초록 ▼

A system and apparatus for controlled fusion in a field reversed configuration (FRC) magnetic topology and conversion of fusion product energies directly to electric power. Preferably, plasma ions are magnetically confined in the FRC while plasma electrons are electrostatically confined in a deep en

A system and apparatus for controlled fusion in a field reversed configuration (FRC) magnetic topology and conversion of fusion product energies directly to electric power. Preferably, plasma ions are magnetically confined in the FRC while plasma electrons are electrostatically confined in a deep energy well, created by tuning an externally applied magnetic field. In this configuration, ions and electrons may have adequate density and temperature so that upon collisions ions are fused together by the nuclear force, thus forming fusion products that emerge in the form of an annular beam. Energy is removed from the fusion product ions as they spiral past electrodes of an inverse cyclotron converter. Advantageously, the fusion fuel plasmas that can be used with the present confinement and energy conversion system include advanced (aneutronic) fuels.

대표청구항 ▼

What is claimed is: 1. A plasma generation system comprisinga shock coil having an annular disc shaped body bounded by an outer ring formed about an outer periphery of the body and an annular hub formed about an inner periphery of the body and a coil of parallel wound wires attached to a face of the

What is claimed is: 1. A plasma generation system comprisinga shock coil having an annular disc shaped body bounded by an outer ring formed about an outer periphery of the body and an annular hub formed about an inner periphery of the body and a coil of parallel wound wires attached to a face of the body, anda Laval nozzle for introducing gas to the shock coil, the nozzle comprising an annular disc-shaped nozzle body coupled about an inner periphery of the nozzle body to the hub and forming with the hub about an outer periphery of the nozzle body a radially oriented annular nozzle outlet positioned adjacent the inner periphery of the body of the shock coil, wherein the nozzle is oriented to radially discharge a gas across the surface of the coil from the inner toward the outer periphery of the body of the shock coil, wherein when a gas is discharged across the surface of the coil and the coil is energized an annular plasma is ejected from the surface of the coil.