Solid Fusion Target with Low Ignition Temperature Core
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fusion energy technologies face challenges in achieving sustained fusion reactions with net energy production due to high ignition temperatures and neutron emission, which are costly and environmentally impactful.
Innovation Solution
A novel fuel pellet structure for inertial confinement fusion, comprising a center region with a low ignition temperature fuel material (DTLi6 or DTLi7) surrounded by higher ignition temperature fuel materials (DLi6 and pB11), designed to minimize neutron generation and reduce costs by using solid materials at room temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional fusion fuel (DT) is used, then ignition temperature is low (13.6 keV), but neutron emission is high and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel target is divided into multiple concentric layers with different fuel compositions. The innermost layer contains low-ignition-temperature fuel (DT or DTLi) surrounded by higher-ignition-temperature fuel layers (DLi, pB11). This segmentation allows the reaction to proceed from the inside outward, using the inner layer's low ignition temperature to initiate fusion while the outer layers progressively reduce neutron emission.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite fuel structures combining different hydrogen isotopes and lithium/boron compounds in specific ratios and layers. The composite structure leverages the low ignition temperature of DT in the core while using lithium-6 and boron-11 in outer layers to absorb neutrons and reduce harmful emissions, creating a multi-functional fuel system.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If high ignition temperature fuel is used to reduce neutron emission, then neutron generation is reduced, but ignition temperature requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The low-ignition-temperature DT or DTLi fuel layer is placed at the center to be ignited first, creating the initial fusion conditions and energy release. This preliminary action provides the heat and pressure necessary to subsequently ignite the surrounding higher-ignition-temperature fuel layers, effectively using the easy-to-ignite core to drive the harder-to-ignite outer layers.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the fuel target have different fuel compositions optimized for their specific functions. The center region uses low-ignition-temperature fuel for easy initiation, while the outer regions use high-ignition-temperature, low-neutron fuels. Each layer's local composition is tailored to its position and role in the overall fusion process.
3Productivity
If conventional fusion targets are used, then fusion reactions can be achieved, but production costs are high due to neutron damage and material degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the harmful neutron emission into a beneficial process by using lithium-6 and boron-11 as outer fuel layers. These materials have high neutron absorption cross-sections, so they capture the neutrons that would otherwise damage surrounding equipment. The neutron absorption triggers additional fusion reactions (n,α) that produce energy without harmful neutron emission, effectively turning the harmful neutrons into useful energy while protecting materials.
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 novel fuel pellet achieves a low ignition temperature between 13.6 keV and 66 keV, significantly reducing neutron emission and lowering production costs, while maintaining high fusion gain.
Implementation Method 1
high-energy lasers or particle beams to compress and heat a small pellet of hydrogen fuel
Implementation Method 2
compress and heat a small pellet of hydrogen fuel
Implementation Method 3
two atomic nuclei fuse together, releasing a large amount of energy in the process
Implementation Method 4
mitigating neutron emission
Data Source
AI summary
In an example, the present invention provides a fuel target device. The device has a center region comprising a first fuel material region characterized by a lowest ignition temperature or energy. The device has a second outer region surrounding the center region and comprising a second fuel material region characterized by a higher ignition temperature or energy than the lowest ignition temperature or energy of the first fuel material region.