5 ms·
Big enough, or high-enough field strength. For a given power density, I think required radius scales inversely with the fourth power of the field strength, or s
by apendleton 5y ago
Big enough, or high-enough field strength. For a given power density, I think required radius scales inversely with the fourth power of the field strength, or something along those lines. ITER was designed when niobium-tin superconductors where the best available, which will limit their field strength to around 13T, but newer HTS magnets should allow some of the upstarts to achieve comparable power densities with much smaller reactors, which should help with at least the economic concerns (durability is still a big concern, though).
- ncmncm 5y agoThat just transfers the problem from plasma density to reactor-wall area. "Durability is still a big concern" translates to "but it doesn't help, in the end."
- DennisP 5y agoCFS has an interesting design for that, too. MIT demonstrated joints in REBCO tape that don't introduce significant resistance. By putting these joints in the coils, CFS has a design that will let them open up the reactor and replace the inner wall annually. The inner wall will be 3D-printed, and immersed in a pool of molten salt that functions as coolant and breeding blanket.