Can Tokamak Miniaturization Lead to Portable Fusion Energy Solutions?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the feasibility of miniaturizing tokamak reactors for portable fusion energy solutions. Participants agree that while larger tokamaks, like ITER, are more efficient, achieving a portable version poses significant challenges. Key obstacles include the need for a large volume to maintain an optimal volume/surface area ratio and the requirement for extensive shielding against high-energy neutrons. Advanced equipment such as microwave pre-heaters, vacuum pumps, and control systems are also necessary, making miniaturization impractical in the near future.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of tokamak reactor design and operation
  • Knowledge of plasma physics and density management
  • Familiarity with neutron shielding requirements
  • Awareness of fusion energy systems and their components
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  • Research advancements in plasma density enhancement techniques
  • Explore neutron shielding materials and technologies
  • Investigate the integration of advanced equipment for fusion reactors
  • Study the design and engineering of large-scale tokamak systems
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Researchers, engineers, and energy policy makers interested in fusion energy development, particularly those focused on the challenges of tokamak miniaturization and portable energy solutions.

aquitaine
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Assuming the ITER is a success, what would it take to be able to miniaturize it into something a little more portable?
 
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What do you mean by portable? A version that could fit on a large ship? house? big truck? car? cell phone?

When it comes to tokamaks bigger is generally better for efficiency. I don't see any reason you couldn't build one on a large ship, but I don't think you'll see a portable fusion generator anytime soon.

As far as I know, you need a large volume to achieve a good volume/surface area ratio. If you could increase the plasma density this would become less of a problem and you could make them smaller.

Secondly, most reactions will produce high energy neutrons which must be shielded. The same thickness of shielding would be required regardless of the size of the tokamak.This would introduce a practical limit on how small a reactor could become even if you managed to get very high plasma densities. You also need a lot of advanced equipment to go with it, microwave pre-heaters, vacuum pumps, fueling systems, magnetic systems, control systems and then the turbine/generator.
 
Well starting with a large ship and working our way down to a house.
 

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