The University of Seville is preparing to start its fusion reactor, SMART, which uses plasma to produce energy. Fusion researchers, including those from the U.S.’s Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL), are working together to make this technology a reliable energy source.
PPPL is helping with the design, magnetics, and sensors for SMART, a unique fusion device built on proven technologies.
SMART is a new fusion reactor that uses a particular plasma shape called “negative triangularity.” This shape can improve performance by reducing instabilities that can damage the reactor. It also helps spread heat better, making the reactor more efficient.
SMART’s spherical shape will allow it to confine plasma more effectively than traditional doughnut-shaped reactors, making it easier to manage fusion energy.
PPPL, known for its expertise in fusion research, helped the University of Seville’s SMART project by providing essential simulation software called TRANSP, which was used to design and improve the reactor.
PPPL also assisted in configuring plasma heating systems and developing coil currents for shaping the plasma. These efforts and other computer simulations are crucial to making SMART a successful fusion reactor.
PPPL is helping the SMART project by designing critical diagnostic tools that use sensors to measure plasma in the fusion reactor. One essential tool is the Thomson scattering diagnostic, which measures plasma temperature and density.
PPPL’s Manjit Kaur led the design, choosing parts like the laser. Early laser tests were successful, and now they are waiting for the rest of the parts to complete the system.
James Clark, a research engineer at PPPL, is helping design the laser system for the SMART project, including the laser path and optics. He also manages the delivery, installation, and calibration of equipment.
Other experts are working on different diagnostics, such as a system that measures plasma temperature and density using X-rays and spectrometers to detect impurities. The team is also optimizing magnetic sensors to measure plasma behavior in the reactor.
Munaretto found working on SMART rewarding, especially with a team of eager students new to the field. He sees a bright future for them. Delgado-Aparicio also enjoyed working with experienced scientists and enthusiastic students at the University of Seville.
The team recently tested the tokamak by producing a pink plasma glow with microwaves. The real plasma test is expected in the fall of 2024.
Journal reference :
- M Podestà5,7,1, D J Cruz-Zabala, et al., NBI optimization on SMART and implications for scenario development. Plasma Physics and Controlled Fusion. DOI: 10.1088/1361-6587/ad2edc.
- J. Salas-Suárez-Bárcena, L. F. Delgado-Aparicio, et al., Radiated power and soft x-ray diagnostics in the SMART tokamak. Review of Scientific Instruments. DOI: 10.1063/5.0219506.
- M. Kaur, A. Diallo, et al., Design of a Thomson scattering diagnostic for the SMall Aspect Ratio Tokamak (SMART). Review of Scientific Instruments. DOI: 10.1063/5.0219308.