Title: Apparatus for magnetic and electrostatic confinement of plasma

Abstract

An apparatus and method for containing plasma and forming a Field Reversed Configuration (FRC) magnetic topology are described in which plasma ions are contained magnetically in stable, non-adiabatic orbits in the FRC. Further, the electrons are contained electrostatically in a deep energy well, created by tuning an externally applied magnetic field. The simultaneous electrostatic confinement of electrons and magnetic confinement of ions avoids anomalous transport and facilitates classical containment of both electrons and ions. In this configuration, ions and electrons may have adequate density and temperature so that upon collisions they are fused together by nuclear force, thus releasing fusion energy. Moreover, the fusion fuel plasmas that can be used with the present confinement system and method are not limited to neutronic fuels only, but also advantageously include advanced fuels.

Inventors:

Rostoker, Norman; Binderbauer, Michl

Issue Date:

2006-04-11

Research Org.:

Univ. of California, Oakland, CA (United States)

Sponsoring Org.:

USDOE

OSTI Identifier:

1175702

Patent Number(s):

7026763

Application Number:

10/328,703

Assignee:

The Regents of the University of California (Oakland, CA)

Patent Classifications (CPCs):

G - PHYSICS G21 - NUCLEAR PHYSICS G21B - FUSION REACTORS

G - PHYSICS G21 - NUCLEAR PHYSICS G21D - NUCLEAR POWER PLANT

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G - PHYSICS G21 - NUCLEAR PHYSICS G21B - FUSION REACTORS

G21B1/05 - with magnetic or electric plasma confinement
G21B1/052 - {reversed field configuration}

G - PHYSICS G21 - NUCLEAR PHYSICS G21D - NUCLEAR POWER PLANT

G21D7/00 - Arrangements for direct production of electric energy from fusion or fission reactions

H - ELECTRICITY H05 - ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR H05H - PLASMA TECHNIQUE

H05H1/03 - using electrostatic fields
H05H1/10 - using externally-applied magnetic fields only {, e.g. Q-machines, Yin-Yang, base-ball}
H05H1/12 - wherein the containment vessel forms a closed or nearly closed loop {
H05H1/14 - wherein the containment vessel is straight and has magnetic mirrors
H05H1/16 - using externally-applied electric and magnetic fields

Y - NEW / CROSS SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES Y02 - TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE Y02E - REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION

Y02E30/00 - Energy generation of nuclear origin
Y02E30/10 - Fusion reactors

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Resource Type:

Patent

Country of Publication:

United States

Language:

English

Subject:

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION