Superconducting Structural Shielding for Fusion Plasma Exposure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for protecting structural components in fusion reactors from hot plasmas often require external power sources and complex control systems, and may result in heat loss and damage due to plasma contact.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a superconducting material within structural components, coupled with a magnetic coil structure and cooling channels, which excludes magnetic fields and prevents plasma contact by cooling the superconducting material to a temperature below its transition temperature, thereby passively shielding the components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If actively powered electromagnetic shielding methods are used to protect structural components from plasma, then protection effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and power requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection effectivenessVSAvoidshielding system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The superconducting material provides passive magnetic shielding that automatically excludes plasma without requiring external power sources or control systems. The material's inherent superconducting properties create the shielding effect when cooled below its critical temperature, eliminating the need for active electromagnetic generation systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces actively powered electromagnetic shielding systems with a passive superconducting material-based magnetic field exclusion system. This substitution eliminates complex power supplies, control electronics, and electromagnetic coil structures while maintaining effective plasma protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If actively powered electromagnetic shielding methods are used to protect structural components from plasma, then protection effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection effectivenessVSAvoidpower supply requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If structural components are directly exposed to plasma, then device simplicity is maintained, but heat loss and plasma damage occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshielding structure complexityVSAvoidheat loss from plasma

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The superconducting material acts as an intermediary barrier between the plasma and structural components. It creates a magnetic field exclusion zone that prevents direct plasma contact with structural surfaces, thereby eliminating heat transfer and energy loss while maintaining relatively simple structural design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If superconducting material is cooled to below transition temperature for passive shielding, then protection effectiveness is improved and power requirements are reduced, but cooling system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshielding effectivenessVSAvoidcooling system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The superconducting material undergoes a phase transition at its critical temperature, changing from a normal conducting state to a superconducting state that provides magnetic field exclusion. This phase transition enables passive shielding functionality when the material is cooled below its transition temperature.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the temperature-dependent superconducting properties of the material, where cooling below the critical temperature fundamentally changes the material's electrical and magnetic properties, enabling passive magnetic shielding without requiring additional power input.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 provides effective protection of structural components from plasma without external power, reduces heat loss, and simplifies the shielding process compared to actively powered methods, while maintaining plasma temperature and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

A unique property of superconductors is known as the Meissner effect, which is the property of superconductors to exclude magnetic fields from themselves.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMeissner effect: Meissner Effect

Implementation Method 2

Most materials only display superconducting properties when cooled below a certain temperature, which may be referred to as the superconducting transition temperature or critical temperature.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuperconductivity: Superconductivity

Data Source

PatentUS20230402196A1Passive magnetic shielding of structures immersed in plasma using superconductors

Publication Date: 2023.12.14 LOCKHEED MARTIN CORP

AI summary

A fusion reactor includes a fusion plasma reactor chamber. A magnetic coil structure is disposed inside of the fusion plasma reactor chamber, and a structural component is also disposed inside of the fusion plasma reactor chamber. The structural component couples the magnetic coil structure to the fusion plasma reactor chamber. A superconducting material is disposed at least partially within the structural component. A plurality of cooling channels are disposed at least partially within the structural component. An insulating material is disposed at least partially within the structural component.