Planar Stellarator Coils for Simpler Plasma Field Shaping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Stellarator designs with complex, non-planar electromagnetic coils face challenges in fabrication, integration, and maintenance, leading to increased costs and difficulty in controlling the magnetic field distribution.
Innovation Solution
A stellarator design utilizing a plurality of planar encircling coils and planar shaping coils that do not interlock with each other, allowing for a simpler structure and improved control of the magnetic field.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If non-planar electromagnetic coils with complex 3D curvature are used, then the stellarator can confine plasma effectively, but the design, fabrication, integration, and maintenance become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The complex non-planar coil is segmented into multiple planar coil segments that can be fabricated separately and then assembled together to form the complete stellarator magnetic field structure, making fabrication and assembly much easier while maintaining plasma confinement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The design transitions from using coils in three-dimensional space (non-planar) to using multiple two-dimensional planar coils arranged in specific configurations, simplifying manufacturing while achieving the same magnetic field topology through dimensional reduction
2Reliability
If electromagnetic coils are designed to interlock like chain links, then the magnetic field topology is achieved, but the fabrication complexity increases as they must be made together
Solution Approach 1:
The interlocking coil structure is segmented into independent planar coil units that do not physically interlock but are positioned to create the same magnetic field topology, allowing each coil to be fabricated and tested independently before assembly
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple identical or similar planar coil designs are used throughout the stellarator structure, allowing for standardized fabrication processes and simplifying integration, as each coil serves a similar functional role in creating the magnetic field
3Reliability
If complex three-dimensional stellarator designs are used, then plasma confinement is achieved, but the cost and control of the 3D magnetic field increase
Solution Approach 1:
The design uses multiple two-dimensional planar coils arranged in three-dimensional space to create the magnetic field, rather than using complex three-dimensional curved coils, simplifying the structural design while maintaining plasma confinement through clever spatial arrangement
Solution Approach 2:
The planar coil design serves multiple functions: creating the magnetic field topology, providing structural support, and enabling easier fabrication and assembly, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining confinement performance
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 design simplifies fabrication and maintenance while enhancing magnetic field control, reducing complexity and costs compared to prior stellarator designs.
Implementation Method 1
Magnetic fusion devices aim to confine a fusing plasma using magnetic fields
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of planar encircling coils and planar shaping coils that encircle the plasma axis
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a stellarator comprising two sets of coils, namely a set of encircling coils which encircle the plasma axis, and a set of shaping coils which do not encircle any other coil or the plasma. In some embodiments, the encircling coils include a structural element to maintain their shape under magnetic forces. In some embodiments, the shaping coils are mounted onto one or more structural elements which, together with the shaping coils, constitute a field shaping unit. Also disclosed is a controller which may modify the electrical current flowing in one or more subsets of the coils in order to achieve target plasma parameters. Also disclosed is a method of designing a set of shaping coils by discretizing a surface dipole or current potential distribution.