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Challenges for the cryogenics of the UK spherical tokamak for energy production (STEP) programme.

Number: 144

Summary

The Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) is an ambitious programme to accelerate the delivery of sustainable fusion energy.  The STEP programme will design and build the world’s first compact fusion plant, based on the spherical tokamak, by 2040.  STEP is currently in the concept design phase, to produce an outline of the whole power plant, with a clear view on how we will design each of the major systems.
Cryogenics are widely used in tokamak fusion reactors in three main areas.   Firstly, to provide cooling to superconducting magnets for plasma confinement.  Secondly, to provide the required level of vacuum in the plasma vessel through cryogenic vacuum technology.  Thirdly, as part of the fusion fuel cycle, including matter injection, typically pellets of frozen cryogens, and cryogenic separation hydrogen isotopologues.
STEP will be providing power to the UK electricity network, which will present new challenges in the continuous operation of a fusion power plant and its cryogenics.  The STEP cryogenic requirement will necessitate a cryo-plant on industrial scale and with a strong focus on efficiency.  

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Details

  • Original title: Challenges for the cryogenics of the UK spherical tokamak for energy production (STEP) programme.
  • Record ID : 30031063
  • Languages: English
  • Source: Cryogenics 2023. Proceedings of the 17th IIR International Conference, Dresden, Germany, april 25-28 2023
  • Publication date: 2023/04/25
  • DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.18462/iir.cryo.2023.0144

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