Research&Development
06
November 2022
Started joint research with Assistant Professor Hamaji at National Institute for Fusion Science to conduct experiments to realize a liquid metal first wall
Helical Fusion is conducting research on the plasma-facing surface of a liquid metal blanket, i.e., the first wall, which has a porous structure to form a free surface flow of liquid metal oozing out from the inside of the blanket to coat and protect the first wall. We will start joint research with Assistant Professor Hamaji of the National Institute for Fusion Science to realize a porous structure to form a free surface flow of liquid metal by using a small experimental apparatus.
05
November 2022
Started collaboration with Assistant Professor Hamaji and his colleagues at National Institute for Fusion Science to Develop Liquid Metal First Wall
When liquid metal flows in a magnetic field, it is braked and the direction of flow is changed due to magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) effects. In order to optimize the flow path in the liquid metal blanket, we will start joint research with Assistant Professor Narushima and his colleagues of the National Institute for Fusion Science, aiming at a computer simulation of MHD effects in liquid metal blankets.
04
November 2022
Started joint research with Assistant Professor Narushima at National Institute for Fusion Science to develop a high-temperature superconducting magnet
In a helical fusion reactor, a high-temperature superconducting magnet is used to generate a strong magnetic field to confine the plasma. We will start research and development with Assistant Professor Narushima of the National Institute for Fusion Science, aiming to demonstrate the world's largest-class high current density in a strong magnetic field equivalent to that of a fusion reactor by building a coil with WISE conductors made of laminated high-temperature superconducting tapes bundled with a metal spiral tube.
03
August 2022
Started joint research with Kasada Laboratory, Institute for Materials Research, Tohoku University for the development of non-magnetic low-activation materials.
For the blanket of the helical fusion reactor, it is desirable to use a non-magnetic, low-activation material that does not disturb the magnetic field that confines the plasma and reduces the amount of radioactive waste. The development of "low-activation high-manganese steel" by replacing the nickel and molybdenum contained in non-magnetic stainless steel (austenitic steel) with manganese, which decays radioactivity 10 times faster than nickel, is underway at the Institute for Materials Research, Tohoku University. I will start with members of Kasada Lab.
02
July 2022
Started joint research on liquid metal blanket three-dimensional neutron transport calculation with Professor Sakama of Tokushima University
Three-dimensional neutron transport calculation is performed using 3D CAD of a helical fusion reactor equipped with a liquid metal blanket, and radiation shielding performance, fuel production performance, material activation, etc. are evaluated.
01
July 2022
Started joint research with Professor Sugawara of Aoyama Gakuin University on maintenance and replacement of helical fusion reactor blankets by crane robots.
We will develop a crane robot that enables rapid maintenance and replacement of liquid metal blankets, which are important equipment in helical fusion reactors, with Sugawara Laboratory, which specializes in crane control. A heavy blanket is hung by a crane so that it can be moved quickly without shaking while precisely controlling its position so that it does not hit surrounding equipment.