The Project Milestone of ITER

Blog Credit : Trupti Thakur

Image Courtesy : Google

The Project Milestone of ITER

The International Thermo-nuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) aims to demonstrate nuclear fusion as a viable energy source. Located in Southern France, it brings together over 30 countries, including India, to build the world’s largest tokamak. This magnetic fusion device is designed to replicate the fusion processes that power the Sun. Recently, ITER reached milestone by completing its advanced pulsed superconducting electromagnet system. This system is crucial for the operation of the reactor, enabling the fusion process that could revolutionise energy production.

What Is Nuclear Fusion?

Nuclear fusion is the process where two light atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy in the process. This reaction occurs naturally in stars, including our Sun. Fusion offers the potential for a clean and virtually limitless energy source, producing minimal waste compared to traditional nuclear fission.

The Tokamak Design

The ITER reactor is designed in a toroidal, or donut shape, known as a tokamak. This design allows for the containment of plasma, the fourth state of matter. The reactor’s heart consists of a complex system of superconducting magnets that create powerful magnetic fields. These fields confine and control the high-temperature plasma necessary for fusion.

Components of ITER

The ITER project includes several critical components. The pulsed magnet system, weighing nearly 3,000 tonnes, is essential for initiating and maintaining plasma. The Central Solenoid, built by the US, generates the magnetic flux needed for plasma formation. Other international contributions include the Poloidal Field magnets from Russia and Europe, and superconducting Correction Coil magnets from China.

Fuel for Fusion

The primary fuels for the ITER fusion process are deuterium and tritium, isotopes of hydrogen. These fuels will be injected into the tokamak chamber, where they will be ionised to form plasma. External heating systems will raise the plasma temperature to about 150 million degrees Celsius, enabling the fusion reaction.

Energy Production Goals

ITER aims to achieve energy gain. The goal is to produce 500 megawatts of fusion power from just 50 megawatts of input energy. This tenfold gain would mark a major breakthrough in energy production, making fusion a feasible alternative to fossil fuels.

International Collaboration

The ITER project exemplifies international cooperation in science and technology. Europe contributes the largest share of funding, followed by contributions from China, Japan, Korea, Russia, and the United States. This collaboration has persisted despite political changes, denoting the global commitment to advancing clean energy technologies.

Future Prospects

Scientific operations for ITER are expected to begin in 2034, with deuterium-tritium operations potentially starting in 2039. The success of ITER could pave the way for commercial fusion reactors, impacting global energy landscapes.

 

 

 Blog By : Trupti Thakur