Mini fusion or fission reactor

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device 1 for heating a plasma with a vacuum receiver 2 comprising a main chamber 3 and several recirculation chambers 4. The recirculation chambers 4 are designed to receive a plasma particle stream 16 from the main chamber 3 and deflect it into focused particle beams 17 that converge in the center of the main chamber 3. This device 1 enables efficient heating of the plasma and the formation of a region with elevated pressure and temperature.

Description

[0001] The application relates to a device for heating a plasma. A further aspect of the invention is a method for heating a plasma using such a device.

[0002] In the generation of plasma, especially in the field of fusion technology, the techniques of inertial confinement or magnetic compression have been used so far.

[0003] In inertial confinement, originally developed primarily for military applications, a plasma with a self-sustaining nuclear fusion reaction is achieved by extremely compressing a fuel within a millimeter-sized, spherical fusion target through very rapid, surface energy input and heating it to the required temperature of approximately 100 million degrees. Inertial confinement proves very difficult to implement due to the high demands on the energy delivered to the fusion target and the control of the symmetry of the imploding fuel, effects such as the delay in fuel heating until sufficient density is reached, the premature mixing of hot and cold fuel due to hydrodynamic instabilities, and obstacles to achieving shock wave convergence in the fuel core.

[0004] Unlike inertial confinement, magnetic compression heats the plasma like a gas through rapid adiabatic compression. Simultaneously, the plasma density is increased. However, magnetic compression is only suitable for magnetic fields generated by variable-current magnetic coils, which can exert a force on the plasma to compress it. While such magnetic compression for heating the plasma is simpler to implement than inertial confinement, it still requires specialized, variable magnetic field arrays capable of exerting a compressive force on the plasma. These arrays are expensive, require very complex adjustments, and demand intricate control during operation. Furthermore, a magnetic compression device with a variable magnetic field array has a technically complex design and is very energy-intensive to operate.

[0005] The object of the present invention is therefore to enable the heating of a plasma without using a variable magnetic field arrangement to exert a compression force on the plasma.

[0006] This problem is solved in a device of the type mentioned above by the device comprising a vacuum receiver with a main chamber and several return chambers, wherein the return chambers each have an inlet arm for the inlet of a plasma particle stream exiting the main chamber, an injection arm for generating a focused particle beam directed into the main chamber from the plasma particle stream entering the return chamber via the inlet arm, and a substantially torus-segment-shaped return section for deflecting the plasma particle stream entering the return chamber via the inlet arm into the injection arm, wherein the injection arms of the return chambers are oriented such that the particle beams are directed towards the center of the main chamber, in particular for forming a plasma sphere.

[0007] By aligning the injection arms, the particle beams can converge in the center of the main chamber, which can lead to an area of ​​increasing pressure and temperature. The invention thus offers improvements in terms of the control and efficiency of the plasma particle streams for effective plasma heating. Plasma particles exiting the main chamber can be recirculated via the recirculation chambers, thereby reducing plasma losses and increasing energy efficiency.

[0008] The plasma can be contained and generated within the vacuum receiver, which is an evacuable container where the interaction of the plasma with non-plasma particles can be minimized by creating a vacuum. The main chamber is the central space of the vacuum receiver where the focused particle beams collide. In addition to the main chamber, the vacuum receiver has several recirculation chambers, similar to secondary chambers, which are connected to the main chamber and serve to return the plasma particle streams exiting the main chamber back into it. Each recirculation chamber has an inlet arm, an injection arm, and a recirculation section to redirect the plasma particle stream and focus it into a particle beam.The inlet arm of the recirculation chamber serves as an inlet for the plasma particle stream exiting the main chamber, allowing this stream to enter the recirculation chamber. The recirculation section is a segment of a torus within the chamber that redirects the plasma particle stream into the injection arm. The injection arm of the recirculation chamber is used to focus the plasma particle stream into a focused particle beam and inject it into the main chamber. The plasma particle stream refers to the flow of charged plasma particles exiting the main chamber and entering the recirculation chamber, while the particle beam refers to the focused stream of plasma particles that can be injected into the main chamber through the injection arm.The particle beam can be used, in particular, to supply plasma particles with a total mass to the plasma sphere that corresponds to the total mass of the plasma particles emitted by the plasma sphere as a plasma particle stream, in order to compensate for the mass loss of the plasma sphere.

[0009] The configuration of the recirculation chambers enables efficient recirculation and focusing of the plasma particle stream. This allows for an increased collision rate and thus more effective heating of the plasma in the main chamber.

[0010] The injection arms of the recirculation chambers can be configured and / or operated such that the particle beams they generate, taken together across all injection arms, produce a mass flow that is supplied to the main chamber and, in particular, to the plasma located in the main chamber, especially as a plasma sphere, and that corresponds to the mass loss of the plasma, especially of the plasma sphere. The mass flow can be the mass of plasma particles supplied per unit time. In this way, continuous operation can be achieved, in which the mass of the plasma sphere in the main chamber is kept essentially constant.

[0011] This device enables plasma compression, particularly of the plasma sphere, through asymmetric momentum exchange. Fast plasma particles can exit the plasma in the main chamber, especially the plasma sphere, and be replaced by slow plasma particles from the particle beam. These slow plasma particles can be, in particular, the previously exited fast plasma particles, which are decelerated in the recirculation chambers, especially for energy extraction, and then injected back into the main chamber. In this way, a net pressure directed inwards, i.e., towards the interior of the plasma, especially the plasma sphere, can be generated to maintain the momentum balance. This pressure compresses and heats the plasma. Heating by external energy input, especially by induction heating, can be partially or completely eliminated.The device can therefore be designed without induction heating.

[0012] The torus-shaped return section can be designed as a torus segment extending over an angular range greater than 180°, preferably at least 220°, and particularly at least 270°, around the axis of rotational symmetry. A complete torus would correspond to a torus segment extending over an angular range of 360° around the axis of rotational symmetry. In this way, a more compact design can be achieved compared to a racetrack-shaped return section.

[0013] It can also be advantageous if all recirculation chambers are of identical design.

[0014] The specific arrangement of the injection arms can help minimize energy losses, as the plasma particles can be directed straight into the central region of the main chamber. This increases the efficiency of the heating process.

[0015] The use of a variable magnetic field arrangement to exert a compression force on the plasma can be dispensed with. A more energy-efficient and technically lighter device can be achieved compared to magnetic compression devices. Nevertheless, in the device according to the invention, particularly constant magnetic fields or electric fields can be used to capture and / or guide the plasma particles. Furthermore, in contrast to inertial fusion, the device according to the invention allows for continuous, and in particular non-explosive, compression of the plasma. The fusion or fission can be continuously controlled. The generated energy can be dissipated in a controlled manner.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the invention, the recirculation chambers are each configured such that their inlet arm extends along an inlet axis and their injection arm extends along an injection axis, with the inlet axis and the injection axis intersecting at substantially right angles. The perpendicular arrangement of the inlet axis and injection axis can simplify the design and assembly of the recirculation chambers, as standardized components and connection techniques can be used. The injection axis can be the axis along the injection arm along which the focused particle beam is directed into the main chamber. The inlet axis can be the axis along the inlet arm along which the plasma particle stream exiting the main chamber enters the recirculation chamber at substantially right angles.The right-angled intersection of the axes can contribute to the compactness of the device by minimizing the space requirement, which facilitates integration into existing systems and reduces the requirements for the installation location.

[0017] It can be further advantageous if two feedback chambers, particularly those arranged in a common plane, form a feedback loop. Forming a feedback loop with two feedback chambers can increase the efficiency of plasma heating by enabling continuous circulation and thus a constant energy input. Arranging the feedback chambers in a common plane simplifies the device structure and reduces the complexity of the plasma control. This arrangement can also improve the maintainability and accessibility of the feedback chambers, resulting in reduced downtime and maintenance costs. The two feedback chambers can essentially be arranged to jointly form a feedback loop shaped like an infinity symbol.A feedback loop shaped like an infinity symbol allows the two feedback chambers to form the feedback loop via the main chamber as a connecting element.

[0018] In particular, all feedback chambers of the device can form feedback loops consisting of two feedback chambers each.

[0019] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the inlet arm and the injection arm of each recirculation chamber are designed as structurally and functionally separate elements. In this way, common chamber sections that function as either an inlet or an injection arm depending on the direction of movement of the plasma particles can be avoided.

[0020] In particular, the recirculation chambers of a recirculation loop can be designed such that the injection arm of the first recirculation chamber does not form the inlet arm of the second recirculation chamber of the loop. In this way, all inlet and injection arms can be implemented as separate paths that are specifically connected to the main chamber to ensure clear and undisturbed guidance of the plasma particle streams and particle beams.

[0021] Preferably, the inlet arm and / or the injection arms, in particular the entire recirculation chambers, are designed without ion diverters. This eliminates the need for an ion diverter. Such an ion diverter, typically based on electromagnetic or electrostatic fields, would be required to selectively direct a plasma particle stream, particularly depending on its direction of motion, into another part of the injection arm or another part of the inlet arm. Eliminating such an ion diverter simplifies the device's design, increases its robustness, and removes a potential source of failure.

[0022] In this context, it has proven advantageous if the inlet axis of the first recirculation chamber of the recirculation loop runs parallel, and in particular coaxially, to the injection axis of the second recirculation chamber of the recirculation loop. The parallel, and especially coaxial, alignment of the inlet and injection axes can enable optimal recirculation of the plasma particles. In this way, both recirculation chambers of the recirculation loop can interact without injecting opposing particle beams into the main chamber.

[0023] It can be further advantageous if the inlet axis of the first feedback chamber of the feedback loop is substantially perpendicular to the inlet axis of the second feedback chamber of the feedback loop. This alignment of the inlet axes of the feedback chambers of the feedback loop facilitates the fine-tuning and synchronization of the particle beams, allowing them to converge in the center of the main chamber without being in opposition to each other. This enables more precise control over the plasma density and temperature in the main chamber.

[0024] Preferably, at least two feedback loops can be arranged in different planes, with these two planes intersecting in the main chamber, particularly in the center of the main chamber.

[0025] Furthermore, it can be advantageous to arrange the feedback loops in pairwise different planes. This prevents two feedback loops of the device from lying in the same plane. Arranging them in pairwise different planes can achieve spatial separation of the feedback loops. This spatial separation minimizes mutual interference of the currents or fields flowing in the feedback loops, which can increase the stability and efficiency of the device. The pairwise arrangement in different planes can also improve accessibility to the feedback loops and the individual components connected to them for maintenance or repair work, as each feedback loop is accessible via its own plane.

[0026] To achieve particularly effective three-dimensional compression of the plasma sphere, the device can have at least three feedback loops. These three feedback loops can be arranged in planes that are essentially orthogonal to each other. The planes of the three feedback loops can correspond to planes spanned by the axes of a Cartesian coordinate system, for example, an xy-plane, a yz-plane, and an xz-plane. This arrangement allows the injection arms of the respective feedback loops to be aligned such that the focused particle beams they generate converge at the center of the main chamber from three mutually orthogonal directions. In this way, collisions of the particle beams with momentum components along the same axis at the center of the main chamber can be avoided.

[0027] It can be further advantageous if the injection arm of the first feedback chamber of the feedback loop runs essentially transversely to the injection arm of the second feedback chamber of the feedback loop. The injection axis of the first feedback chamber of the feedback loop can then run essentially perpendicular to the injection axis of the second feedback chamber of the feedback loop. In this way, a coaxial collision of the particle beams of the two injection arms of the feedback loop can be avoided.

[0028] Preferably, the paired planes are arranged in space such that they intersect in the main chamber, particularly in the center of the main chamber. In this way, a compact vacuum receiver and a compact device can be achieved.

[0029] Preferably, the device has at least four, and in particular at least ten, recirculation chambers. The recirculation chambers of the device can form two, and in particular five, recirculation loops. The number of recirculation chambers can lead to improved efficiency, since more separate paths are available for the recirculation of the plasma particles, thus reducing the probability of collisions with the wall of the vacuum chamber.

[0030] According to one design embodiment, it is proposed that the main chamber-side end of the inlet arm be configured as an inlet funnel with a funnel-shaped deflection field, in particular a magnetic and / or electric one. Configuring the main chamber-side end of the inlet arm as an inlet funnel with a funnel-shaped deflection field can improve the efficiency of particle feeding by selectively directing plasma particles into the inlet arm of a recirculation chamber. The inlet funnel can be the end of the inlet arm opening into the main chamber, which can be designed to widen in a funnel shape towards the main chamber. The funnel-shaped deflection field can serve to direct and focus the plasma particle stream, in particular by using a magnetic and / or electric deflecting field. The deflection field can follow the shape of the inlet funnel.

[0031] The device may include a magnetic arrangement in the area of ​​the inlet funnel, in particular consisting of electromagnets and / or permanent magnets, for generating a magnetic funnel-shaped deflection field and / or an arrangement for generating an electric funnel-shaped deflection field.

[0032] In an advantageous embodiment, the recirculation chamber has an internal guiding field, in particular a magnetic and / or electric field, for guiding the plasma particles and preventing them from contacting the wall of the recirculation chamber. An internal guiding field can effectively guide the plasma particles and prevent contact with the chamber wall, thus preventing unintentional plasma loss and damage to the wall of the recirculation chamber. An internal guiding field can help minimize the energy losses that would result from unintentional collisions of the plasma particles with the chamber wall. In this way, the efficiency of the device can be increased.

[0033] The device may include a magnetic arrangement in the area of ​​the feedback chamber, in particular consisting of electromagnets and / or permanent magnets, for generating a magnetic guiding field and / or an arrangement for generating an electric guiding field.

[0034] Advantageously, the main chamber can also have an internal protective field, particularly magnetic and / or electric, to protect the chamber wall from contact with plasma particles. This protective field can deflect plasma particles from contact with the chamber wall in such a way that they do not come into contact with it. Damage to the chamber wall can thus be prevented.

[0035] The device may include a magnetic arrangement in the area of ​​the main chamber, in particular consisting of electromagnets and / or permanent magnets, for generating a magnetic protective field and / or an arrangement for generating an electric protective field.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the invention, the main chamber has a magnetic and / or electrical trap for holding a plasma sphere. The integration of a magnetic and / or electrical trap can enable stable positioning and retention of the plasma sphere within the main chamber. This improves control over the plasma sphere, particularly its position within the main chamber. Plasma heating can be better controlled and more efficient. The trap can be part of the protective field of the main chamber.

[0037] Additionally, the device may include a magnetic arrangement in the area of ​​the main chamber, in particular consisting of electromagnets and / or permanent magnets, for generating the magnetic trap and / or an arrangement for generating the electric trap.

[0038] It is possible for the main chamber-side end of the injection arm to be configured as an injection port that is smaller than the inlet funnel, and in particular smaller than the funnel-shaped deflection field. The injection port can, in particular, be an opening at the main chamber-side end of the injection arm that tapers towards the main chamber and opens into the main chamber. The configuration with an injection port that is smaller than the inlet funnel and, in particular, smaller than the funnel-shaped deflection field, can enable more precise injection of the particle beam into the main chamber. The accuracy of the injection process can be improved. Direct entry of plasma particles from the particle stream into the inlet arm of the same recirculation chamber without impacting the plasma sphere, and thus an unintended bypass, can be avoided.The smaller injection opening reduces the risk of backflow from the main chamber into the injection arm, thereby increasing the operational stability of the device.

[0039] The injection port of the injection arm can have an opening width that is smaller than the smallest opening width of the inlet funnel of the same return chamber.

[0040] According to one embodiment, focusing magnets are arranged at the main chamber-side end of the injection arm to focus the particle beam directed into the main chamber. The arrangement of focusing magnets at the main chamber-side end of the injection arm enables targeted focusing of the particle beam. This increases the efficiency of introducing plasma particles into the main chamber. Focusing the particle beam minimizes interaction with the chamber walls, thus extending the device's service life. The focusing magnets allow for precise focusing near the injection port, ensuring that the plasma particles effectively reach the plasma sphere and do not flow directly back into the inlet funnel.

[0041] In an advantageous embodiment, a plasma brake is arranged in the recirculation section to decelerate the plasma particles and / or to extract energy from the plasma particle stream. Energy can be selectively extracted from the plasma particle stream by means of the plasma brake. In this way, the energy efficiency of the device can be increased. The extracted energy can be used for other processes and / or fed into a power grid. The plasma brake can be arranged in the recirculation section inside the recirculation chamber, in the wall of the recirculation chamber, and / or outside the recirculation chamber. The plasma particle stream can have a lower velocity after the plasma brake than when entering the recirculation chamber.The particle beam generated from the plasma particle stream after the plasma brake can also exhibit a lower velocity than the plasma particle stream upon entering the recirculation chamber, particularly after focusing. However, the mass flow rate of the plasma particles recirculated in the particle stream can, especially when combined with the mass flow rate of any additional gas or plasma particles supplied via an inlet device, correspond to the mass flow rate of the plasma particles entering the inlet arm of the recirculation chamber. In this way, the same mass per unit time can be injected from the recirculation chamber into the main chamber, particularly into the plasma sphere, as enters the recirculation chamber from the main chamber.

[0042] In this context, it has proven advantageous for the plasma brake to be an MHD generator. Using an MHD generator, i.e., a magnetohydrodynamic generator, as a plasma brake allows for the efficient conversion of the plasma particles' kinetic energy into electrical energy. This can increase the overall efficiency of the device. The MHD generator can also enable more precise control of plasma parameters, such as density and temperature, which can contribute to the regulation of plasma dynamics.

[0043] In a further development of the invention, an inlet device for introducing gas particles, in particular plasma particles, into the recirculation chamber and the main chamber opens into the injection arm of at least one recirculation chamber. The inlet device in the injection arm enables a targeted supply of gas particles into the recirculation chamber and the main chamber. In this way, improved control of the plasma composition and plasma density is possible. The ability to replenish plasma particles or gas particles with the inlet device allows the device to react to changes in the plasma state and maintain a constant plasma density and quality. Precise control of the particle injection by the inlet device can contribute to optimizing plasma confinement and improving the efficiency of fusion or fission reactions.

[0044] The introduction device can be designed to introduce gas components which are first heated in the device and converted into a plasma, so that plasma losses can be compensated.

[0045] Alternatively or additionally, the introduction device can include a plasma accelerator for introducing plasma particles, which heats gas particles and converts them into a plasma, thus compensating for plasma losses. In this way, further plasma particles can be introduced directly into the device.

[0046] It is possible for each recirculation loop or recirculation chamber to have its own inlet device, particularly in the injection arm. This allows for effective compensation of plasma losses and / or initial priming of the device.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the device includes a receiving device for receiving a pellet in the central area of ​​the main chamber, as well as a laser system. This allows a pellet to be inserted and positioned centrally in the main chamber. Using the laser system, the pellet can be abruptly transferred into a plasma to accelerate the start-up process, in particular by generating a spherically inward-directed pulse that compresses the plasma.

[0048] The device can include a control unit configured to receive an energy signal, in particular from the plasma brake. The control unit can be configured to determine the quantity of plasma particles to be replenished, i.e., replaced, based on the received energy signal and a predetermined conversion factor, in particular stored in a memory unit. The conversion factor can specify the energy extracted per plasma particle that is absorbed in the plasma brake or otherwise taken from the plasma particle stream. The control unit can further be configured to control the feed device according to the determined quantity of plasma particles to be replenished in order to maintain a constant mass flow.

[0049] The control unit can be configured to read from the storage unit. The storage unit and the control unit can be designed as components of a control unit for the device.

[0050] In a method of the type mentioned above, it is proposed to solve the problem mentioned above by using a device designed in the manner described above, wherein the individual focused particle beams meet in the middle of the main chamber, so that the plasma heats up and in particular forms a region of increasing pressure and temperature.

[0051] The features described in connection with the device according to the invention can also be applied individually or in combination to the method. The same advantages arise as already described.

[0052] The collision of the focused particle beams in the center of the main chamber can lead to a local increase in pressure and temperature, which can contribute to the initiation and maintenance of nuclear fusion reactions, fission reactions, or other high-temperature processes. The central collision of the particle beams can lead to the formation of a stable, high-energy plasma sphere, which is advantageous for controlled fusion reactions and the generation of high-power plasmas.

[0053] Focusing the particle beams onto a central plasma sphere can enable efficient energy use, since the particle beams, especially with their energy, can contribute directly to plasma heating instead of being lost in the chamber wall.

[0054] The operating principle of the process is based on the generation of an inward-directed pulse that compresses the plasma. For this purpose, a plasma sphere can be created in a vacuum, possessing a predetermined temperature and composition. The plasma within the sphere can consist of a mixture of deuterium, tritium, and optionally other materials such as lithium or fissile materials.

[0055] In equilibrium, fast, hot plasma particles can exit the plasma sphere via its surface, while simultaneously plasma particles can be injected into the plasma sphere to maintain equilibrium. To conserve the total mass of the plasma sphere, the plasma particles injected into the plasma sphere can have the same mass as the plasma particles emitted from the plasma sphere as a plasma particle stream. By injecting plasma particles that are slower than those exiting the plasma sphere, an inward momentum can be generated to conserve momentum, compressing the plasma. This momentum can be determined by the ratio of the velocities of the exiting plasma particles to those entering, i.e., recirculated and / or additionally introduced by means of the injection device.With regard to the momentum of the plasma particles coming from the plasma sphere and the plasma particles injected into it, an asymmetric situation can thus be created, which can lead to an increase in pressure and temperature.

[0056] In this process, the device according to the invention can be used in particular for maintaining fission and / or fusion reactions, especially as an energy source in the manner of a fission and / or fusion reactor.

[0057] To capture the escaping plasma particles, the inlet arm, in particular the inlet funnel with a deflection field, can be used. The captured plasma particles can then be returned to the plasma sphere via the recirculation chamber, i.e., injected into it.

[0058] Energy can be extracted from the plasma via the plasma brake, which converts the kinetic energy of the plasma particles into electrical energy. This extracted energy can be used to introduce further plasma particles into the plasma sphere, particularly by means of the inlet devices and injection arms, and to maintain equilibrium.

[0059] The present method offers advantages over conventional fusion methods. It enables continuous plasma compression, unlike explosive compression methods. Fusion or fission can be continuously controlled, and the generated energy can be released in a controlled manner. Furthermore, the confinement method is more energy-efficient and technically easier to implement than conventional magnetic or electrostatic confinement methods.

[0060] The present invention enables the generation of high pressures and temperatures for fusion or fission reactions in a simple and robust manner. It can provide an efficient and controllable method for energy generation and can be used in various applications, such as power generation or materials research.

[0061] Furthermore, it is preferred if the amount of plasma particles to be replenished by the injection device is determined from the amount of energy dissipated via the plasma brake. Determining the amount of plasma particles to be replenished based on the energy dissipated by the plasma brake can enable resource-efficient operation. The amount of plasma particles destroyed during energy extraction through recombination or interaction with the plasma brake can be determined from the dissipated energy, in order to replenish this amount of plasma particles by introducing a corresponding amount of gas or plasma via the injection device, i.e., to compensate for the loss occurring during energy extraction. A conversion factor, determined beforehand, particularly based on measured values, can be used to determine the amount of plasma particles to be replenished from the dissipated energy.Adjusting the particle feed to the derived energy can help stabilize the plasma and extend the device's lifetime, particularly by reducing thermal stress and material fatigue.

[0062] The following section explains embodiments, further developments, and examples of the invention in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The figures show: Fig. 1 shows a schematic cross-section through a device according to the invention, Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of the main chamber of the vacuum receiver of the device according to the invention. Fig. 1 , Fig. 3 perspective, schematic representations of a first embodiment of a vacuum receiver of a device according to the invention and Fig. 4 perspective, schematic representations of a second embodiment of a vacuum receiver of a device according to the invention.

[0063] In Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a schematic cross-section through a device 1 according to the invention with a vacuum receiver 2. The vacuum receiver 2 comprises a main chamber 3 and several return chambers 4, of which in Fig. 1 two are shown.

[0064] In addition to the vacuum receiver 2, the device 1 comprises focusing magnets 19, plasma brakes 11, and an induction device 15. Further elements of the device 1, such as arrangements for generating guide fields 13, deflection fields 9, protective fields for protecting the wall of the main chamber 3, or a trap for holding the plasma sphere 18 in the main chamber 3, are shown in Fig. 1 They may not be shown, but they may still be present.

[0065] In the device 1 for heating the plasma, a plasma sphere 18 consisting of plasma is located in the main chamber 3. Hot, fast-moving plasma particles emerge from this plasma sphere 18. Subsets of these plasma particles enter the inlet arms 5 of the recirculation chambers 4 as plasma particle streams 16. These recirculation chambers are connected to the main chamber 3 in such a way that they enclose a continuous volume.

[0066] In order to capture as large a subset as possible of the plasma particles exiting the plasma sphere 18, the inlet arm 5 has an inlet funnel 8. In this funnel, a deflection field 9 is generated by a field generation arrangement (not shown), which deflects the plasma particles of the plasma particle stream 16 into the inlet arm 5, which, after the inlet funnel 8, forms a substantially straight initial section of the recirculation chamber 4.

[0067] In Fig. 2 The vacuum receiver 2 is shown in more detail in the area of ​​the main chamber 3. A plasma particle stream 16 coming from the plasma sphere 18 can be seen, which is directed by the funnel-shaped deflection field 9 into the inlet funnel 8 and thus into the inlet arm 5 of the return chamber 4 shown in the upper part of the image, which is in Fig. 1 The deflection field 9 is spaced from the wall 14 of the inlet funnel 8 in order to direct the plasma particle stream 16 into the axial center of the inlet funnel 8, which runs along the inlet axis E.

[0068] Within the recirculation chamber 4, the plasma particle stream 16 is held in the axial central region of the recirculation chamber 4 by a guide field 13 to prevent contact with the wall 14. Fig.1 This guide field 13, which is generated by field generation arrangements not shown, is only partially indicated by the dotted lines, but nevertheless extends along the entire return chamber 3.

[0069] The essentially straight inlet arm 5 is followed by a return section 6 designed in the manner of a segment of a torus, into which the plasma particle stream 16 enters and is deflected.

[0070] A plasma brake 11 is arranged at the recirculation section 6 to slow down the plasma particles of the plasma particle stream 16 or to extract energy from the plasma particle stream 16. A plasma brake 11 is arranged at the recirculation section 6 in each of the recirculation chambers 4. The plasma brakes 11 can, for example, be configured as MHD generators.

[0071] The decelerated plasma particles of the plasma particle stream 16 are further redirected in the recirculation section 6 until they enter the injection arm 7 of the recirculation chamber 4. The injection arm 7 forms an essentially straight end section of the recirculation chamber 4. The main chamber-side end of the injection arm 7 forms an injection opening 10, which is smaller than the inlet funnel 8 and smaller than the funnel-shaped deflection field 9.

[0072] The focusing magnets 19 arranged in the region of the injection port 10 generate a field in the injection port 10 which focuses the plasma particle stream 16 into a particle beam 17. This particle beam 17 is thereby guided along the Fig. 2 The particle beam 17 is focused on the injection axis I of the injection arm 7, as shown. In this way, the particle beam 17 is focused onto the plasma sphere 18 in the center of the main chamber 3.

[0073] In the Fig. 1 An inlet device 15 opens into the injection arm 7 shown below. This inlet device 15 allows gas particles to be introduced into the injection arm 7 of the recirculation chamber 4 and thus indirectly into the main chamber 3. These gas particles can either be converted into a plasma in the main chamber 3 or plasma particles can be introduced directly through the inlet device 15.

[0074] The inlet device 15 introduces the gas particles or plasma particles essentially parallel, in particular coaxially, to the injection axis I into the return chamber 4. In this way, the introduced gas particles or plasma particles are introduced into the decelerated plasma particle stream 16 and can be focused together with it.

[0075] The particle beam 17, focused towards the center of the main chamber 3, is also in Fig. 2 shown. This particle beam 17 is from the one in Fig. 2 The injection arm 7 shown below directs the particles onto the plasma sphere 18, causing plasma heating. The particle beam 17, which originates from the injection arm in the right-hand area of ​​the Fig. 2 The injection arm 7 shown is injected along the injection axis I into the main chamber 3.

[0076] The injection axes I of the two in Fig. 1 The return chambers 4 shown are oriented such that they intersect in the center of the main chamber 3. The focused particle beams 17 injected into the main chamber 3 by the respective injection arms 7 of the return chambers 4 thus collide with the plasma sphere 18 and / or with each other, heating the plasma and creating a region of increasing pressure and temperature.

[0077] The two in Fig. 1 The feedback chambers 4 shown, which lie in the same plane in space, form a feedback loop 12. In conjunction with Fig. 2 It can be seen that the inlet axis E of the first feedback chamber 4 of the feedback loop 12 runs coaxially to the injection axis I of the second feedback chamber 4 of the feedback loop 12. Likewise, the inlet axis E of the second feedback chamber 4 of the feedback loop 12 runs coaxially to the injection axis I of the first feedback chamber 4 of the feedback loop 12.

[0078] In Fig. 3 is a first embodiment of the vacuum receiver 2 of the device 1, shown from above in perspective ( Fig. 3a ), from the front ( Fig. 3b ) and from the right side ( Fig. 3c ) shown.

[0079] The vacuum receiver 2 has, in addition to the main chamber 3, a total of four recirculation chambers 4. Each of the recirculation chambers 4 comprises an inlet arm 5, a recirculation section 6, and an injection arm 7, which are connected in the context of Fig. 1 und 2 are designed as described. These are designed to effectively direct the plasma particle streams 16 into the respective return chambers 4 and to selectively inject the focused particle beams 17 back into the main chamber 3.

[0080] Each pair of these four feedback chambers 4 forms a feedback loop 12 in the shape of an infinity symbol. The feedback chambers 4 of each feedback loop 12 are interconnected via the main chamber 3.

[0081] It can be seen that the feedback loops 12 are arranged in pairs in different planes. These two planes can essentially be perpendicular to each other. However, the planes intersect in the main chamber 3, so that all focused particle beams 17 traveling in these two planes can intersect in the main chamber 3, especially in its center, and are directed towards the plasma sphere 18 located there.

[0082] Although in a device 1 utilizing the vacuum receiver 2 of this design, the one associated with Fig. 1 und 2 If further components and parts of the device 1 are described, these are shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 Not shown for the sake of clarity. The same applies to a device 1 which connects the vacuum receiver 2 described below according to Fig. 4 uses.

[0083] Similarly, no induction device 15 is included. Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 shown. However, such an induction device 15 can be present. In particular, each return loop 12 can have its own induction device 15. However, it is particularly preferred that each injection arm 7 is configured with its own induction device 15.

[0084] In Fig. 4 is a second embodiment of the vacuum receiver 2 of the device 1, shown from above in perspective ( Fig. 4a ), from the front ( Fig. 4b ) and from the right side ( Fig. 4c ) shown.

[0085] This vacuum receiver 2 has, in addition to the main chamber 3, a total of ten recirculation chambers 4, which form five recirculation loops 12. Each of the recirculation chambers 4 comprises an inlet arm 5, a recirculation section 6, and an injection arm 7, which are connected in the context of Fig. 1 und 2 are designed in the manner described.

[0086] The complex, intertwined arrangement of the feedback loops 12, each comprising two feedback chambers 4, is evident. The feedback loops 12 are arranged in pairs of differently oriented planes, so that each feedback loop 12 lies in its own plane in space. However, these planes intersect in the main chamber 3, with the feedback chambers 4 of the feedback loops 12 being connected to each other via the main chamber 3. Therefore, all particle beams 17 focused by the injection arms 7 located in these planes intersect in the main chamber 3.

[0087] In this complex arrangement, the inlet axes E of the return chambers 4 of a return loop 12 also run coaxially to the injection axis I of the respective other return chamber 4 of the same return loop 12.

[0088] With the aid of the device 1 described above and the described method, it is possible to heat plasma without using a variable magnetic field arrangement to exert a compression force on the plasma. REFERENCE MARK LIST

[0089] 1 Device 2 Vacuum receiver 3 Main chamber 4 Recirculation chamber 5 Inlet arm 6 Recirculation section 7 Injection arm 8 Inlet funnel 9 Deflection field 10 Injection port 11 Plasma brake 12 Recirculation loop 13 Guide field 14 Wall 15 Inlet device 16 Plasma particle stream 17 Particle beam 18 Plasma sphere 19 Focusing magnet E Inlet axis I Injection axis

Claims

1. Device (1) for heating a plasma comprising a vacuum receiver (2) with a main chamber (3) and several recirculation chambers (4), wherein the recirculation chambers (4) each have an inlet arm (5) for the inlet of a plasma particle stream (16) exiting the main chamber (3), an injection arm (7) for generating a focused particle beam (17) directed into the main chamber (3) from the plasma particle stream (16) entering the recirculation chamber (4) via the inlet arm (5), and a substantially torus-segment-shaped recirculation section (6) for deflecting the plasma particle stream (16) entering the recirculation chamber via the inlet arm (5) into the injection arm (7), wherein the injection arms (7) of the recirculation chambers (4) are oriented such that the particle beams (17) are directed towards the center of the main chamber (3).

2. Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact thatthe recirculation chambers (4) are each designed such that their inlet arm (5) runs along an inlet axis (E) and their injection arm (7) runs along an injection axis (I), wherein the inlet axis (E) and the injection axis (I) intersect at substantially right angles.

3. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized by the fact that Two feedback chambers (4), in particular arranged in a common plane, form a feedback loop (12).

4. Device (1) according to claim 3, characterized by the fact that the inlet axis (E) of the first return chamber of the return loop (12) runs parallel, in particular coaxially, to the injection axis (I) of the second return chamber of the return loop (12).

5. Device (1) according to one of claims 3 or 4, characterized by the fact that the feedback loops (12) are arranged in pairwise different planes.

6. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized byat least four, in particular at least ten, recirculation chambers (4).

7. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the main chamber-side end of the inlet arm (5) is designed as an inlet funnel (8) with a funnel-shaped deflection field (9), in particular magnetic and / or electrical.

8. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the return chamber (4) has inside a, in particular magnetic and / or electric, guiding field (13) for guiding the plasma particles and preventing them from contacting the wall (14) of the return chamber (4).

9. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the main chamber (3) has a magnetic and / or electric trap for holding a plasma sphere (18).

10. Device (1) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized by the fact thatthe main chamber end of the injection arm (7) is designed as an injection opening (10) which is smaller than the inlet funnel (8), in particular smaller than the funnel-shaped deflection field (9).

11. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that Focusing magnets (19) are arranged in the area of ​​the main chamber end of the injection arm (7) for focusing the particle beam (17) directed into the main chamber (3).

12. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that in the area of ​​the recirculation section (6) a plasma brake (11) is arranged to slow down the plasma particles and / or to extract energy from the plasma particle stream (16), preferably that the plasma brake (11) is an MHD generator.

13. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thatThe injection arm (7) of at least one recirculation chamber (4) includes an inlet device (15) for introducing gas particles, in particular plasma particles, into the recirculation chamber (4) and the main chamber (3).

14. Method for heating a plasma with a device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the individual focused particle beams (17) meet in the center of the main chamber (3) so that the plasma heats up and in particular forms a region of increasing pressure and temperature.

15. Method according to claim 14, characterized by the fact that The amount of plasma particles to be replenished by means of the inlet device (15) is determined from the amount of energy derived via the plasma brake (11).

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