmetallic neutron multiplier microspheres is a nonmetallic beryllium compound; and / or

[0011] The material of the non-metallic tritium propagator microspheres is a non-metallic lithium salt.

[0012] Optionally, a preset ratio is formed between the non-metallic neutron multiplier microspheres and the non-metallic tritium multiplier microspheres, such that the tritium multiplication rate of the cladding structure is greater than or equal to 1.

[0013] Optionally, the blanket structure for FRC fusion also includes:

[0014] A first coolant flow channel is disposed within the first layer; and / or

[0015] The second coolant flow channel is disposed within the second layer.

[0016] Another FRC fusion system of the present invention includes:

[0017] The aforementioned blanket structure for FRC fusion.

[0018] Optionally, the blanket structure is ring-shaped, and the FRC fusion system further includes:

[0019] A first vacuum wall is disposed on the inner surface of the cladding structure.

[0020] Optionally, the FRC fusion system also includes:

[0021] A compression coil is disposed on the outer surface of the cladding structure.

[0022] Optionally, the FRC fusion system also includes:

[0023] The second vacuum wall is disposed on the outer surface of the compression coil.

[0024] Optionally, the material of the first vacuum wall is silicon dioxide; and / or

[0025] The material of the second vacuum wall is a non-magnetic metallic material.

[0026] Optionally, the cladding structure is annular, and the cladding structure is divided into N equal parts in the circumferential direction of the cladding structure;

[0027] Where N is a natural number greater than 1. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a partial schematic diagram of the cladding structure in a specific embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the FRC fusion system in a specific embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the cladding structure in a specific embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure reference numerals: 1000 - FRC fusion system, 100 - blanket structure, 110 - first layer, 120 - second layer, 121 - non-metallic neutron multiplier spheres, 122 - non-metallic tritium multiplier spheres, 130 - first coolant channel, 140 - second coolant channel, 200 - first vacuum wall, 300 - compression coil, 400 - second vacuum wall. Detailed Implementation

[0032] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0033] The following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, describes a blanket structure 100 for FRC fusion according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the blanket structure 100 for FRC fusion in this embodiment of the invention includes a first layer 110 and a second layer 120.

[0034] The first layer 110 is made of silicon carbide-silicon carbide composite material. The second layer 120 is disposed on the first layer 110 in the thickness direction of the first layer 110, and the second layer 120 is filled with non-metallic neutron multiplier microspheres 121 and non-metallic tritium multiplier microspheres 122.

[0035] The cladding structure 100 for FRC fusion according to a specific embodiment of the present invention uses a non-conductive and non-magnetic non-metallic material. This material avoids the metallic shielding effect of the cladding structure 100 under high-frequency pulsed magnetic field operation and prevents the metal from generating strong surface eddy currents that heat the components under such conditions. In other words, compared to traditional metal cladding structures, the cladding structure 100 in this specific embodiment is better adapted to the high-frequency pulsed magnetic field operation environment.

[0036] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, in order to make the technical solution of this application easier to understand, the technical solution of this application will be described in more detail below with a specific embodiment of the blanket structure 100 for FRC fusion.

[0037] In some specific implementations, the material of the first layer 110 is a silicon carbide-silicon carbide composite material. The silicon carbide-silicon carbide composite material is a non-metallic material, which can avoid the metal shielding effect of the cladding structure 100 in the high-frequency pulsed magnetic field operating environment, and can also prevent the metal from generating surface eddy currents that will heat the component in the high-frequency pulsed magnetic field operating environment.

[0038] In some specific implementations, such as Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the second layer 120 is disposed on the first layer 110 in the thickness direction, and the second layer 120 is filled with non-metallic neutron multiplier microspheres 121 and non-metallic tritium multiplier microspheres 122. Specifically, the non-metallic neutron multiplier microspheres 121 and non-metallic tritium multiplier microspheres 122 are both non-metallic materials, which can avoid the metallic shielding effect of the cladding structure 100 under the high-frequency pulsed magnetic field operating environment, and also prevent the metal from generating a large amount of heat under the high-frequency pulsed magnetic field operating environment. Meanwhile, the non-metallic neutron multiplier microsphere 121 can act as a neutron multiplier to convert high-energy neutrons into multiple low-energy neutrons, thereby achieving energy conversion and providing a sufficient number of neutrons for tritium breeding to ensure that the tritium breeding rate is greater than 1. The non-metallic tritium breeder microsphere 122 can act as a tritium breeder. The tritium breeder reacts with the multiplied neutrons to produce tritium, thereby achieving tritium breeding. The tritium obtained from the breeding process is extracted and purified and then reinjected into the FRC to maintain the operation of the device.

[0039] In some specific implementations, such as Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the surface of the first layer 110 near the second layer 120 is coated with silicon carbide. Specifically, the silicon carbide coating on the first layer 110 can prevent tritium generated in the second layer 120 from leaking from the first layer 110, that is, prevent tritium from leaking from the cladding structure 100.

[0040] In some specific implementations, such as Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the material of the nonmetallic neutron multiplier microspheres 121 is a nonmetallic beryllium compound. Specifically, nonmetallic beryllium compounds have high-temperature resistance properties, and they do not generate eddy currents on the material surface in a rapidly changing magnetic field, thus avoiding the material's own heating or even melting, and also do not affect the external magnetic field.

[0041] Among them, non-metallic beryllium compounds can be beryllium oxide, beryllium nitride, beryllium carbide, and other non-metallic beryllium compounds.

[0042] In some specific implementations, such as Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the material of the non-metallic tritium propagator microspheres is a non-metallic lithium salt. Specifically, non-metallic lithium salts have high temperature resistance and good compatibility with structural materials. They will not generate eddy currents on the surface of the non-metallic tritium propagator microspheres 122, causing them to heat up or even melt, nor will they affect the external magnetic field.

[0043] Non-metallic lithium salts can be lithium silicate, metasilicate, lithium fluoride beryllium, lithium beryllium oxide, and sodium fluoride potassium, etc.

[0044] In some specific implementations, such as Figures 1 to 3 As shown, a predetermined ratio is formed between nonmetallic neutron multiplier microspheres 121 and nonmetallic tritium multiplier microspheres 122, such that the tritium multiplication rate of the cladding structure is greater than or equal to 1.

[0045] In some specific implementations, such as Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the first coolant flow channel 130 is disposed in the first layer 110, and the coolant can flow in the first coolant flow channel 130 to exchange heat with the first layer 110, thereby realizing energy transfer.

[0046] In some specific implementations, such as Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the second coolant flow channel 140 is disposed within the second layer 120, and the coolant can flow within the second coolant flow channel 140 to exchange heat with the second layer 120, thereby realizing energy transfer.

[0047] It should be noted that the inner walls of both the first coolant channel 130 and the second coolant channel 140 are coated with a silicon carbide coating to prevent helium leakage.

[0048] In this technical solution, helium is used as a coolant. Helium is a non-metallic substance and will not shield the magnetic field in a high-frequency pulsed magnetic field operating environment.

[0049] In some specific implementations, the FRC fusion system 1000 includes a blanket structure 100 for FRC fusion.

[0050] In some specific implementations, such as Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the cladding structure 100 is annular, and the first vacuum wall 200 is disposed on the inner surface of the cladding structure 100. Specifically, by placing the cladding structure 100 on the outer side of the first vacuum wall 200, the size of the first vacuum wall 200 can be reduced, avoiding the first vacuum wall 200 becoming too large to be manufactured. At the same time, an excessively large first vacuum wall 200 would also increase the difficulty of achieving a seal.

[0051] In some specific implementations, the material of the first vacuum wall 200 is quartz.

[0052] In some specific implementations, such as Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the compression coil 300 is disposed on the outer surface of the cladding structure 100. Specifically, the arrangement of the compression coil 300 on the outer surface of the cladding structure 100 can prevent fusion neutrons from irradiating the compression coil, that is, prevent the compression coil from failing. At the same time, it can also prevent the compression coil 300 from absorbing and shielding neutrons, thus avoiding a large loss of neutron energy.

[0053] In some specific implementations, such as Figures 1 to 3 As shown, a second vacuum wall 400 is disposed on the outer surface of the compression coil 300. Specifically, the second vacuum wall 400 can further prevent leakage. That is, by processing a second vacuum wall 400 on the outer surface of the compression coil 300, the cladding structure 100 and the compression coil 300 can be wrapped inside the second vacuum wall 400, which can prevent tritium from leaking from the cladding and directly entering the atmospheric environment, thus reducing the risk of tritium leakage.

[0054] In some specific implementations, such as Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the material of the first vacuum wall 200 is quartz glass (silicon dioxide). Quartz glass has good density and can be used as a vacuum boundary material. Moreover, quartz glass has a high melting point and can withstand high temperatures. At the same time, quartz glass is a non-metallic material, which will not generate eddy currents or induced magnetic fields in a rapidly changing compression magnetic field, and will not affect the compression of plasma by the compression magnetic field.

[0055] In some specific implementations, such as Figures 1 to 3As shown, the second vacuum wall 400 is made of a non-magnetic or paramagnetic metallic material. Outside the second vacuum wall 400 is a quasi-steady-state coil, maintaining the fundamental magnetic field of the FRC. Since the loading rate of the quasi-steady-state magnetic field is not high, it will not form strong eddy currents on the surface of the metallic material; therefore, a metallic material can be used as the material for the second vacuum wall 400. However, to reduce the influence of the vacuum wall on the quasi-steady-state magnetic field, a non-magnetic or paramagnetic metallic material, such as austenitic stainless steel, is generally used.

[0056] In some specific implementations, such as Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the cladding structure 100 is annular, and its circumference is divided into N equal parts; where N is a natural number greater than 1. The cladding structure 100 is arranged around the FRC cylindrical vacuum chamber. To facilitate the arrangement and installation of the cladding structure 100, the cladding modules are generally arranged in equal parts.

[0057] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0058] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0059] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a connection that allows communication between them; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0060] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0061] In this invention, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example, which is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0062] Although the above embodiments have been shown and described, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Any changes, modifications, substitutions and variations made to the above embodiments by those skilled in the art are within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A blanket structure for FRC fusion, characterized in that, include: The first layer is made of silicon carbide-silicon carbide composite material; The second layer is disposed on the first layer in the thickness direction of the first layer, and the second layer is filled with non-metallic neutron multiplier microspheres and non-metallic tritium multiplier microspheres.

2. The blanket structure for FRC fusion according to claim 1, characterized in that, The surface of the first layer near the second layer is coated with silicon carbide.

3. The blanket structure for FRC fusion according to claim 1, characterized in that, The material of the non-metallic neutron multiplier microspheres is a non-metallic beryllium compound; and / or The material of the non-metallic tritium propagator microspheres is a non-metallic lithium salt.

4. The blanket structure for FRC fusion according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The first coolant flow channel is disposed within the first layer; and / or The second coolant flow channel is disposed within the second layer.

5. An FRC fusion system, characterized in that, include: The blanket structure for FRC fusion according to any one of claims 1-4.

6. The FRC fusion system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The blanket structure is ring-shaped, and the FRC fusion system further includes: A first vacuum wall is disposed on the inner surface of the cladding structure.

7. The FRC fusion system according to claim 6, characterized in that, Also includes: A compression coil is disposed on the outer surface of the cladding structure.

8. The FRC fusion system according to claim 7, characterized in that, Also includes: The second vacuum wall is disposed on the outer surface of the compression coil.

9. The FRC fusion system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The material of the first vacuum wall is silicon dioxide; and / or The material of the second vacuum wall is a non-magnetic metallic material.

10. The FRC fusion system according to any one of claims 5-9, characterized in that, The cladding structure is annular, and the cladding structure is divided into N equal parts in the circumferential direction of the cladding structure; Where N is a natural number greater than 1.

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