Nuclear fusion is a process in which atomic nuclei combine to form heavier nuclei, releasing vast amounts of energy. In a fusion reactor, this process mimics the conditions inside stars like the sun, where hydrogen atoms fuse into helium under extreme temperatures and pressures.
Fusion power addresses the global challenge of providing a sustainable, low-carbon source of energy that could replace fossil fuels. It promises virtually unlimited fuel supply from seawater and minimal waste with short-lived radioactive byproducts.
Fusion reactors heat plasma (ionized gas) to temperatures exceeding 100 million degrees Celsius using various techniques such as magnetic confinement or inertial confinement. The high temperature causes deuterium and tritium isotopes of hydrogen to undergo fusion, producing helium and releasing energy in the form of neutrons and gamma radiation.
Manufacturing fusion reactors involves complex engineering challenges such as developing materials resistant to extreme temperatures and radiation, designing efficient magnetic confinement systems or laser-based inertial fusion systems, and integrating advanced control systems.
The build process begins with selecting a reactor design (tokamak, stellarator, laser-fusion), followed by detailed engineering, component fabrication, assembly, testing, and commissioning. Each step requires specialized equipment and expertise.
Field units draw low hundreds of megawatts; fabrication is energy-intensive due to vacuum baking and high-temperature operations.
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