Permanent Magnet Arrays for Stellarators With Fewer Unique Magnet Types
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for designing stellarators using permanent magnets are costly due to the need for a large number of uniquely shaped and oriented magnets, which complicates manufacturing and increases expenses.
Innovation Solution
A method for designing a stellarator magnet array using a set of predetermined permanent magnet types, where the dipole moment magnitudes and orientation angles are optimized to minimize the error field and reduce the number of unique magnet types, allowing for batch manufacturing and lower costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current methods for designing stellarators using permanent magnets are used, then a stellarator magnetic field can be produced, but the number of unique magnet types required substantially increases cost and manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling permanent magnets to serve multiple functions through optimized arrangements. Instead of requiring uniquely shaped and oriented magnets for each position, the invention uses a limited set of standard magnet types that can be systematically arranged and oriented to collectively produce the complex stellarator magnetic field, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining field production capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the orientation angles and positions of permanent magnets rather than changing their shapes. By varying the orientation parameters of a limited set of magnet types, the system achieves the required magnetic field configuration without requiring unique magnet geometries for each position, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability
2Ease of manufacture
If permanently magnets are used to replace electromagnetic coils, then fabrication cost is reduced, but the number of unique magnet types required substantially eliminates savings and introduces technical issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables a limited set of universal magnet types to replace electromagnetic coils, maintaining the cost advantage of permanent magnets while avoiding the complexity of unique custom magnets. The optimized arrangement allows standard magnets to perform multiple functional roles in generating the stellarator field
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes orientation angles and positions of permanent magnets to achieve the desired magnetic field configuration. By changing orientation parameters rather than requiring unique magnet geometries, the invention maintains ease of manufacture through standardized components while achieving the complex field requirements
3Manufacturing precision
If each permanent magnet is uniquely shaped and/or has a unique polarization orientation, then the stellarator magnetic field can be precisely controlled, but custom manufacture is required which increases cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves precise magnetic field control by optimizing the orientation angles and positions of permanent magnets rather than requiring unique magnet shapes. This parameter optimization approach maintains manufacturing precision while enabling the use of standardized magnet types that can be manufactured in batches, thereby eliminating custom manufacture requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables a limited set of universal magnet types to precisely control the stellarator magnetic field through optimized arrangements. The systematic orientation and positioning of standard magnets allows precise field control without requiring custom-manufactured unique magnets for each position
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
This approach enables the creation of stellarators with a reduced set of unique permanent magnet types, optimizing magnetic field confinement while reducing production costs and simplifying the manufacturing process.
Implementation Method 1
confine and control plasma within magnetic fields
Implementation Method 2
arrays of permanent magnets... generate a magnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides methods for defining a magnet array for a stellarator. In some embodiments, the magnet array, once defined, comprises a plurality of permanent magnets, where each permanent magnet of the plurality of permanent magnets is selected from a set of predetermined permanent magnet types. In some embodiments, each predetermined permanent magnet type in the set of predetermined permanent magnet types has a predetermined shape (geometry) and/or predetermined orientation angles (also known as a polarization orientation).