Axisymmetric Mirror Direct Converter With Radial Ion Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Generating a sufficient flux of highly energetic particles for high-energy plasma in magnetic mirror confinement systems is difficult and costly, and existing methods for direct energy conversion are inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A direct energy conversion system with a radially symmetric structure and novel magnetic electron separator, using charged plates and a getter material to capture and convert escaping ions into electrical power, while minimizing energy loss and intercepting neutrals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If neutral beam injection is used to generate high-energy plasma, then fusion reactions can be promoted, but the energy cost to generate sufficient flux of highly energetic particles becomes excessively high
Solution Approach 1:
The invention captures the kinetic energy of ions that would otherwise escape the magnetic mirror confinement system and convert it into electrical energy. The direct energy conversion system uses charged plates to collect escaping ions and generate electricity, turning the harmful energy loss into a beneficial power source that can offset the energy cost of neutral beam injection and other system demands.
Solution Approach 2:
The direct energy conversion system provides feedback to the fusion system by generating electrical power from escaping ions. This power can be used to replenish losses from neutral beam injection, plasma instabilities, and other system demands, creating a self-sustaining energy loop that improves overall system efficiency.
2Loss of energy
If conventional direct energy conversion methods are used, then some electrical power can be generated from escaping ions, but the conversion efficiency is insufficient to meet system energy demands
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from conventional two-dimensional plate arrangements to a three-dimensional radially symmetric structure with plates positioned at different radial distances. This dimensional change allows the system to capture ions across a broader spatial distribution, matching the radially symmetric expansion cone of escaping protons and significantly improving capture efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention optimizes the energy extraction process by using multiple arrays of charged plates at different potentials and radial positions. The system adjusts electrical parameters such as plate voltage, spacing, and radial positioning to maximize the capture of ions across different energy levels and trajectories, thereby increasing overall conversion efficiency.
3Productivity
If charged plates are positioned to intercept escaping ions, then energy conversion efficiency improves, but the plates may intercept neutrals causing exchange losses and arcing
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the energy conversion function into multiple separate charged plate arrays positioned at different radial distances and potentials. This segmentation allows the system to capture ions at different stages of their escape trajectory while minimizing neutral interception. The getter material on plate surfaces further segments the interaction by selectively absorbing neutrals that do reach the plates.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces getter material as an intermediary layer on the charged plates. This getter material selectively absorbs neutral particles that reach the plate surfaces, preventing them from causing exchange losses or arcing. The getter material acts as a buffer that protects the charged plates from direct neutral interactions while allowing the charged ion capture function to proceed efficiently.
4Reliability
If the magnetic mirror confinement system is used to confine plasma, then container damage is avoided, but ions escape along the magnetic flux lines causing energy loss
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the escaping ions from the magnetic mirror confinement system before they can completely leave the system. The direct energy conversion apparatus is positioned to intercept ions along their escape paths, removing them from the confinement system and converting their kinetic energy into useful electrical power. This extraction prevents the energy loss while maintaining the confinement stability.
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 aligning plates with diverging ion trajectories, capturing high-energy ions effectively, and reducing exchange losses, thereby supporting higher currents and plasma stability.
Implementation Method 1
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 three acting on the spiraling ions.
Implementation Method 2
Such confinement systems may provide an axial magnetic field extending between two ends at which the magnetic flux lines converge. This reflecting magnetic force caused by the flux line convergence and concomitant increasing magnetic field strength
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 charged plates may be nested conical frustrums centered about the axis with cone apices directed toward the confinement volume. The set of charged plates may provide an outer surface of a getter material, such as tantalum, for absorption of neutrals resulting from the captured ions.
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.