This study analyzes fast ion losses in the EHL-2 fusion device,focusing on both beam ions and alpha particles as p-11B fusion reaction products.Using the Monte Carlo orbit-following code TGCO,we evaluate particle conf...This study analyzes fast ion losses in the EHL-2 fusion device,focusing on both beam ions and alpha particles as p-11B fusion reaction products.Using the Monte Carlo orbit-following code TGCO,we evaluate particle confinement under various operational scenarios,including co-injected tangential neutral beam injection at beam energies of 60 keV,80 keV,and 200 keV.Our simulations estimate the heat load driven by lost beam ions and find it to be within acceptable material limits for a plasma current on the order of mega-amperes.Additionally,we simulate the distribution of fusion products and observe a higher particle loss fraction for alpha particles compared to beam ions.However,due to the relatively low fusion power,these lost alpha particles are unlikely to significantly impact the plasma-facing materials.To assess the impact of the magnetic ripple,we compute the ripple field distribution by modelling the toroidal field(TF)coils as current filaments.The results indicate that the ripple field effect on particle confinement is minimal,primarily due to the large distance of over 1 m between the TF coils and the plasma on the low-field side.The analysis based on the test particle model is a foundational step in ensuring the basic safety aspects of the new device,which is essential for developing a robust design,optimizing performance,and maintaining safe operation.展开更多
This paper presents the first comprehensive simulation study of p-11B fusion reactions in a spherical torus.We developed relevant program modules for fusion reactions based on energetic particle simulation frameworks ...This paper presents the first comprehensive simulation study of p-11B fusion reactions in a spherical torus.We developed relevant program modules for fusion reactions based on energetic particle simulation frameworks and analyzed the two main fusion channels:thermal and beam-thermal.Using EHL-2 design parameters with n_(boron)=007n_(ion)and a hydrogen beam at 200 keV and 1 MW,our simulation indicates that p-11B reactions produce approximately 1.5×10^(15)αparticles per second(~0.7 kW)from the thermal channel,and5.3×10^(14)(~0.25 kW)from the beam-thermal channel.We conducted parameter scans to establish a solid physics foundation for the high ion temperature conditions(T_(i)>26ke V)designed for EHL-2.This work also laid the groundwork for studying various operation modes to explore different reaction channels.The simulation results suggest that the conditions in EHL-2 could be sufficient for investigating p-11B thermonuclear reactions.In addition,we found that EHL-2 offered good confinement for energetic particles,allowing us to research the interactions between these ions and plasmas.This research enhances our understanding of burning plasma physics.展开更多
ENN He Long-2(EHL-2)is the next-generation large mega-Ampere(MA)spherical torus(ST)proposed and funded by the ENN company.The design parameters are:Ti0>30 keV,n_(e0)~1×10^(20)m^(-3),Ip~3 MA,Bt~3 T.One of the b...ENN He Long-2(EHL-2)is the next-generation large mega-Ampere(MA)spherical torus(ST)proposed and funded by the ENN company.The design parameters are:Ti0>30 keV,n_(e0)~1×10^(20)m^(-3),Ip~3 MA,Bt~3 T.One of the biggest challenges of EHL-2 is how to achieve several MA current flat-tops with limited voltage-seconds(Vs)of the center solenoid(CS)coils.In order to minimize the consumption of Vs,a fully non-inductive start-up by electron cyclotron resonance heating(ECRH)will be applied in EHL-2.The ramp-up phase will be accomplished with the synergetic mode between the CS and non-inductive methods.The strategy of non-inductive start-up and ramp-up with synergetic mode has been verified on EXL-50U’s experiments.Based on this strategy,numerical simulations indicate the feasibility of EHL-2 achieving 3 MA plasma current.A high-performance steady-state scenario with Ip~1.5 MA is also designed.In this scenario,the bootstrap current fraction fBS>70%,the safety factor q at the magnetic axis q0>2,the minimum safety factor qmin>1,the poloidal betaβp>3 and normalized betaβN>2.3.Each design iteration integrates the validation of physical models with the constraints of engineering implementation,gradually optimizing the performance of the heating and current drive(H&CD)systems.Numerical simulation results for general auxiliary H&CD systems such as neutral beam injection(NBI),electron cyclotron(EC)wave,ion cyclotron wave(ICW),and lower hybrid wave(LHW)are presented.These simulation results ensure that the 31 MW H&CD systems comprehensively cover all scenarios while maintaining engineering feasibility.展开更多
EHL-2 is an ENN second-generation device aimed at studying proton-boron(p-11B)fusion reactions in a spherical torus.The design parameters are Ti0~30 keV,Ti/Te>2,n_(e0)~1×10^(20)m^(-3),I_(p)~3 MA,B_(t)~3 T,and...EHL-2 is an ENN second-generation device aimed at studying proton-boron(p-11B)fusion reactions in a spherical torus.The design parameters are Ti0~30 keV,Ti/Te>2,n_(e0)~1×10^(20)m^(-3),I_(p)~3 MA,B_(t)~3 T,andτ_(E)~0.5 s.High ion temperature is one of the standard operation scenarios of EHL-2,aiming to reduce bremsstrahlung radiation while enhancing plasma parameters by elevating the ion to electron temperature ratio.In order to achieve high ion temperature,neutral beam injection is considered the primary heating method during the flat-top phase.The neutral beam system for EHL-2 comprises 3-5 beams with energy/power ranging from 60 keV/4 MW,80-100 keV/10 MW,to 200 keV/3 MW.This work conducts predictive analysis on core transport during the flat-top phase of EHL-2’s high-ion-temperature scenario utilizing ASTRA.The study delineates the potential operating range of core temperature and other parameters given the designed heating capacity.Specifically,the study presents predictive simulations based on CDBM,GLF23,Bohm-gyro-Bohm,and IFSPPPL transport models,evaluating the steady-state power balance,energy confinement time,and impact of various parameters such as plasma density and NBI power on core ion temperature.The simulations demonstrate that the design parameters of the EHL-2 high-Ti scenario,although sensitive to varying transport models,are hopefully attainable as long as adequate ion heating and controlled ion transport levels are ensured.展开更多
ENN is planning the next generation experimental device EHL-2 with the goal to verify the thermal reaction rates of p-^(11)B fusion,establish spherical torus/tokamak experimental scaling laws at 10’s keV ion temperat...ENN is planning the next generation experimental device EHL-2 with the goal to verify the thermal reaction rates of p-^(11)B fusion,establish spherical torus/tokamak experimental scaling laws at 10’s keV ion temperature,and provide a design basis for subsequent experiments to test and realize the p-^(11)B fusion burning plasma.Based on 0-dimensional(0-D)system design and 1.5-dimensional transport modelling analyses,the main target parameters of EHL-2 have been basically determined,including the plasma major radius,R0,of 1.05 m,the aspect ratio,A,of 1.85,the maximum central toroidal magnetic field strength,B0,of 3 T,and the plasma toroidal current,Ip,of 3 MA.The main heating system will be the neutral beam injection at a total power of 17 MW.In addition,6 MW of electron cyclotron resonance heating will serve as the main means of local current drive and MHD instabilities control.The physics design of EHL-2 is focused on addressing three main operating scenarios,i.e.,(1)high ion temperature scenario,(2)high-performance steady-state scenario and(3)high triple product scenario.Each scenario will integrate solutions to different important issues,including equilibrium configuration,heating and current drive,confinement and transport,MHD instability,p-^(11)B fusion reaction,plasma-wall interactions,etc.Beyond that,there are several unique and significant challenges to address,including●establish a plasma with extremely high core ion temperature(T_(i,0)>30 keV),and ensure a large ion-to-electron tempera-ture ratio(T_(i,0)/Te,0>2),and a boron concentration of 10%‒15%at the plasma core;●realize the start-up by non-inductive current drive and the rise of MA-level plasma toroidal current.This is because the volt-seconds that the central solenoid of the ST can provide are very limited;●achieve divertor heat and particle fluxes control including complete detachment under high P/R(>20 MW/m)at rela-tively low electron densities.This overview will introduce the advanced progress in the physics design of EHL-2.展开更多
The EXL-50U is China’s first large spherical torus device with a toroidal field reaching 1 T.The major radius of the EXL-50U ranges from 0.6 m to 0.8 m,with an aspect ratio of 1.4−1.8.The goal of plasma current in th...The EXL-50U is China’s first large spherical torus device with a toroidal field reaching 1 T.The major radius of the EXL-50U ranges from 0.6 m to 0.8 m,with an aspect ratio of 1.4−1.8.The goal of plasma current in the first experimental phase is 500 kA,and in the future second phase,the goal of plasma current is 1 MA.On the EXL-50U project,the ENN fusion team expeditiously accomplished a series of comprehensive tasks including physical and engineering design,main component construction installation,and system commissioning,all within a mere eighteen-month timeframe.In the experiments of 2024,the EXL-50U achieved a 500 kA limiter configuration discharge using ECRH(Electron Cyclotron Resonance Heating)for non-inductive current start-up and a current ramp-up with the synergetic effect of ECRH and central solenoid(CS).Preliminary divertor configuration plasmas were also obtained under 200 kA plasma current.The core ion temperature of 1 keV was achieved with low-power NBI heating,and the energy confinement time of 30 ms was reached with Ohmic heating in the flat-top phase.The current and future experiments of EXL-50U will strongly support the physical design and operational scenarios of EHL-2 in the areas of current drive,high ion temperature exploration,energy transport and confinement,and hydrogen-boron physical characteristics.At the same time,the experience in the design,construction,and commissioning of the engineering,heating,and diagnostics systems on EXL-50U is also very beneficial for enhancing the feasibility of the engineering design for EHL-2.展开更多
基金supported by ENN Group and ENN Energy Research Institute.
文摘This study analyzes fast ion losses in the EHL-2 fusion device,focusing on both beam ions and alpha particles as p-11B fusion reaction products.Using the Monte Carlo orbit-following code TGCO,we evaluate particle confinement under various operational scenarios,including co-injected tangential neutral beam injection at beam energies of 60 keV,80 keV,and 200 keV.Our simulations estimate the heat load driven by lost beam ions and find it to be within acceptable material limits for a plasma current on the order of mega-amperes.Additionally,we simulate the distribution of fusion products and observe a higher particle loss fraction for alpha particles compared to beam ions.However,due to the relatively low fusion power,these lost alpha particles are unlikely to significantly impact the plasma-facing materials.To assess the impact of the magnetic ripple,we compute the ripple field distribution by modelling the toroidal field(TF)coils as current filaments.The results indicate that the ripple field effect on particle confinement is minimal,primarily due to the large distance of over 1 m between the TF coils and the plasma on the low-field side.The analysis based on the test particle model is a foundational step in ensuring the basic safety aspects of the new device,which is essential for developing a robust design,optimizing performance,and maintaining safe operation.
基金supported by ENN Group and ENN Energy Research Institute.
文摘This paper presents the first comprehensive simulation study of p-11B fusion reactions in a spherical torus.We developed relevant program modules for fusion reactions based on energetic particle simulation frameworks and analyzed the two main fusion channels:thermal and beam-thermal.Using EHL-2 design parameters with n_(boron)=007n_(ion)and a hydrogen beam at 200 keV and 1 MW,our simulation indicates that p-11B reactions produce approximately 1.5×10^(15)αparticles per second(~0.7 kW)from the thermal channel,and5.3×10^(14)(~0.25 kW)from the beam-thermal channel.We conducted parameter scans to establish a solid physics foundation for the high ion temperature conditions(T_(i)>26ke V)designed for EHL-2.This work also laid the groundwork for studying various operation modes to explore different reaction channels.The simulation results suggest that the conditions in EHL-2 could be sufficient for investigating p-11B thermonuclear reactions.In addition,we found that EHL-2 offered good confinement for energetic particles,allowing us to research the interactions between these ions and plasmas.This research enhances our understanding of burning plasma physics.
基金supported by ENN Group and ENN Energy Research Institute.The authors would like to express their gratitude for the contributions of the ENN fusion team and collaborators,such as Tiantian Sun,Haojie Ma,and Yong Guo,in supporting these endeavours.The authors also acknowledge the support of the National SuperComputer Center in Tianjin and Beijing PARATERA Tech Corp.,Ltd.,for providing HPC resources that have contributed to the research results reported in this paper.This work was partly supported by National Natural Science Fundation of China(Nos.12375215 and 12475210).
文摘ENN He Long-2(EHL-2)is the next-generation large mega-Ampere(MA)spherical torus(ST)proposed and funded by the ENN company.The design parameters are:Ti0>30 keV,n_(e0)~1×10^(20)m^(-3),Ip~3 MA,Bt~3 T.One of the biggest challenges of EHL-2 is how to achieve several MA current flat-tops with limited voltage-seconds(Vs)of the center solenoid(CS)coils.In order to minimize the consumption of Vs,a fully non-inductive start-up by electron cyclotron resonance heating(ECRH)will be applied in EHL-2.The ramp-up phase will be accomplished with the synergetic mode between the CS and non-inductive methods.The strategy of non-inductive start-up and ramp-up with synergetic mode has been verified on EXL-50U’s experiments.Based on this strategy,numerical simulations indicate the feasibility of EHL-2 achieving 3 MA plasma current.A high-performance steady-state scenario with Ip~1.5 MA is also designed.In this scenario,the bootstrap current fraction fBS>70%,the safety factor q at the magnetic axis q0>2,the minimum safety factor qmin>1,the poloidal betaβp>3 and normalized betaβN>2.3.Each design iteration integrates the validation of physical models with the constraints of engineering implementation,gradually optimizing the performance of the heating and current drive(H&CD)systems.Numerical simulation results for general auxiliary H&CD systems such as neutral beam injection(NBI),electron cyclotron(EC)wave,ion cyclotron wave(ICW),and lower hybrid wave(LHW)are presented.These simulation results ensure that the 31 MW H&CD systems comprehensively cover all scenarios while maintaining engineering feasibility.
基金supported by the ENN Group and ENN Energy Research Institutesupported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.12475210).
文摘EHL-2 is an ENN second-generation device aimed at studying proton-boron(p-11B)fusion reactions in a spherical torus.The design parameters are Ti0~30 keV,Ti/Te>2,n_(e0)~1×10^(20)m^(-3),I_(p)~3 MA,B_(t)~3 T,andτ_(E)~0.5 s.High ion temperature is one of the standard operation scenarios of EHL-2,aiming to reduce bremsstrahlung radiation while enhancing plasma parameters by elevating the ion to electron temperature ratio.In order to achieve high ion temperature,neutral beam injection is considered the primary heating method during the flat-top phase.The neutral beam system for EHL-2 comprises 3-5 beams with energy/power ranging from 60 keV/4 MW,80-100 keV/10 MW,to 200 keV/3 MW.This work conducts predictive analysis on core transport during the flat-top phase of EHL-2’s high-ion-temperature scenario utilizing ASTRA.The study delineates the potential operating range of core temperature and other parameters given the designed heating capacity.Specifically,the study presents predictive simulations based on CDBM,GLF23,Bohm-gyro-Bohm,and IFSPPPL transport models,evaluating the steady-state power balance,energy confinement time,and impact of various parameters such as plasma density and NBI power on core ion temperature.The simulations demonstrate that the design parameters of the EHL-2 high-Ti scenario,although sensitive to varying transport models,are hopefully attainable as long as adequate ion heating and controlled ion transport levels are ensured.
文摘ENN is planning the next generation experimental device EHL-2 with the goal to verify the thermal reaction rates of p-^(11)B fusion,establish spherical torus/tokamak experimental scaling laws at 10’s keV ion temperature,and provide a design basis for subsequent experiments to test and realize the p-^(11)B fusion burning plasma.Based on 0-dimensional(0-D)system design and 1.5-dimensional transport modelling analyses,the main target parameters of EHL-2 have been basically determined,including the plasma major radius,R0,of 1.05 m,the aspect ratio,A,of 1.85,the maximum central toroidal magnetic field strength,B0,of 3 T,and the plasma toroidal current,Ip,of 3 MA.The main heating system will be the neutral beam injection at a total power of 17 MW.In addition,6 MW of electron cyclotron resonance heating will serve as the main means of local current drive and MHD instabilities control.The physics design of EHL-2 is focused on addressing three main operating scenarios,i.e.,(1)high ion temperature scenario,(2)high-performance steady-state scenario and(3)high triple product scenario.Each scenario will integrate solutions to different important issues,including equilibrium configuration,heating and current drive,confinement and transport,MHD instability,p-^(11)B fusion reaction,plasma-wall interactions,etc.Beyond that,there are several unique and significant challenges to address,including●establish a plasma with extremely high core ion temperature(T_(i,0)>30 keV),and ensure a large ion-to-electron tempera-ture ratio(T_(i,0)/Te,0>2),and a boron concentration of 10%‒15%at the plasma core;●realize the start-up by non-inductive current drive and the rise of MA-level plasma toroidal current.This is because the volt-seconds that the central solenoid of the ST can provide are very limited;●achieve divertor heat and particle fluxes control including complete detachment under high P/R(>20 MW/m)at rela-tively low electron densities.This overview will introduce the advanced progress in the physics design of EHL-2.
基金supported by ENN Group and ENN Energy Research Institute.
文摘The EXL-50U is China’s first large spherical torus device with a toroidal field reaching 1 T.The major radius of the EXL-50U ranges from 0.6 m to 0.8 m,with an aspect ratio of 1.4−1.8.The goal of plasma current in the first experimental phase is 500 kA,and in the future second phase,the goal of plasma current is 1 MA.On the EXL-50U project,the ENN fusion team expeditiously accomplished a series of comprehensive tasks including physical and engineering design,main component construction installation,and system commissioning,all within a mere eighteen-month timeframe.In the experiments of 2024,the EXL-50U achieved a 500 kA limiter configuration discharge using ECRH(Electron Cyclotron Resonance Heating)for non-inductive current start-up and a current ramp-up with the synergetic effect of ECRH and central solenoid(CS).Preliminary divertor configuration plasmas were also obtained under 200 kA plasma current.The core ion temperature of 1 keV was achieved with low-power NBI heating,and the energy confinement time of 30 ms was reached with Ohmic heating in the flat-top phase.The current and future experiments of EXL-50U will strongly support the physical design and operational scenarios of EHL-2 in the areas of current drive,high ion temperature exploration,energy transport and confinement,and hydrogen-boron physical characteristics.At the same time,the experience in the design,construction,and commissioning of the engineering,heating,and diagnostics systems on EXL-50U is also very beneficial for enhancing the feasibility of the engineering design for EHL-2.
