Challenges for the cryogenics of the UK Spherical Tokamak For Energy Production (STEP) programme

Challenges for the cryogenics of the UK Spherical Tokamak For Energy Production (STEP) programme

Challenges for the cryogenics of the UK Spherical Tokamak For Energy Production (STEP) programme 150 150 UKAEA Opendata
UKAEA-STEP-CP(23)01

Challenges for the cryogenics of the UK Spherical Tokamak For Energy Production (STEP) programme

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. The cryogenic challenges and potential solutions of STEP will be presented here.

Collection:
Conference
Journal:
Publisher:
Conference:
17th CRYOGENICS 2023 IIR International Conference