Pulsed Spherical Tokamak—A New Approach to Fusion Reactors

Traditionally, spherical tokamak (ST) reactors are considered to operate in a steady state. This paper analyses the advantages of a pulsed ST reactor. The methodology developed for conventional tokamak (CT) reactors is used and it is shown that advantages of a pulsed operation are even more pronounc...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Mikhail Gryaznevich, Valery A. Chuyanov, Yuichi Takase
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2022-05-01
Series:Plasma
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2571-6182/5/2/19
Description
Summary:Traditionally, spherical tokamak (ST) reactors are considered to operate in a steady state. This paper analyses the advantages of a pulsed ST reactor. The methodology developed for conventional tokamak (CT) reactors is used and it is shown that advantages of a pulsed operation are even more pronounced in an ST reactor because of its ability to operate at a higher beta, therefore achieving a higher bootstrap current fraction, which, together with a lower inductance, reduces requirements for magnetic flux from the central solenoid for the plasma current ramp-up and sustainment.
ISSN:2571-6182