Designing and building pulsed magnetic fusion systems
Pulsed magnetic fusion uses large electrical current pulses to generate enormous magnetic fields, to compress and heat the fusion fuel.
The system has three components:
Pulser Modules
Fusion Target
Fusion Chamber
Our technology builds on proven inertial fusion concepts demonstrated at US National Laboratories to provide an affordable, practical, and scalable fusion system.
The pulser modules store electrical energy and efficiently release it in fast pulses.
Capacitors charge.
Capacitors discharge, efficiently delivering their stored energy through the modules.
Energy travels through modules and then pulse tubes toward the fusion chamber.
Energy from many transmission lines is coupled into two electrodes, which drive current through the target, electromagnetically compressing it in less than 100 billionths of a second.
Hydrogen atoms fuse into (heavier) helium atoms, releasing energy.
This approach brings advantages that reduce cost and complexity, including high efficiency and mass-manufacturability, a compact fusion chamber, and built-in water shielding.
Our modular pulser lets us optimize for a wide range of target designs, suitable for low-cost power and heat at different scales.
Simultaneous Arrival
The switching of pulser modules can be programmed to allow the pulses to arrive at the target simultaneously, enabling high-pressure, short compressions.
Staggered Arrival
The pulses can also be timed to arrive at the target over a longer time, enabling lower-pressure, longer compressions.