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39 results about "Field-reversed configuration" patented technology

A field-reversed configuration (FRC) is a type of plasma device studied as a means of producing nuclear fusion. It confines a plasma on closed magnetic field lines without a central penetration. In an FRC, the plasma has the form of a self-stable torus, similar to a smoke ring.

Formation of a field reversed configuration for magnetic and electrostatic confinement of plasma

InactiveUS6891911B2Facilitate classical containmentAvoid transportElectric discharge tubesNuclear energy generationNuclear forceOrbit
A system and method for containing plasma and forming a Field Reversed Configuration (FRC) magnetic topology are described in which plasma ions are contained magnetically in stable, non-adiabatic orbits in the FRC. Further, the electrons are contained electrostatically in a deep energy well, created by tuning an externally applied magnetic field. The simultaneous electrostatic confinement of electrons and magnetic confinement of ions avoids anomalous transport and facilitates classical containment of both electrons and ions. In this configuration, ions and electrons may have adequate density and temperature so that upon collisions they are fused together by nuclear force, thus releasing fusion energy. Moreover, the fusion fuel plasmas that can be used with the present confinement system and method are not limited to neutronic fuels only, but also advantageously include advanced fuels.
Owner:RGT UNIV OF CALIFORNIA

Controlled fusion in a field reversed configuration and direct energy conversion

InactiveUS6850011B2Facilitates controlled fusionReduce eliminate anomalous transportElectric discharge tubesNuclear energy generationNuclear forcePlasma electron
A system and apparatus for controlled fusion in a field reversed configuration (FRC) magnetic topology and conversion of fusion product energies directly to electric power. Preferably, plasma ions are magnetically confined in the FRC while plasma electrons are electrostatically confined in a deep energy well, created by tuning an externally applied magnetic field. In this configuration, ions and electrons may have adequate density and temperature so that upon collisions they are fused together by the nuclear force, thus forming fusion products that emerge in the form of an annular beam. Energy is removed from the fusion product ions as they spiral past electrodes of an inverse cyclotron converter. Advantageously, the fusion fuel plasmas that can be used with the present confinement and energy conversion system include advanced (aneutronic) fuels.
Owner:RGT UNIV OF CALIFORNIA +1

Controlled fusion in a field reversed configuration and direct energy conversion

InactiveUS6894446B2Facilitates controlled fusionReduce eliminate anomalous transportNuclear energy generationMagnetic resonance acceleratorsNuclear forcePlasma electron
A system and apparatus for controlled fusion in a field reversed configuration (FRC) magnetic topology and conversion of fusion product energies directly to electric power. Preferably, plasma ions are magnetically confined in the FRC while plasma electrons are electrostatically confined in a deep energy well, created by tuning an externally applied magnetic field. In this configuration, ions and electrons may have adequate density and temperature so that upon collisions they are fused together by the nuclear force, thus forming fusion products that emerge in the form of an annular beam. Energy is removed from the fusion product ions as they spiral past electrodes of an inverse cyclotron converter. Advantageously, the fusion fuel plasmas that can be used with the present confinement and energy conversion system include advanced (aneutronic) fuels.
Owner:RGT UNIV OF CALIFORNIA +1

Controlled fusion in a field reversed configuration and direct energy conversion

InactiveUS6852942B2Facilitates controlled fusionReduce eliminate anomalous transportLaser detailsParticle separator tubesNuclear forcePlasma electron
A system and apparatus for controlled fusion in a field reversed configuration (FRC) magnetic topology and conversion of fusion product energies directly to electric power. Preferably, plasma ions are magnetically confined in the FRC while plasma electrons are electrostatically confined in a deep energy well, created by tuning an externally applied magnetic field. In this configuration, ions and electrons may have adequate density and temperature so that upon collisions they are fused together by the nuclear force, thus forming fusion products that emerge in the form of an annular beam. Energy is removed from the fusion product ions as they spiral past electrodes of an inverse cyclotron converter. Advantageously, the fusion fuel plasmas that can be used with the present confinement and energy conversion system include advanced (aneutronic) fuels.
Owner:RGT UNIV OF CALIFORNIA +1

Plasma Centrifuge Heat Engine Beam Fusion Reactor

A system and apparatus for a magnetized plasma nuclear fusion reactor, incorporating special design features which induce a plasma heat engine cycle in a rapidly rotating plasma. The heat engine operates either continuously or by oscillations. A continuous heat engine is formed in the open field outside a field reversed configuration. The oscillatory system operates in synchronism with cyclic acceleration, collision, and deceleration of plasma masses to produce nuclear fusion reactions at an economically useful rate with a relatively small driving power required. A special magnetic field design is combined with applied electrical voltages at the end of the field lines to produce required conditions. Design features allow recovery of large fraction of collision heat which would otherwise be dissipated as a parasitic loss.
Owner:BARNES DANIEL C

Controlled fusion in a field reversed configuration and direct energy conversion

InactiveUS6888907B2Facilitates controlled fusionReduce eliminate anomalous transportDischarge tube luminescnet screensNuclear energy generationNuclear forcePlasma electron
A system and apparatus for controlled fusion in a field reversed configuration (FRC) magnetic topology and conversion of fusion product energies directly to electric power. Preferably, plasma ions are magnetically confined in the FRC while plasma electrons are electrostatically confined in a deep energy well, created by tuning an externally applied magnetic field. In this configuration, ions and electrons may have adequate density and temperature so that upon collisions they are fused together by the nuclear force, thus forming fusion products that emerge in the form of an annular beam. Energy is removed from the fusion product ions as they spiral past electrodes of an inverse cyclotron converter. Advantageously, the fusion fuel plasmas that can be used with the present confinement and energy conversion system include advanced (aneutronic) fuels.
Owner:RGT UNIV OF CALIFORNIA +1

Plasma electric generation and propulsion system

InactiveUS20060198485A1Facilitates controlled fusionReduce eliminate anomalous transportNuclear energy generationThermonuclear fusion reactorNuclear forcePlasma electron
A system and apparatus for controlled fusion in a field reversed configuration (FRC) magnetic topology and conversion of fusion product energies directly to electric power. Preferably, plasma ions are magnetically confined in the FRC while plasma electrons are electrostatically confined in a deep energy well, created by tuning an externally applied magnetic field. In this configuration, ions and electrons may have adequate density and temperature so that upon collisions they are fused together by the nuclear force, thus forming fusion products that emerge in the form of an annular beam. Energy is removed from the fusion product ions as they spiral past electrodes of an inverse cyclotron converter. Advantageously, the fusion fuel plasmas that can be used with the present confinement and energy conversion system include advanced (aneutronic) fuels.
Owner:RGT UNIV OF CALIFORNIA

Systems and methods for forming and maintaining a high performance frc

ActiveUS20170359886A1Improve FRC confinementStability control without negative side-effectsNuclear energy generationAcceleratorsThermal energyDivertor
A high performance field reversed configuration (FRC) system includes a central confinement vessel, two diametrically opposed reversed-field-theta-pinch formation sections coupled to the vessel, and two divertor chambers coupled to the formation sections. A magnetic system includes quasi-dc coils axially positioned along the FRC system components, quasi-dc mirror coils between the confinement chamber and the formation sections, and mirror plugs between the formation sections and the divertors. The formation sections include modular pulsed power formation systems enabling static and dynamic formation and acceleration of the FRCs. The FRC system further includes neutral atom beam injectors, pellet or CT injectors, gettering systems, axial plasma guns and flux surface biasing electrodes. The beam injectors are preferably angled toward the midplane of the chamber. In operation, FRC plasma parameters including plasma thermal energy, total particle numbers, radius and trapped magnetic flux, are sustainable at or about a constant value without decay during neutral beam injection.
Owner:TAE TECH INC

Vacuum chamber for plasma electric generation system

ActiveUS20060267504A1Facilitates controlled fusionReduce eliminate anomalous transportElectric discharge tubesNuclear energy generationNuclear forcePlasma electron
A system and apparatus for controlled fusion in a field reversed configuration (FRC) magnetic topology and conversion of fusion product energies directly to electric power. Preferably, plasma ions are magnetically confined in the FRC while plasma electrons are electrostatically confined in a deep energy well, created by tuning an externally applied magnetic field. In this configuration, ions and electrons may have adequate density and temperature so that upon collisions they are fused together by the nuclear force, thus forming fusion products that emerge in the form of an annular beam. Energy is removed from the fusion product ions as they spiral past electrodes of an inverse cyclotron converter. Advantageously, the fusion fuel plasmas that can be used with the present confinement and energy conversion system include advanced (aneutronic) fuels.
Owner:RGT UNIV OF CALIFORNIA

Systems and methods for forming and maintaining a high performance frc

ActiveUS20150187443A1Improve FRC confinementStability control without negative side-effectsNuclear energy generationPlasma techniqueEngineeringDivertor
Systems and methods that facilitate the formation and maintenance of new High Performance Field Reversed Configurations (FRCs). An FRC system for the High Performance FRC (HPF) includes a central confinement vessel surrounded by two diametrically opposed reversed-field-theta-pinch formation sections and, beyond the formation sections, two divertor chambers to control neutral density and impurity contamination. A magnetic system includes a series of quasi-dc coils axially positioned along the FRC system components, quasi-dc mirror coils between the confinement chamber and the adjacent formation sections, and mirror plugs between the formation sections and the divertors. The formation sections include modular pulsed power formation systems that enable FRCs to be formed in-situ and then accelerated and injected (=static formation) or formed and accelerated simultaneously (=dynamic formation). The FRC system further includes neutral atom beam injectors, a pellet injector, gettering systems, axial plasma guns and flux surface biasing electrodes.
Owner:RGT UNIV OF CALIFORNIA

Systems and methods for forming and maintaining a high performance frc

ActiveUS20160276044A1Improve FRC confinementStability control without negative side-effectsNuclear energy generationPlasma techniqueThermal energyDivertor
A high performance field reversed configuration (FRC) system includes a central confinement vessel, two diametrically opposed reversed-field-theta-pinch formation sections coupled to the vessel, and two divertor chambers coupled to the formation sections. A magnetic system includes quasi-dc coils axially positioned along the FRC system components, quasi-dc mirror coils between the confinement chamber and the formation sections, and mirror plugs between the formation sections and the divertors. The formation sections include modular pulsed power formation systems enabling static and dynamic formation and acceleration of the FRCs. The FRC system further includes neutral atom beam injectors, pellet injectors, gettering systems, axial plasma guns and flux surface biasing electrodes. The beam injectors are preferably angled toward the midplane of the chamber. In operation, FRC plasma parameters including plasma thermal energy, total particle numbers, radius and trapped magnetic flux, are sustainable at or about a constant value without decay during neutral beam injection.
Owner:TAE TECH INC

RF current drive for plasma electric generation system

ActiveUS20060254520A1Facilitates controlled fusionReduce eliminate anomalous transportElectric discharge tubesNuclear energy generationNuclear forcePlasma electron
A system and apparatus for controlled fusion in a field reversed configuration (FRC) magnetic topology and conversion of fusion product energies directly to electric power. Preferably, plasma ions are magnetically confined in the FRC while plasma electrons are electrostatically confined in a deep energy well, created by tuning an externally applied magnetic field. In this configuration, ions and electrons may have adequate density and temperature so that upon collisions they are fused together by the nuclear force, thus forming fusion products that emerge in the form of an annular beam. Energy is removed from the fusion product ions as they spiral past electrodes of an inverse cyclotron converter. Advantageously, the fusion fuel plasmas that can be used with the present confinement and energy conversion system include advanced (aneutronic) fuels.
Owner:RGT UNIV OF CALIFORNIA

Plasma electric generation system

A system and apparatus for controlled fusion in a field reversed configuration (FRC) magnetic topology and conversion of fusion product energies directly to electric power. Preferably, plasma ions are magnetically confined in the FRC while plasma electrons are electrostatically confined in a deep energy well, created by tuning an externally applied magnetic field. In this configuration, ions and electrons may have adequate density and temperature so that upon collisions they are fused together by the nuclear force, thus forming fusion products that emerge in the form of an annular beam. Energy is removed from the fusion product ions as they spiral past electrodes of an inverse cyclotron converter. Advantageously, the fusion fuel plasmas that can be used with the present confinement and energy conversion system include advanced (aneutronic) fuels.
Owner:RGT UNIV OF CALIFORNIA

Plasma Power Generation System

The present invention relates to a plasma power generation system. A system and device for controlling fusion and direct-to-electricity conversion of fusion product energy in a field reverse configuration (FRC) magnetic topology. Preferably, the plasma ions are magnetically confined in the FRC, while the plasma electrons are electrostatically confined in a deep energy well created by tuning the applied magnetic field. In this configuration, the ions and electrons can be of such density and temperature that upon collision they are fused together by nuclear forces to form fusion products in the form of a ring beam. As the fusion product ions spiral through the electrodes of the inverse cyclotron converter, energy is removed from them. Advantageously, fusion fuel plasmas usable with the present confinement and energy conversion system include advanced (non-neutron) fuels.
Owner:RGT UNIV OF CALIFORNIA

Method for obtainging plasma

A method for obtaining high temperature plasma in the Field Reversed Configuration (FRC) magnetic topology is described, allowing for compression, retention and heating plasma, which can be used for obtaining thermonuclear energy or laser pumping. The storage of the magnetic field energy is accomplished by creating a current in the winding of a solenoid over a working volume. In addition, a pulse toroidal magnetic field with force lines perpendicular to the magnetic field of the solenoid is created via the transmission of a current through the working volume. Then, the current is broken off in the solenoid winding when it reaches its maximum to excite a closed current loop in the plasma created in the working volume. The change of the direction of magnetic field outside the current-carrying loop in the plasma is achieved either by changing to the opposite direction of the current in the solenoid or transmitting the current in additional turns parallel to the turns of the solenoid.
Owner:MOZGOVOY ALEXANDER

Inductive plasma source for plasma electric generation system

ActiveUS20060267503A1Facilitates controlled fusionReduce eliminate anomalous transportElectric discharge tubesNuclear energy generationNuclear forcePlasma electron
A system and apparatus for controlled fusion in a field reversed configuration (FRC) magnetic topology and conversion of fusion product energies directly to electric power. Preferably, plasma ions are magnetically confined in the FRC while plasma electrons are electrostatically confined in a deep energy well, created by tuning an externally applied magnetic field. In this configuration, ions and electrons may have adequate density and temperature so that upon collisions they are fused together by the nuclear force, thus forming fusion products that emerge in the form of an annular beam. Energy is removed from the fusion product ions as they spiral past electrodes of an inverse cyclotron converter. Advantageously, the fusion fuel plasmas that can be used with the present confinement and energy conversion system include advanced (aneutronic) fuels.
Owner:RGT UNIV OF CALIFORNIA

Magnetized plasma fusion ignition device and inertial magnetic confinement fusion method

The invention discloses a magnetized plasma fusion ignition device and an inertial magnetic confinement fusion method. The method comprises a field-reversed configuration (FRC) forming and accelerated transmission system, a merging collision system, and an implosion and compression system. The forming and accelerated transmission system is distributed on two sides symmetrically. The merging collision system is in the middle and comprises a metal sleeve, a coil sleeving the outer side of the metal sleeve, and magnetic mirror coils on two ends. The implosion and compression system comprises the metal sleeve and electrodes, and the electrodes are connected with a pulse driving power source capacitor set. The method comprises the following steps: by means of FRTP technology, initial FRC plasmas are formed and head-to-head collision is induced; in the space, the plasmas are merged into high-temperature high-density magnetized plasma targets with higher density and temperature than a single FRC plasma before collision; and the external pulse driving power source discharges to drive implosion in a solid sleeve to conduct quasi-adiabatic compression of the high-temperature high-density magnetized plasma targets, so that the temperature and density of the plasma targets rise to meet fusion ignition conditions.
Owner:INST OF APPLIED PHYSICS & COMPUTATIONAL MATHEMATICS

Method and system for reducing plasma loss in a magnetic mirror fusion reactor

A method and system are provided for reducing plasma loss from the main chamber of a magnetic mirror fusion reactor (MMFR). The MMFR includes a mirror magnet defining a throat region and main chamber magnets defining a main chamber region adjacent the throat region. The present invention generates a field reversed configuration (FRC) inside the MMFR and only between the mirror magnet and the main chamber magnet that is adjacent to the mirror magnet.
Owner:NASA

Magnetic and electrostatic confinement of plasma in a field reversed configuration

InactiveCN101018444ALow efficiencySimplified classic accommodationNuclear energy generationPlasma techniqueNuclear forceOrbit
A system and apparatus for containing plasma are described in which plasma ions are contained magnetically in stable, non-adiabatic orbits in a Field Reversed Configuration (FRC) magnetic topology. Further, the electrons are contained electrostatically in a deep energy well, created by tuning an externally applied magnetic field. The simultaneous electrostatic confinement of electrons and magnetic confinement of ions avoids anomalous transport and facilitates classical containment of both electrons and ions. In this configuration, ions and electrons may have adequate density and temperature so that upon collisions they are fused together by the nuclear force, thus releasing fusion energy. Moreover, the fusion fuel plasmas that can be used with the present confinement system and method are not limited to neutronic fuels only, but also advantageously include advanced fuels.
Owner:RGT UNIV OF CALIFORNIA

Superconducting coil device with supporting structure

The invention provides a superconducting coil device with a supporting structure and relates to the technical field of fusion, and the problem that the plasma inside a superconducting coil with a supporting structure cannot form a field reverse configuration and so the plasma cannot realize fusion reaction is solved. The superconducting coil device with the supporting structure is disposed in a vacuum chamber and includes a superconducting coil unit and a bracket unit, the superconducting coil unit includes a plurality of sub-superconducting coils, the bracket unit includes a plurality of thebracket rings which fix the sub-superconducting coils and connecting rods passing through the bracket rings, and two ends of the connecting rods are fixed to the inner walls of the vacuum chamber. Thesuperconducting coil device is used for forming an effective field reverse configuration.
Owner:ENN SCI & TECH DEV

RF current drive for plasma electric generation system

ActiveUS9123512B2Facilitates controlled fusionReduce eliminate anomalous transportElectric discharge tubesNuclear energy generationNuclear forcePlasma electron
A system and apparatus for controlled fusion in a field reversed configuration (FRC) magnetic topology and conversion of fusion product energies directly to electric power. Preferably, plasma ions are magnetically confined in the FRC while plasma electrons are electrostatically confined in a deep energy well, created by tuning an externally applied magnetic field. In this configuration, ions and electrons may have adequate density and temperature so that upon collisions ions are fused together by the nuclear force, thus forming fusion products that emerge in the form of an annular beam. Energy is removed from the fusion product ions as they spiral past electrodes of an inverse cyclotron converter. Advantageously, the fusion fuel plasmas that can be used with the present confinement and energy conversion system include advanced (aneutronic) fuels.
Owner:RGT UNIV OF CALIFORNIA

Neutron beam injector ion source field reverse configuration plasma radio frequency driver

The invention discloses a neutron beam injector ion source field reverse configuration plasma radio frequency driver, which comprises a vacuum cavity. Outside the vacuum cavity, two coils arranged in parallel are used as a radio frequency power supply antenna. Each coil consists of windings with 1.5 turns or more. The distance between the two coils is larger than the maximum gap between any windings. The two coils are connected with the same phase RF current and the magnetic fields generated by the coils share the same direction, and a metal Faraday cup is arranged at the inner side of the vacuum cavity. The present invention overcomes the shortcomings of the conventional plasma radio frequency driver of neutron beam injector ion source, which uses a uniform magnetic field confinement plasma mode. The driver of the invention utilizes an alternating non-uniform magnetic field and the driven self-magnetic field of the annular plasma current and establishes a field reversal configuration plasma confinement mode, therefore, preventing the Faraday cup from being in direct contact with the high temperature plasma and benefiting the temperature rise and the constraint of the plasma.
Owner:HEFEI INSTITUTES OF PHYSICAL SCIENCE - CHINESE ACAD OF SCI

Controlled fusion in a field reversed configuration and direct energy conversion

InactiveCN1874646ALong binding timeNuclear energy generationReaction to electrical energyNuclear forcePlasma electron
A system and apparatus for controlled fusion in a field reversed configuration (FRC) magnetic topology and conversion of fusion product energies directly to electric power. Preferably, plasma ions are magnetically confined in the FRC while plasma electrons are electrostatically confined in a deep energy well, created by tuning an externally applied magnetic field. In this configuration, ions and electrons may have adequate density and temperature so that upon collisions they are fused together by the nuclear force, thus forming fusion products that emerge in the form of an annular beam. Energy is removed from the fusion product ions as they spiral past electrodes of an inverse cyclotron converter. Advantageously, the fusion fuel plasmas that can be used with the present confinement and energy conversion system include advanced (aneutronic) fuels.
Owner:RGT UNIV OF CALIFORNIA +1

Method for measuring magnetic field in FRC (field reversed configuration) plasmas

The invention provides a method for measuring a magnetic field in FRC (field reversed configuration) plasmas, and the method comprises the steps: employing a laser ion beam locus probe (LITP) to measure the magnetic field in the FRC plasmas, and enabling an ion beam generated by a laser ion accelerator to enter a field inversion device through a collimator; measuring a circumferential deflection angle (phit-2 alpha0), axial displacement Z and flight time T of ions with different energies in a magnetic field in the FRC plasmas; and determining the annular deflection angle (phit-2 alpha0), the axial displacement Z and the quantitative relationship between the flight time T and the polar magnetic field profile of the magnetic field in the field inversion plasma, and nonlinearly reconstructingthe polar magnetic field profile. The method (LITP) provided by the invention can provide the error level of the LITP diagnosis magnetic field, the key parameters of the LITP prototype, the system framework and the like for the specific given FRC.
Owner:PEKING UNIV +1
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