Stellarator Coil Support Structure for Magnetic Force Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional stellarator designs face challenges in maintaining structural integrity and plasma confinement due to deformation and misalignment of magnetic coils caused by strong magnetic forces, leading to increased complexity, weight, and maintenance difficulties.
Innovation Solution
A stellarator design with dual structural arrangements to balance radial and local forces on superconducting coils, incorporating support rings and coil casings to stabilize and modularize the coil structure, along with a computer-implemented method for optimizing the coil support structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If high-temperature superconductor technology is used to increase electric current density and magnetic field strength, then plasma confinement performance is improved, but forces exerted on coils increase causing deformation and misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple functional components: a primary support structure providing overall coil positioning, and a secondary support structure with reinforcement elements addressing local force distribution. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, managing both global and local mechanical stresses on the coils.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure employs composite design combining rigid structural elements for primary support with flexible reinforcement elements for local force distribution. This composite approach enables the structure to simultaneously maintain overall coil positioning while accommodating localized deformations from magnetic forces.
2Stability of the object's composition
If rigid support structures and reinforcement elements are used to prevent coil deformation, then coil stability is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
Reinforcement elements are strategically positioned at specific locations where local forces cause maximum stress or deformation on the coils. Rather than uniformly reinforcing the entire support structure, this localized approach provides necessary stability only where needed, reducing overall complexity and weight while maintaining coil configuration stability.
3Strength
If conventional support structures are used, then structural support is provided, but interference with magnetic fields occurs and maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The secondary support structure with reinforcement elements is designed as a separate, adjustable component that can be independently positioned and tuned. This extraction allows the reinforcement function to be optimized without being constrained by the primary support structure, enabling better magnetic field compatibility and easier access for maintenance and adjustment of individual coil segments.
4Stability of the object's composition
If uniform force distribution is achieved, then structural stability is improved, but localized stress points cannot be addressed
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement elements are specifically targeted to locations experiencing localized stress concentrations or adverse force distributions. By providing enhanced support precisely where needed rather than uniformly across the entire structure, the system maintains overall stability while specifically addressing vulnerable points that would otherwise compromise reliability.
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
Enhances mechanical stability, reduces the likelihood of mechanical failure, and extends the operational lifespan of the stellarator by maintaining precise magnetic field configuration and facilitating easier maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
using high-temperature superconductor technology, such as cuprate-based superconductors like YBCO
Implementation Method 2
non-planar magnetic field coils to confine the fusion plasma in a toroidal plasma vessel
Implementation Method 3
substantial forces exerted by the magnetic fields generated by the coils
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a stellarator (1) comprising: a plurality of non-planar, superconducting coils, for generating a magnetic field for confining a plasma inside a plasma vessel; and a coil support structure (30, 40, 50) comprising: a first structural arrangement (30) arranged between a center (20) of the stellarator and the plasma vessel and configured to balance a radial force exerted by the magnetic field on the plurality of coils; a second structural arrangement (40, 50) configured to balance local forces exerted by the magnetic field on one or more coil segments of the plurality of coils; wherein the local forces cause at least a toroidal motion and/or a toroidal deformation of the one or more segments of the plurality of coils.