A New Way to Make Fusion Reactors More Efficient

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SUMMARY

The Department of Energy’s (DOE) Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) has developed a method to assess the interaction between waves and particles in tokamaks, addressing a significant efficiency loss in fusion reactors. This advancement is expected to enhance the performance of ITER, which is already anticipated to produce a net energy output. While this new approach may reduce losses in specific scenarios, it does not fundamentally alter the overall challenges facing fusion technology deployment. The discussion emphasizes the importance of prior research and forum searches for effective engagement in the topic.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of tokamak design and operation
  • Familiarity with plasma physics concepts
  • Knowledge of fusion energy principles
  • Awareness of ITER project objectives and challenges
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the latest advancements in tokamak efficiency improvements
  • Explore the role of wave-particle interactions in plasma confinement
  • Study the ITER project’s current status and future milestones
  • Investigate alternative fusion reactor designs and their efficiencies
USEFUL FOR

Researchers, engineers, and students in the fields of nuclear fusion, plasma physics, and energy technology will benefit from this discussion, particularly those focused on improving fusion reactor efficiency.

NoLifeLine
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I am quite new to this site. I have been following this technology (fusion) for many years now. It never seems to be any closer to actual deployment. Do you think we are getting closer? What do you think are the major stumbling blocks? The article below I read today. My understanding is that efficiency is a key failing currently.

Department of Energy’s (DOE) Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) has devised a method of determining how much interaction between waves and particles contributes to the efficiency loss in tokamaks.

https://www.nowscience.co.uk/single-post/2019/01/21/Scientists-Find-a-New-Way-to-Make-Fusion-Reactors-More-Efficient
 
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The topic has been discussed here quite a bit. I suggest a forum search
 
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Scientists were confident ITER will produce a net energy output even before this work - it can only make it better. We'll see how much. In the most likely case we get something that reduces losses a bit in some cases. Nice, but doesn't change the overall picture.
 
phinds said:
The topic has been discussed here quite a bit. I suggest a forum search

Yes I probably should have. However I had just joined and wanted to dive straight in. Thank you for the reply.
 
NoLifeLine said:
Yes I probably should have. However I had just joined and wanted to dive straight in. Thank you for the reply.
Doing a forum search IS diving straight in. It is the first thing you should always do when you have a question that likely has already been discussed (and that's JUST about everything, given how extensive PF is)
 

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