Superconducting Structural Shielding for Fusion Plasma Exposure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Structural components in fusion reactors and plasma environments face damage and heat loss due to direct contact with hot plasmas, and existing active shielding methods are complex and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

The use of superconducting materials cooled to exclude magnetic fields, which are then applied to structural components within plasma reactors, preventing plasma contact through passive magnetic shielding without the need for external power sources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If active electromagnetic shielding methods are used to protect structural components from plasma, then plasma protection is achieved, but device complexity and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplasma damage protectionVSAvoidshielding system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The superconducting material provides self-service magnetic shielding by inherently excluding magnetic fields through its superconducting state. The material automatically generates the shielding effect without requiring external power sources or control systems, thus protecting structural components from plasma damage while eliminating the complexity associated with active electromagnetic shielding systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical active electromagnetic shielding system with a passive superconducting material that provides magnetic field exclusion through its inherent physical property. This substitution eliminates the need for power-consuming electromagnetic coils and control mechanisms, reducing device complexity while maintaining plasma protection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If active electromagnetic shielding is used to prevent plasma contact, then plasma protection is provided, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplasma contact preventionVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The superconducting material serves itself by maintaining its own shielding capability through its intrinsic superconducting property. Once cooled below its critical temperature, the material continuously excludes magnetic fields without requiring external power input, thereby preventing plasma contact while eliminating the ongoing energy consumption associated with active electromagnetic shielding

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameter from active electromagnetic field generation (requiring continuous power) to passive superconducting state maintenance (requiring only initial cooling). By operating in the superconducting state below critical temperature, the material provides continuous plasma protection with minimal energy input

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

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

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshielding structure simplicityVSAvoidplasma heat loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The superconducting material acts as an intermediary between the plasma environment and the structural components. It provides a passive magnetic barrier that deflects plasma away from structural components, preventing direct contact and the associated heat loss, while adding minimal complexity to the overall device structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 effectively protects structural components from plasma damage, maintains plasma temperature, and reduces complexity by eliminating the need for active power and control systems, offering complete or near-complete plasma protection with reduced heat loss.

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

A plurality of cooling channels are disposed at least partially within the structural component

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS11776700B2Using superconductors to provide passive magnetic shielding of structures immersed in plasma

Publication Date: 2023.10.03 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.