Abstract
Nuclear Power has been available as a relatively clean and reliable energy source for several decades. While tokamak engines have been in existence almost as long as successful fission-powered nuclear generators, they have not yet reached operational success for energy generation. This meta study collates key fusion device parameters and determines ideas on the applicability of fusion devices for energy. This paper supports the argument that toroidal tokamaks are not limited by volume whereas spherical designs have a potential volume limit, spherical tokamaks use a lower magnetic field current than toroidal tokamaks. Further scientific and engineering progress is required before tokamak devices can be a viable technology to be used for energy generation.
Highlights
Tokamak reactors are experimental power generators that use thermonuclear fusion to generate energy [1, 2]
Further scientific and engineering progress is required before tokamak devices can be a viable technology to be used for energy generation
Parameters listed include name of the tokamak fusion device, major device radius R measured in metres, minor device radius a measured in metres, toroidal magnetic field strength BT measured in Teslas, Plasma current IP measured in mega amperes and calculated assumed volume V in cubic metres
Summary
Tokamak reactors are experimental power generators that use thermonuclear fusion to generate energy [1, 2]. The fusion reaction takes place within a steel constructed vacuum chamber [15, 16, 17], either toroidal or spherical in design. This chamber is surrounded by magnetic coils in toroidal and poloidal configurations, which generate the magnetic field with sufficient strength to contain the plasma, the combination of the two magnetic field orientations causes an induced magnetic field in the form of a directional plasma current, maintaining the plasma flow within the magnetic field (as seen in diagram 1) and preventing collision with the outer wall [18, 19, 20]. Major examples include issues such as the interior coatings used are not currently able to withstand the extreme plasma temperatures for extended periods [33, 34], the magnetic confinement field is difficult to keep strong enough whilst still able to dynamically change with the continuous plasma reaction [35, 36] and the pressure inside the chamber is unstable largely for similar reasons [37, 38]
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