Magnetic fluid circulation and energy storage coupled fusion reactor power generation system and method

Abstract

The application discloses a fusion reactor power generation system and method based on coupling of magnetic fluid circulation and energy storage, and relates to the field of controlled fusion energy application. The system takes a magnetic fluid generator and an energy storage device as cores, wherein the electrodes of the magnetic fluid generator are specially treated and have the function of heat exchangers, and the energy storage device comprises a super capacitor and a heat storage tank. Energy released by hydrogen-boron fusion is entirely contained in high-energy alpha particles, a divertor in a reactor leads plasma containing alpha particles and electrons to the magnetic fluid generator, under the action of magnetic field deflection, the alpha particles and the electrons move to positive and negative electrodes respectively, and an induced electromotive force is generated. After part of the plasma flows out of the magnetic fluid generator, the plasma is re-introduced into the entrance through a channel, the high-energy particles flowing out of the divertor are decelerated, cyclic power generation is realized, and power generation efficiency is improved. At the same time, the cooling working medium in a cooling system flows through the electrodes of the generator and the plasma channel, absorbs heat and is stored in the heat storage system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of controlled fusion energy applications, and more particularly to a fusion reactor power generation system and method based on magnetohydrodynamic circulation and energy storage coupling, applicable to the field of hydrogen-boron fusion reactor power generation. Background Technology

[0002] Hydrogen-boron fusion has attracted widespread attention from the industry in recent years due to its significant advantages, such as near-zero neutron radiation, wide availability of raw materials, and direct energy extraction pathways.

[0003] In existing technological solutions, fusion reactor power generation systems generally follow the thermal power generation mode, and their basic architecture is similar to that of traditional thermal power plants: relying on neutrons or high-energy particles released by the fusion reaction to heat the working fluid of the blanket, and then converting thermal energy into electrical energy through steam Rankine cycle or Brayton cycle.

[0004] However, this approach consistently faces the problem of low energy utilization efficiency. The thermodynamic cycle is inherently limited by Carnot efficiency, and the presence of multiple heat exchange and mechanical conversion stages results in a significant amount of energy being dissipated as waste heat, making full recovery difficult. Simultaneously, fusion reactor operation exhibits a significant intermittent characteristic—regardless of whether it's a pulsed fusion device or a steady-state device, maintenance shutdowns occur after continuous power output, with planned shutdowns lasting minutes or sudden power drops. If such power deficits are not compensated for in a timely manner, they will cause severe impacts on the power grid, such as frequency fluctuations and active power imbalances, hindering the large-scale grid-connected application of fusion reactors. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a fusion reactor power generation system and method based on magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) circulation and energy storage coupling. It aims to fully utilize the unique advantage that hydrogen-boron fusion products are all charged particles, achieving direct energy conversion through a MHD generator. Furthermore, a ring-shaped plasma duct guides unused plasma back to the generator inlet, significantly improving the utilization efficiency of charged particles. Simultaneously, the electrode plates and plasma duct of the MHD generator are specially functionalized to function as heat exchangers, extracting heat through a heat-conducting working fluid for auxiliary thermal power generation. In addition, the system is equipped with supercapacitors and thermal storage devices to effectively address the fluctuations and intermittent nature of the fusion reactor's output power.

[0006] Hydrogen ions and boron ions undergo a fusion reaction inside the fusion reactor to generate high-energy alpha particles, each carrying approximately 8.7 MeV of energy. The reactor's divertor separates the alpha particles and electrons from the plasma and removes them, transporting them through plasma ducts to the magnetohydrodynamic generator, as shown in formula (1):

[0007] (1)

[0008] In the formula, p is a proton. It is a boron-11 nucleus, and α is a helium-4 nucleus (i.e., the alpha particle).

[0009] A steady magnetic field is applied within the channel of the magnetohydrodynamic generator. Under the influence of the Lorentz force, positively and negatively charged particles are deflected to the upper and lower electrode plates, respectively, thereby establishing an induced electromotive force between the two electrodes and realizing electrical energy output. Due to the extremely large energy released by the fusion reaction, the alpha particles move at extremely high speeds. According to the formulas for Lorentz force and centripetal force, the radius of motion of the particles can be calculated, as shown in formula (2):

[0010] (2)

[0011] In the formula, R is the radius of motion of the particle, m is the mass of the particle, v is the horizontal velocity of the particle, q is the amount of charge carried by the particle, and B is the magnetic induction intensity.

[0012] As shown in the above formula, the faster the horizontal velocity of a particle, the larger its radius of motion. This means that the length of the pole plates in a magnetohydrodynamic generator needs to be increased accordingly (e.g., ...). Figure 2 (As shown). However, alpha particles generated by fusion carry MeV-level energy. If all of them were to fall onto the electrodes in a single pass, the required electrode length would be too large, making it difficult to implement in practical engineering. Therefore, this invention designs a plasma duct: it guides charged particles that are moving too fast and have passed the electrodes without generating electricity back to the generator inlet, where they collide with newly flowing high-energy charged particles, thus slowing them down, reducing their radius of motion, and allowing them to re-enter the power generation area, thereby significantly improving the overall power generation efficiency. A magnetic field generating device is arranged around the plasma duct to constrain and guide the particle's trajectory within the duct.

[0013] Meanwhile, both the plasma duct and the generator plates undergo special surface treatment, providing excellent corrosion resistance and heat transfer capabilities. Through forced convection of the liquid heat exchange medium, the heat generated when particles collide with the duct walls and plates can be effectively extracted. This heat is transferred via the main heat exchanger to the steam generator and the thermal storage tank, respectively used to drive the thermal power generation cycle and for thermal energy storage.

[0014] To address the inherent intermittency and fluctuations in the thermal power output of fusion devices, the system deploys supercapacitors on the magnetohydrodynamic generator side as fast-response energy storage elements to smooth out short-term power fluctuations ranging from seconds to minutes. The thermal power generation system operates in conjunction with the thermal storage device. The thermal storage tanks (hot tank / cold tank), along with the main heat pump and main cold pump, can compensate for power deficits over longer timescales (minutes to hours), ensuring the continuity and stability of the power plant's output. The specific technical solution is as follows:

[0015] A fusion reactor power generation system based on magnetohydrodynamic circulation and energy storage coupling includes:

[0016] Magnetohydrodynamic generators are used to receive plasma containing high-energy charged particles and directly convert the kinetic energy of the charged particles into electrical energy under the action of a magnetic field.

[0017] An annular plasma duct, with its inlet connected to the outlet of the magnetohydrodynamic generator and its outlet connected to the inlet of the magnetohydrodynamic generator, is used to guide charged particles that have not completed power generation back to the inlet of the magnetohydrodynamic generator, mix them with the newly flowing plasma at the inlet, and generate electricity in a cycle.

[0018] The energy storage system, including supercapacitors and thermal storage devices, is used to smooth out short-term fluctuations in the output power of the magnetohydrodynamic generator and to compensate for long-term power deficits in the fusion reactor, respectively.

[0019] Thermal power generation system, which uses waste heat to generate electricity;

[0020] The electrode plates of the magnetohydrodynamic generator and the walls of the annular plasma duct both have heat transfer functions and are equipped with cooling channels inside. The heat generated by particle collisions is extracted by the cooling working fluid and the heat is transported to the thermal power generation system and / or the heat storage device.

[0021] A power generation method based on the aforementioned fusion reactor power generation system with magnetohydrodynamic circulation and energy storage coupling includes the following steps:

[0022] In step S1, the magnetohydrodynamic generator receives plasma containing high-energy charged particles and generates direct current under the action of a magnetic field. Charged particles that have not completed power generation return to the inlet through the annular plasma duct to mix with new particles and generate power in a cycle.

[0023] Step S2: The cooling working fluid flows through the electrode plates of the magnetohydrodynamic generator and the wall of the annular plasma duct to extract the heat generated by particle collisions.

[0024] Step S3: Part of the heat is used to drive the thermal power generation system to generate electricity, and the other part is stored in the thermal storage device.

[0025] Step S4: The supercapacitor smooths out short-term fluctuations in the output power of the magnetohydrodynamic generator, and the thermal storage device releases heat to maintain the operation of the thermal power generation system during power reduction or shutdown.

[0026] In step S5, the DC power output from the magnetohydrodynamic generator is converted into AC power by an inverter and fed into the power grid.

[0027] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0028] The system centers on a magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) generator and an energy storage device. The MHD generator's electrodes are specially treated to function as heat transfer devices, while the energy storage device includes supercapacitors and thermal storage tanks. All the energy released from hydrogen-boron fusion is contained within high-energy alpha particles. A divertor within the reactor draws plasma containing alpha particles and electrons to the MHD generator. Under the deflection of a magnetic field, the alpha particles and electrons move towards the positive and negative electrodes, respectively, generating an induced electromotive force. Part of the plasma, after exiting the MHD generator, is returned to the inlet via a duct to slow down the high-energy particles exiting the divertor, achieving cyclic power generation and improving efficiency. Simultaneously, the cooling medium in the cooling system flows through the generator electrodes and plasma ducts, absorbing heat and storing it in the thermal storage system. To address the fluctuations in the MHD generator's output power and the intermittent operation of the fusion device, the energy storage system compensates for minute-level power drops when the fusion reactor experiences zero output power: the supercapacitor smooths out short-term power fluctuations, while the thermal storage system compensates for prolonged power shortages, thus ensuring stable grid connection of the power plant.

[0029] It significantly improves the utilization efficiency of charged particles in magnetohydrodynamic generators: the ungenerated particles are recycled and reused through an annular plasma channel, avoiding the problem of high-energy particles being lost after passing by once.

[0030] It achieves deep coupling between magnetohydrodynamic direct power generation and thermal power generation: by reusing the electrode plate and duct as a heat exchanger, it effectively recovers the impact heat without increasing the additional footprint and complex piping, thereby improving the overall energy efficiency of the system.

[0031] The problem of power fluctuation in the fusion device's output power was solved by a layered energy storage architecture: the supercapacitor is responsible for high-frequency short-term compensation, and the thermal storage system is responsible for low-frequency long-term compensation. The two work together to ensure the smooth and stable grid-connected power.

[0032] The overall power generation efficiency of fusion power plants has been improved: Compared with the traditional scheme that relies solely on thermal cycle, this invention, through the organic combination of direct power generation and waste heat recovery, is expected to improve the overall system efficiency to a higher level and provides a feasible technical path for the commercial application of hydrogen-boron fusion. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of a fusion reactor power generation system based on magnetohydrodynamic circulation and energy storage coupling;

[0034] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the motion of charged particles between the electrode plates of a magnetohydrodynamic generator.

[0035] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached diagram: 1-Plasma, 2-Diverter, 3-Plasma duct, 4-Electrode plate, 5-Supercapacitor, 6-Inverter, 7-Grid, 8-Cold water working fluid loop, 9-Heat exchanger, 10-Hot storage tank, 11-Main heat pump, 12-Cold storage tank, 13-Main cooling pump, 14-Steam generator, 15-Steam turbine generator set. Detailed Implementation

[0036] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the invention. Furthermore, the technical features involved in the various embodiments of this invention described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other. To achieve the above objectives, this invention adopts the following technical solution.

[0037] Example 1: Overall System Structure and Connection Relationships:

[0038] Reference Figure 1 The present invention provides a fusion reactor power generation system based on magnetohydrodynamic circulation and energy storage coupling, which mainly includes: plasma 1, divertor 2, plasma duct 3, electrode plate 4 of magnetohydrodynamic generator 4, supercapacitor 5, inverter 6, power grid 7, cold water working fluid loop 8, heat exchanger 9, thermal storage tank 10, main heat pump 11, thermal storage tank 12, main cold pump 13, steam generator 14, and steam turbine generator set 15.

[0039] The connections between the parts are as follows:

[0040] The reaction products inside plasma 1 of the fusion device can enter plasma channel 3 through divertor 2;

[0041] The output end of plasma duct 3 is connected to the inlet of magnetohydrodynamic generator;

[0042] The electrode plate 4 of the magnetohydrodynamic generator is electrically connected to the input terminals of the supercapacitor 5 and the inverter 6 via wires; the output terminal of the inverter 6 is connected to the power grid 7.

[0043] Cooling channels are provided inside the electrode plate 4 of the magnetohydrodynamic generator and on the wall of the plasma duct 3. These channels are connected to the primary side of the heat exchanger 9 through the cold water working fluid loop 8.

[0044] The secondary side of heat exchanger 9 is connected to the heating side of steam generator 14 via the main heat pump 11 and the heat storage tank 10.

[0045] The steam outlet of the steam generator 14 is connected to the steam turbine generator set 15;

[0046] The heat storage tank 12 is connected to the primary side return water of the heat exchanger 9 via the main cooling pump 13, forming a closed loop.

[0047] Example 2: Magnetohydrodynamic power generation and circulation process;

[0048] Hydrogen ions and boron-11 ions undergo a fusion reaction inside the fusion device to generate three high-energy alpha particles (helium-4 nuclei), each carrying approximately 8.7 MeV of kinetic energy. The reaction products (alpha particles and electrons) are separated and extracted from the main plasma region of the fusion device by divertor 2, and transported to the inlet of the magnetohydrodynamic generator via plasma duct 3.

[0049] A steady magnetic field is applied inside the channel of the magnetohydrodynamic generator, with the magnetic field direction perpendicular to the plasma flow direction (e.g., along the z-axis). Under the influence of the Lorentz force, positively charged alpha particles are deflected towards one side of the electrode plate, while electrons are deflected towards the other side, thereby establishing an induced electromotive force between the electrode plates 4. When the external circuit is connected, direct current energy can be output.

[0050] Because alpha particles have extremely high initial velocities, their Lorentz kinetic radius is relatively large. If it is desired that all particles fall onto the electrodes in a single pass, the required electrode length would be tens or even hundreds of meters, which is impractical in engineering. Therefore, this invention incorporates a ring-shaped plasma duct 3: charged particles (still possessing high kinetic energy) flowing out of the magnetohydrodynamic generator outlet and not yet falling onto the electrodes are guided back to the generator inlet via the duct. These returning particles collide with newly flowing high-energy particles at the inlet, reducing their average velocity through momentum exchange, thereby decreasing their subsequent kinetic radius and allowing them to be more effectively deflected by the magnetic field to the electrode plates. This cyclic process can be repeated multiple times until the particle kinetic energy is reduced to an insufficient level to sustain effective power generation, thus significantly improving the utilization rate of charged particles.

[0051] The plasma duct 3 is surrounded by magnetic field coils to generate a confinement magnetic field, guide the particles to move along the duct axis, and prevent the particles from colliding with the duct wall and causing unnecessary energy loss.

[0052] Example 3: Heat recovery and thermal power generation process

[0053] The electrode plates 4 and the walls of the plasma duct 3 of the magnetohydrodynamic generator undergo special surface treatments (e.g., high thermal conductivity ceramic coatings or microchannel structures) to give them excellent heat transfer performance. The heat generated when particles collide with the electrode plates and duct walls is carried away by forced convection through the cooling medium (such as water or liquid metal) in the internal flow channels. The cooling medium enters the primary side of the heat exchanger 9 via the cold water working medium loop 8, transferring heat to the working medium on the secondary side.

[0054] The working fluid enters the heat storage tank 10 and then the steam generator 14, generating high-temperature, high-pressure steam to drive the steam turbine generator set 15 to generate electricity. This part constitutes a traditional Rankine cycle, effectively utilizing the waste heat from the magnetohydrodynamic power generation process.

[0055] When the fusion device outputs more power than the grid demand, the excess heat is heated by the main heat pump 11 and the main cold pump 13 and then stored in the thermal storage tank 10. When the fusion device is shut down or in a low-power state, the thermal storage tank 10 releases heat, which is used by the main heat pump 11 and the main cold pump 13 to drive the working fluid circulation, providing heat to the steam generator 14 and maintaining the continuous operation of thermal power generation.

[0056] Example 4: Energy storage system and power smoothing strategy.

[0057] To address the intermittency and fluctuations in the output power of fusion devices, this invention employs a layered energy storage architecture:

[0058] Supercapacitor 5: Directly connected in parallel to the DC output terminal of the magnetohydrodynamic generator. When the output power of the magnetohydrodynamic generator experiences rapid fluctuations on the order of seconds to minutes (e.g., caused by plasma instability), the supercapacitor, with its high power density characteristics, quickly absorbs or releases electrical energy, stabilizes the DC bus voltage, and ensures the smooth operation of inverter 6.

[0059] The thermal storage system (hot storage tank 10, cold storage tank 12, main heat pump 11, main cold pump 13) is used to compensate for long-term power shortages ranging from minutes to hours. When the fusion device is scheduled to shut down or its power output decreases, the thermal storage system releases the stored heat to maintain the continuous operation of the steam generator 14, enabling the turbine generator set to continuously supply power to the grid and avoid power shortages.

[0060] Through the above two-stage energy storage coordination and control, the system can achieve stable grid connection of fusion power plants around the clock and eliminate the impact on the power grid.

[0061] The above description is only a specific embodiment of the present invention, but the technical features of the present invention are not limited thereto. Any changes or modifications made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the present invention are covered by the patent scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A fusion reactor power generation system based on magnetohydrodynamic circulation and energy storage coupling, characterized in that, include: Magnetohydrodynamic generators are used to receive plasma containing high-energy charged particles and directly convert the kinetic energy of the charged particles into electrical energy under the action of a magnetic field. An annular plasma duct, with its inlet connected to the outlet of the magnetohydrodynamic generator and its outlet connected to the inlet of the magnetohydrodynamic generator, is used to guide charged particles that have not completed power generation back to the inlet of the magnetohydrodynamic generator, mix them with the newly flowing plasma at the inlet, and generate electricity in a cycle. The energy storage system, including supercapacitors and thermal storage devices, is used to smooth out short-term fluctuations in the output power of the magnetohydrodynamic generator and to compensate for long-term power deficits in the fusion reactor, respectively. Thermal power generation system, which uses waste heat to generate electricity; The electrode plates of the magnetohydrodynamic generator and the walls of the annular plasma duct both have heat transfer functions and are equipped with cooling channels inside. The heat generated by particle collisions is extracted by the cooling working fluid and the heat is transported to the thermal power generation system and / or the heat storage device.

2. The fusion reactor power generation system based on magnetohydrodynamic circulation and energy storage coupling according to claim 1, characterized in that, The magnetohydrodynamic generator is equipped with a steady magnetic field, the direction of which is perpendicular to the plasma flow direction. This magnetic field is used to deflect positively and negatively charged particles to the positive and negative electrode plates respectively under the action of Lorentz force, thereby generating an induced electromotive force.

3. The fusion reactor power generation system based on magnetohydrodynamic circulation and energy storage coupling according to claim 1, characterized in that, A magnetic field generating device is arranged around the plasma duct to constrain and guide charged particles to move along the duct axis.

4. The fusion reactor power generation system based on magnetohydrodynamic circulation and energy storage coupling according to claim 1, characterized in that, The energy storage system includes: A supercapacitor, electrically connected to the DC output terminal of the magnetohydrodynamic generator, is used to absorb or release electrical energy to smooth out short-term power fluctuations ranging from seconds to minutes. The thermal storage device includes a thermal storage tank (hot tank), a thermal storage tank (cold tank), a main heat pump, and a main cold pump. It is thermally coupled to the cooling channel via a heat exchanger and is used to store and release heat to compensate for long-term power deficits ranging from minutes to hours.

5. The fusion reactor power generation system based on magnetohydrodynamic circulation and energy storage coupling according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a thermal power generation system, which includes a heat exchanger, a steam generator, and a steam turbine generator set; the cooling working fluid transfers heat to the secondary working fluid in the heat exchanger, and the secondary working fluid enters the steam generator to generate steam to drive the steam turbine generator set to generate electricity.

6. The fusion reactor power generation system based on magnetohydrodynamic circulation and energy storage coupling according to claim 1, characterized in that, The output of the magnetohydrodynamic generator is also connected to an inverter, which is used to convert DC power into AC power and feed it into the power grid.

7. The fusion reactor power generation system based on magnetohydrodynamic circulation and energy storage coupling according to claim 1, characterized in that, A divertor is placed between the plasma and the plasma duct.

8. The fusion reactor power generation system based on magnetohydrodynamic circulation and energy storage coupling according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an inverter. The electrode plates of the magnetohydrodynamic generator are electrically connected to the supercapacitor and the input terminal of the inverter via wires; the output terminal of the inverter is connected to the power grid.

9. The fusion reactor power generation system based on magnetohydrodynamic circulation and energy storage coupling according to claim 1, characterized in that, Cooling channels are provided inside the electrode plates of the magnetohydrodynamic generator and on the walls of the plasma duct. These channels are connected to the primary side of the heat exchanger through a cold water working fluid loop. The secondary side of the heat exchanger is connected to the heating side of the steam generator through the main heat pump and the hot tank of the heat storage tank. The steam outlet of the steam generator is connected to the steam turbine generator set. The cold tank of the heat storage tank is connected to the return water of the primary side of the heat exchanger through the main cooling pump, forming a closed loop.

10. A power generation method based on a fusion reactor power generation system based on magnetohydrodynamic circulation and energy storage coupling as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: In step S1, the magnetohydrodynamic generator receives plasma containing high-energy charged particles and generates direct current under the action of a magnetic field. Charged particles that have not completed power generation return to the inlet through the annular plasma duct to mix with new particles and generate power in a cycle. Step S2: The cooling working fluid flows through the electrode plates of the magnetohydrodynamic generator and the wall of the annular plasma duct to extract the heat generated by particle collisions. Step S3: Part of the heat is used to drive the thermal power generation system to generate electricity, and the other part is stored in the thermal storage device. Step S4: The supercapacitor smooths out short-term fluctuations in the output power of the magnetohydrodynamic generator, and the thermal storage device releases heat to maintain the operation of the thermal power generation system during power reduction or shutdown. In step S5, the DC power output from the magnetohydrodynamic generator is converted into AC power by an inverter and fed into the power grid.

Images