DE2255820A1 - Thermal energy from nuclear fusion - plasma clouds of fusible elements combined to give fusion by varying magnetic fields used - Google Patents

Abstract

Three alternative variants for nuclear fusion reactions are (1) the use of plasma streams of high kinetic energy in an intense magnetic field generated by super conducting coils, (2) accelerating high density particles into a plasma cloud to initiate nuclear fusion reactions (3) use of intense but varying magnetic field to induce heating up to fusion temps. Many forms of reactor are claimed and these include the use of plasma sources, proton accelerators, electron accelerators, cryogenic coolants etc. A specific example for the Li-H fusion is given. All process are to produce useful thermal energy.

Description

Fusion reactor ==================== The invention relates to three possible ones Design variants of a thermonuclear fusion reactor: 1. Enclosure of two fusible, shot one on top of the other with high kinetic energy and density Plasma clouds in a relatively small volume of space exposed to a magnetic field of high density is permeated, and the fusion temperature (ignition temperature) by transformation kinetic energy is brought about in heat, and 2. confinement of many fusible plasma clouds of high kinetic energy (according to the fusion temperature) in a relatively large cylindrical volume, which is primarily with a is lined on the shell of the vessel concentrated magnetic field, and a sufficient large fusion process in the plasma then sets in when a sufficiently large specific one Particle density (1015 - 10t6cm 3) is reached by means of plasma accelerators was carried into the reactor vessel at high energy (fusion temperature), and 3. confinement of a relatively large volume of fusible gas in one predominantly concentrated on the shell of a toroidal (circular) reactor vessel magnetic confinement field, and heating by "magnetic pumping" (adiabatic Compression by a magnetic field of varying strength) until it enters independently of enough fusion reactions.

For the first variant, high-energy induction accelerators are used used in accordance with the designs shown in Fig. 17. As a reaction chamber, in the actual conversion takes place is shown in Figures 8-9.

For the 2nd and 3rd variant it serves as the most essential6 component an annular, superconducting magnet coil with a rectangular, trapezoidal or circular shape Cross-section according to Fig. 10-11. Several such coil elements can be identified as shown in Fig.12-13 to a cylindrical (Fig. 14-15) or toroidal (Fig. 16-21) containment field build up that encloses the plasma tightly on all sides, with the exception of two punctiform Leaks that cannot be completely avoided with the cylindrical vessel configuration and are used here to partially extract the heat produced.

The individual magnetic fields of the 2nd and 3rd design variants are inhomogeneous and able to produce neutrons - depending on the strength of the inhomogeneous magnetic field and the respective existing energy i) of the neutron - to include Since normally the energy loss of the migrating neutrons with the previous ones Fusion reactors with a homogeneous magnetic field is large 2), here 1) The neutron has a magnetic moment. This fact has been known since 1936, and its size has been measured with great accuracy. The neutron is electrical to the outside neutral, but that does not mean that there are no zones in it that are more positive and negative Charge are present that compensate each other. The charge distribution of the neutron is known experimentally relatively well. Because of this, it is possible to include neutrons in an inhomogeneous magnetic field or. to save and their kinetic energy through collision with the included charge carriers (plasma) transferred to.

Due to the ability of neutrons to be deflected, they could also be used build so-called neutron accelerators in dynamic, inhomogeneous magnetic fields, and a beam accelerated in this way could be achieved with a static, inhomogeneous magnetic field focus and lead to a desired goal.

2) The energy share of the neutrons is considerable. For the reactions 1.1 DD H2 + da H3 (1.0) + (3.0)? about the same frequency 1.2 DD H2 + d-> He3 (0.81)) + n (2.44) in D plasma one finds an energy share of 33.6. If one also takes the secondary reaction (H3 = T arises according to equation 1.1) 2. DT | H3 + d ~ He4 (3.5) + n (14.1), m even for the neutrons an energy share of 66.7%, ie the remaining reaction products only account for 33.3%.

but remain included and in the self-heating of the plasma participate, a significantly more favorable cross-section must be expected than is derived with the Lawson criterion, which has a conversion efficiency of only 33% was used as a basis.

In contrast to the 2nd variant, the magnetic field of the 1st variant is and 3., homogeneous and therefore suitable for fusion processes in which neutrons are released not suitable. There is also no neutron-absorbing medium around the reactor vessel appropriate. This variant is only for the lithium / deuterium, lithium / hydrogen or the helium 3 / deuterium reactions are provided, in which therefore no neutrons incurred 1) Compared to the known fusion reactors with a homogeneous magnetic field im Reaction volume, the 2nd and 3rd variant embodiments essentially have the following Advantages on: 1. The "shell field" generated is inhomogeneous and can affect the fusion process Retaining neutrons and thus the cross-section, and thus the Significantly accelerate self-heating of the plasma.

2. The magnetic confinement field is essentially only concentrated on the HbhQ of the reactor vessel and can therefore be generated with a relatively low current flow (Amperewindungseahl) Freedom of movement of the individual 1) The neutronless nuclear reaction processes proceed according to the following reaction equations: 1.1 Li6D Li6 + d 2He 4 (22.4) 1.2 Li6H Li6 + p -> He 4 (1.67) + He 3 (2.23) 1.3 Li? H Li7 + p -> 2 He 4 (17.3) 1.4 He3D He3 + d -> He 4 (3.66) + p (14.64) The He 3 for the reaction according to equation 104 can e.g. Bo can be obtained from the reaction according to equation 1.2. Reactions 1.1-1.3 can, for example, also be used simultaneously in one reactor, reaction 1.4 then occurring as a secondary reaction because the He 3 is formed in reaction 1.2.

The values in () give the kinetic energy of the reaction products in MeV.

Nen charge carriers in the reaction zone are equally good in all directions (not just "llnear", along the field lines), which is the cross-section and thus the self-heating is additionally improved (essentially with the 3rd variant>.

4. For heating the plasma by means of fast dynamic magnetic fields would mean a magnetic field essentially concentrated only on the envelope, that the shock waves running in the radial direction (e.g. in the case of the toroidal Vessel configuration) would run into the plasma much more effectively than with a plasma interspersed with a high field density. For the same heating effect would So you need less energy when using a 1HUllenfeldeste than with the previous field configurations, which use the plasma in the entire volume enforce high field density.

5. Because the enclosing magnetic field is essentially concentrated on the shell and includes all coils together (concatenated), it also provides the necessary Compensation pressure against the thermal pressure of the plasma, so that the coils in the remain essentially free of mechanical tensile loads and special mechanical There are no supports.

6. Since the axes of all solenoids are in the axis of symmetry of the The vessel (cylindrical and torus vessel), it is insane at all points Nagrietfeidwand the same specific magnetic field pressure against the thermal pressure of the plasma and a stable plasma connection is achieved.

On the basis of the illustrations 1-22 the mode of action of the individual Components for the three execution variants of the fusion reactor, according to the invention, are explained in more detail.

Figure 1 shows a schematic of an inductive cone accelerator, in which the single or multi-loop coil (mainly a solid conductor ring) is made concave on the inner circumference. As a result, when the impulse is given, the induced Placmaring better stabilized and shaped concave in a clear direction K from dome The coil's magnetic field is pushed out and over a sliding magnetic field B, the actual Usage purpose supplied. Fig.2 shows the associated field image, during the rejection process of the plasma ring during the current rise in the coil and occurs in plasma ring.

Fig. 3-4 shows a corresponding, two-stage arrangement of the same Working principle. After compression (compression) of the plasma ring through the pulse current I becomes the pulse current It2 to the small coil - the one to the side the acceleration chamber is arranged, and thus the compressed plasma ring pushed into the adjoining sliding magnetic field B on the right and the experiment fed.

To bezw the effective acceleration distance. Compression path of the large Lengthening the coil and converting more energy can be done around the accelerator chamber - as indicated by dashed lines in Fig. 3 - a bracket formed into a ring ferromagnetic material (high permeability).

Instead of an ionized working gas, you can accelerate Of course, also load carriers with the same sign - for example only Protons or just electrons - are used, and the accelerator so too Proton ring or electron ring accelerators. In Fig. 4 is this possibility indicated. A pre-accelerated proton or electron beam passes through a hole through the center of the larger coil into the vacuum space of the accelerator. By applying a correspondingly strong magnetic field that runs in the axial direction (not shown here), the beam is on a circular path with the largest possible path diameter forced. When the next pulse is given to the larger coil, the The ring emf induces an additional circular acceleration and beam at the same time, the magnetic field compresses the diameter of the inner coil. When the impulse is generated at the inner coil, the particle beam is once again circular Acceleration and compression (due to the radially inward Magnetic field component) and a repulsion (due to the axial direction - to the right - moving magnetic field component) into the sliding magnetic field B of the accelerator. The coils are connected in such a way that they induce the same EMF directions. The proton beam is here in the back EMF direction, and the electron beam Radiated into the vacuum chamber (Fig. 4) in the opposite direction to the 'EMK'. With respective Adaptation of the pulse current direction in the coils to the beam polarity used only needs one i: infeed opening (hole) provided on the spool will.

Fig. 5-7 also show inductive accelerators, similar to the Versions according to Fig. 1. The design according to Fig.5 is a so-called "inductive" one Coaxial accelerator "with extended acceleration structure (ferromagnetic Material with high permeability) and cylindrical design. The execution after Fig. 6 is the same in the working principle, but has a conical design. In In both cases, when impulse or alternating current is applied to the coils, im Plasma induces an "electrodeless ring current" (plasma current), which consists of the magnetic field of the coaxial magnet frame (pot magnet) is pushed out. To avoid the impulse or alternating current operation in the solid iron of the pot magnet induced countercurrent (Eddy current) to interrupt, according to Fig. 7, at least a single electrical Interruption (slot) in the radial direction up to the center of the axis must be provided, if the core has a much lower ohmic resistance than that ionized working gas to be accelerated. This also applies to the ring-shaped accelerator chamber, unless the entire container is made of a non-conductive material is.

These inductive coaxial accelerators with an extended acceleration distance have low scattering losses compared to the known traveling wave accelerators (during the acceleration process) and thus a higher degree of efficiency. In addition, it does not apply the elaborate switching mechanism, so that to generate the same output energy (kinetic energy of the plasma) the cost will be much lower than with the traveling wave accelerator.

for Figures 8-9 show a fusion reactor container that the Initially mentioned (1st variant) neutron-less lithium processes are suitable is. The actual reaction space in which the fusion process takes place in small quantities (quantized energy release) consists of a magnetic bottle with three field constrictions (field densities) created by a superconducting magnet coil are generated and housed in the narrowed central part of a large expansion chamber is.

The injection of a suitable amount of lithium (highly ionized) into the Reaction chamber takes place simultaneously from both sides, after shortly before a corresponding amount of frozen light hydrogen - expediently in spherical shape - both sides by the magnetic field of the Coil (Fig.9) in the middle the reaction chamber has been closed. The frozen hydrogen is electrical and magnetically neutral and can penetrate the dense magnetic field without resistance After ionization by the two lithium projectiles, the fusion mixture no longer get back into the bullet tubes. By converting the kinetic Energy of the lithium bullets in warmth, the fusion process is initiated (ignition energy); it takes place in the middle smaller inclusion (meeting point of the projectiles of the lithium and frozen hydrogen). The thermal released by the ignition process Energy (fusion energy) heats the entire enclosed plasma up to fusion temperature by self-heating. The fusing working fluid flows in the process due to the resulting thermal pressure in the two neighboring, larger ones Magnetic field closure $ ao In this it remains locked until the fusion process is almost finished, d. h, until the strong thermal pressure hits the magnet field Ends opened so far that the reaction product (He 3 and He 4) in both sides existing large rooms (expansion rooms) expanded in O As a result of this expansion the fused gas mixture is brought to cool down (down to approx. 1000 0C), that it can be fed to a heat exchanger. The expansion chamber can also even be designed as a heat exchanger or used in addition to it will. By the number and the (Li + H) cores shot singly per unit of time the output of the reactor can be varied accordingly.

With Fig. 10-71 is the most essential component in view and in section shown, which is used to produce a tight magnetic vessel and a, primarily Generated concentrated, inhomogeneous magnetic field on the walls. To create a dense magnetic field of approx. 100 kG, the coil is made of superconducting material (for example structured according to the guidelines of the Auslegeschrift 1439266) and in a corresponding cryostat (HeliumN4.5 K) embedded bezve flowed through0 the Coil is designed in a ring shape and has - adapted to the place of use - Rectangular, trapezoidal or circular cross-sections. The coil comes with a suitable one mechanical and thermal envelope and can, if necessary, with a additional coolant flow through 0 The inlet and outlet pipes for the electric current, the cryogen and the additional coolant, are each other connected to the ring opposite0 Depending on the place of use on one Reactor tank, these connecting lines are at a suitable point on the circumference of the ring inserted into the coil. When current flows in the coil, around the conductor ring as well as around the inlet and outlet pipelines built up a magnetic field, which the ring and the connecting pipe pieces completely magnetin, enveloping me. The field density increases outwards, up to the conductor surface, square to, d. H. it is very inhomogeneous and therefore for the reflection of neutrons (and also ions) suitable. Instead of a coil consisting of several turns can of course also consist of a single, self-contained conductor ring superconducting material can be used.

In Fig. 12-13 there are two different possible designs of several such components (coil rings) shown, which are a section of a represent cylindrical vessel. In the version according to Fig. 12, all coil or conductor rings with the same rectangular cross-section and from the electrical Current flowing through in the same direction ("(+: ,, means: the electric current flows into the conductor; "to" means: the electric current flows out of the Ladder out). The distance between the individual coil or conductor rings is selected to be 60, that the current flowing through it is, on the one hand, a sufficiently dense, concatenated one Magnetic field generated around all conductor rings, but on the other hand still sufficient dense magnetic field is maintained around each individual conductor ring. The chained, Inhomogeneous magnetic field is essentially prevented in this coil arrangement and circuit the outflow of neutrons and ions, while the magnetic field around each individual time ring protects him from the radiation mentioned.

In the design according to Fig. 13, the individual coil or conductor rings are alternately flowed through in opposite directions by the electric current. The rectangular ladder rings are alternately placed so that their longer edge is once perpendicular and once runs in the direction of the vessel axis. With this arrangement (according to Fig. 13) a relatively high field density can be generated between the individual coil rings; however, the interlinked flux around all of the coil rings is only about half as large as in the version according to Fig.12, because here only half the coils.

number produces this concatenated flow and the counter flow of the flat one Coils is essentially not a hindrance. In comparison to Execution According to Fig. 12, this arrangement creates one with the same electrical currents better protection around the individual coils, while the protection towards the outside accordingly is smaller. The design according to Figure 12 is inhomogeneous because of its relatively high level Field portion around the individual coils more suitable for reactions in which essentially the neutrons provide the higher proportion of energy. The design according to Fig.13 is on the other hand, because of their higher homogeneous field components around the coils, more for reaction suitable, in which essentially the ions provide the higher energy rate.

Fig.14 shows a cylindrical reactor vessel in a longitudinal section; the Fig.15 shows an associated cross-section (section A-A), the through-the bullet tube is placed and shows the course of the field with. The individual coil rings that make the Enveloping magnetic fields are, as can be seen from Fig.12 and Fig.13, on the vessel Arranged in such a way that the coil axes coincide with the vessel axis. This is when current flows The resulting field line image is shown in Fig. 14.

The two lateral magnetic field seals (or bottle constrictions) are generated by separate, disc-shaped coils, -those over the shot tubes are pushed. The associated magnetic return flux (apart from the leakage flux) is outside guided on the vessel over corresponding iron brackets (Fig. 14). This through the reactor vessel guided so-called longitudinal field or axis field can also be reinforced by winding several magnetic coils around the iron bracket as indicated.

The plasma is heated in this reactor vessel configuration by means of the high-energy plasma ring accelerators described by in-the highly evacuated reaction space as long as fuel (D or DT plasma) high kinetic energy of about 200 MeV / nucleus until a plasma density of about (1015 1017) cm 3 and a temperature of about 20 keV (assuming 90 % Losses) is reached and the fusion process starts automatically.

The injection of the plasma takes place at the two lateral, punctiform Leakage points at which the excess energy is drawn off, which in the case of overpressure, d. h, with sufficient heat production, is released. The one about the enveloping Heat dissipating from the magnetic field is carried over we let through Transformer jacket - high thermal conductivity and melting point. - to an absorber - z. B. from lithium - transferred, and for further utilization via a heat exchanger discharged to the outside. That simultaneously produced in lithium through neutron capture Tritium 1) is extracted from the lithium cycle (gas separator) and the working gas respectively fed back to the accelerators as fuel.

Figures 16-17 show the two field images that are created according to the Coil design according to Figures 12.13 arise when these are attached to a toroidal The reactor vessel, as shown in Fig. 18, is arranged alternately upright and flat circumferentially arranged coils have when used on a toroidal vessel same inner radius (Fig.17).

The axes of all coils run parallel to each other and lie in the Axis of symmetry of the vessel (Fig.18). Same numbers (1, 1; 2, 2; 15, 15; 16, 16) belong to a coil. This arrangement of the coils on the toroidal envelope is created the same specific magnetic field pressure against the thermal pressure of the plasma (stable confinement). Who chained up all the coils Magnetic flux (Fig.16-17) provides the necessary counter pressure against the thermal Pressure of the plasma, so that the mechanical supports for the coils are not required, which would be necessary with the previous winding method.

With Fig. 19-20 it is shown how the heating of such a toroidal System can be made. Multiple compression coils are, as indicated, arranged distributed around the toroidal vessel, and are supplied with suitable energy sources (Capacitor banks) pumped adiabatically.

It is particularly important here that the shock waves generated are practical run in the magnetic field-free plasma volume and are therefore particularly effective. The ring currents induced in the plasma during compression are perpendicular to the Current direction of the enveloping magnet.

field, ie the two magnetic fields and currents are not coupled to one another, so they are not mutually exclusive. This type of heating can therefore be implemented with this magnetic enclosure, 1) This is generated according to the reaction equations: 1. Li 6 + n - T + He 4 + 4.8 MeV 2. Li 7 + n + 2.5 MeV T + He 4 + n provided that, as shown in Fig. 20, an electrical interruption is provided at any suitable point on the circumference of the torus on all components that conduct electricity. (With magnetic pumping, ring currents are not only induced in the plasma, but also in the entire Mcdium, in which magnetic field changes occur.) Fig. 21 shows the basic structure of the toroidal reactor vessel, as in detail with Figures 10-13 and 16-20 has been described. More detailed information on the internal structure can be found in Fig. 21.

Fig. 22 shows another structure (cross-sectional view) of a Coil as shown in a similar form with Fig. 11. In a nuclear reaction in which the neutrons provide the greater part of the energy, such as in It is the DT reaction, where the neutrons are involved with 14.1 / 0.176 = 80% advantageous because of the relatively high kinetic energy of neutrons when the thermal envelope of the coil is surrounded by a separate n-d absorber. For this It is well known that lithium is best suited. With the by the absorption of neutrons and gamma quanta in lithium can also be generated at the same time via the The heat radiated from the magnetic field is dissipated to the outside via the lithium circuit of the coil will. The flow of lithium through the strong magnetic field of the coil is here not hindering, as the EMF induced in the lithium in the radial direction does not have a braking current can result if in the entire ring cross-section the lithium with the same Speed flowing through the spool.

From the two field images in Fig. 22 is the induced EMF direction (t E) given, which results when the lithium in the annular gap is once positive ("f +)") and once in the negative ("(.4") direction (+. One recognizes that the induced EMF in lithium cannot result in any current affecting the movement would have an inhibiting effect (Lenz's rule). Only then would a current flow and one Effect inhibition when the flow rate of the lithium is not in all places would be the same in the ring cross-section. Through this balancing effect (restoring force) it is achieved that the flow rate and thus the cooling effect at all points the coil remains the same.

Claims (7)

tentative claims Fusion reactor for the generation of energy from thcrmonuclear hydrogen or Lithium core processes in a cylindrical, spherical or toroidal shape configuration, characterized in that the static substance enclosing the fusible working substance Magnetic field mainly concentrated on the inner vessel wall and inhomogeneous is, and the fusion process is initiated by in the 1st variant of the reactor, the fusible agent with high kinetic energy, which the Fusion temperature corresponds to, in a relatively small magnetic confinement field is shot, and at the 2. Design variant of the reactor of the fusible agent in a relatively large cylindrical vessel is carried in until the density and temperature conditions for thermonuclear fusion are met, and in which 3. Design variant of the reactor of the fusible agent in a relative large toroidal vessel is stored and heated up to fusion temperature is effected by adiabatic compression with fast magnetic fields emitted by the Containment field are decoupled. 2. Fusion reactor according to claim 1, characterized in that the Magnetic vessel wall made of many individual, ring-shaped, superconducting magnetic coils executed with a rectangular, trapezoidal or circular cross-section and so on a reactor vessel joined together at a distance and the electric current flows through it are that both around the individual coils a sufficiently dense, inhomogeneous Own field, as well as a common, chained, inhomogeneous total field over all Forms coils that completely envelop the reactor vessel on the inside. 3. Fusion reactor according to claim 1, characterized in that the Vessel configuration intended for the cutronless lithium / hydrogen core processes (1st variant, Fig. 8-9) from a narrowed one that encompasses the superconducting magnet coil middle part of the vessel, so that the entire circumference is accessible from the outside is, and the superconducting magnet coil on the inside three bottle-shaped Bewicklungßhohlraume having, wherein the two outer cavities are larger than the central cavity. I; itentnnsprüche (continuation) 4. Fusion reactor according to claim 1, characterized in that the fusible working substance in the amount of the ignition energy or the energy in one of the ignition energies equivalent energy form with high energy single or multi-stage inductive plasma ring, proton ring or. Electron ring accelerators (Fig. 1-7) carried into the magnetically inhomogeneously lined reactor vessel will. 5. rusion reactor according to claim 4, characterized in that the Accelerator coils are concave on the side facing the working material are (Fig. 1-3), and - when used as a proton or electron ring accelerator - An opening on the multi-loop or single-loop (conductor ring) winding is provided through which the beam is introduced into the vacuum chamber of the accelerator will. 6. Fusion reactor according to claims 4 and 5, characterized in that that the single-stage, inductive plasma ring accelerator (Fig. 1-2) is a coaxial Shape of elongated, ferromagnetic acceleration field in cylindrical or conical form Has construction (Fig. 5-7) and has an additional, ironless guide field. 7. Fusion reactor for energy generation, as described and drawn (further detailed claims reserved). Considered publications: Offenlegungsschriften: P 20 56 199, AT: November 16, 1970 P 21 40 445, AT: August 12, 1971 P 22 30 145, AT: 21-06. 1972 -P 22 47 984, AT: September 29, 1972 Literature: K. Schmitter, Fusionsreaktoren, Umschau 1970, Issue 24, pp. 767-771 P. Cap, Elektronringbeschl., "1970, He-ft 8, s-. 242-244 H. Schopper, 11 ist 1970, issue 9, pp. 886-906 L e r s e i t e