Mirror Fusion Direct Converter With Electron Separation Vanes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Generating high-energy plasmas for nuclear fusion in a magnetic mirror confinement system is challenging due to the difficulty in providing a sufficient flux of highly energetic particles, which is costly and energy-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A direct energy conversion system is developed, featuring a radially symmetric structure aligned with the expansion cone of escaping protons and a novel magnetic electron separator, along with a plate getter material, to efficiently capture and convert the energy of escaping ions into electrical power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a neutral beam is used to generate high-energy plasma ions for fusion, then fusion energy output can be maintained, but the energy cost and complexity of the system increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the harmful loss of high-energy ions escaping from the magnetic mirror confinement system into a beneficial energy source. By placing direct energy conversion plates in the path of escaping ions, the system recovers kinetic energy that would otherwise be wasted, converting it directly to electrical power to offset the energy input required for neutral beam injection and maintain fusion reactions.
Solution Approach 2:
The direct energy conversion system creates a feedback loop where escaping fusion ions are converted to electrical power, which is then used to drive the neutral beam injection system. This self-sustaining feedback reduces the net energy input required and improves the overall energy balance of the fusion system.
2Loss of energy
If traditional energy conversion methods are used, then all energy from escaping ions cannot be utilized, but implementing a direct energy conversion system increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic mirror confinement system serves multiple functions: it confines plasma for fusion reactions and simultaneously directs escaping ions onto the energy conversion plates. The radially symmetric structure with converging flux lines at the ends provides both plasma confinement and ion beam guidance for energy recovery, eliminating the need for separate extraction systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from three-dimensional volume integration of energy conversion to a two-dimensional surface approach by placing plates in the radial direction where ions escape. The radially spaced charged plates are positioned perpendicular to the magnetic flux lines, creating an efficient conversion interface without requiring complex three-dimensional integration within the plasma volume.
3Loss of energy
If radially spaced charged plates are used for direct energy conversion, then energy conversion efficiency improves, but the system becomes more sensitive to ion trajectory variations
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses radially spaced charged plates with asymmetric positioning relative to the magnetic flux lines. The plates are arranged to match the asymmetric expansion cone of escaping protons and the recoil trajectory patterns, optimizing interception of ions while maintaining stability against trajectory variations through the radial spacing configuration.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system achieves high-efficiency direct energy conversion by minimizing the impact profile of high-energy ions and reducing exchange losses, thereby supporting higher currents and improving plasma stability.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic mirror confinement field providing axially extending magnetic flux lines substantially radially symmetric about the axis and converging at opposed first and second ends of a confinement volume holding a plasma
Implementation Method 2
Plasma ions moving within this axial magnetic field spiral along the flux lines at the local cyclotron frequency and are 'reflected' by an axial component of magnetic force acting on the spiraling ions
Implementation Method 3
A direct energy converter is positioned along the axis outside of the magnetic mirror confinement field comprising multiple arrays of radially spaced apart charged plates separated by gaps aligned with trajectories of ions escaping from the magnetic mirror confinement field to generate electrical power therefrom
Implementation Method 4
the reflecting force is proportional to the particle kinetic energy component which is perpendicular to the magnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
A direct converter for an axisymmetric mirror confinement system provides a set of radially symmetric vanes charged to capture ions escaping along the axis of the confinement system and to convert their energy to electrical power. An electron trap positioned before the charged vanes uses a magnetic field to divert and collect electrons, separating them from the ions, and may support a radial electric field providing plasma control. The charged vanes may be constructed of or have a coating of a getter material absorbing neutrals derived from those ions after capture.