China unveils breakthrough in fusion technology
Date
6/26/2024 7:50:47 AM
(MENAFN) Chinese media outlets have reported a significant achievement by Energy Singularity, a privately-run fusion company based in Shanghai. The company has successfully developed and operated the world’s first fully high-temperature superconducting tokamak, named HH70, marking a notable advancement in fusion energy technology.
A tokamak is a specialized device shaped like a doughnut that utilizes magnetic fields to confine high-temperature plasma, replicating conditions similar to those found on the Sun. This technology aims to harness fusion reactions, where hydrogen atoms fuse to form helium, releasing substantial amounts of energy in the process. Often referred to as "artificial suns," tokamaks are crucial in the quest to produce clean and sustainable electricity.
Energy Singularity's HH70 tokamak is particularly groundbreaking due to its use of high-temperature superconducting materials, specifically Rare Earth Barium Copper Oxide (REBCO), in its magnetic system. This innovation not only enhances efficiency but also reduces the size and cost of the device compared to traditional tokamaks. According to reports, HH70 is only 2percent the size of conventional models, providing a competitive edge in scalability and cost-effectiveness.
Fusion reactors' performance is evaluated based on the Q value, which measures the ratio of energy output to the energy input required to sustain the fusion reaction. While existing tokamaks have achieved Q values up to 1.53, the development of HH70 represents a significant leap forward in achieving higher efficiencies and advancing towards commercially viable fusion energy solutions.
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