Harnessing the immense power of nuclear fusion has long been a scientific challenge. While traditional fusion reactors use external magnets to contain superheated plasma, a New Zealand startup has taken a novel approach. OpenStar’s innovative design places a floating magnet inside the reactor, opening new doors for fusion energy research.
By John Adams
A Radical Redesign of Fusion Reactors
Conventional Tokamak reactors use external magnets to create magnetic fields that suspend plasma at temperatures exceeding 175 million degrees Fahrenheit. OpenStar’s reactor takes a different approach by placing a powerful magnet directly inside the fusion chamber. Suspended in a vacuum, the magnet is held in place by a secondary magnet fixed to the chamber’s ceiling. This unique configuration reportedly reduces the destructive forces that typically challenge nuclear fusion designs.
First Plasma Marks a Significant Milestone
In recent experiments, OpenStar successfully created plasma using its prototype reactor, called Junior. The plasma reached temperatures of approximately 570,000 degrees Fahrenheit and lasted for 20 seconds. While this is far below the heat required for hydrogen fusion, the experiment demonstrates the viability of the floating magnet approach. OpenStar is confident that its next-generation prototypes will achieve the conditions needed for successful fusion.
Overcoming Technical Challenges
The floating magnet, a high-temperature superconductor, must be cooled to -400 degrees Fahrenheit to maintain its magnetic field. In current experiments, the cooling system allows the magnet to operate for up to 80 minutes before overheating. Future designs aim to integrate active cooling systems using liquid helium, although these systems will require periodic refueling, making continuous operation difficult. Additionally, power loss in the magnet over time presents another hurdle, which OpenStar plans to address by equipping the magnet with a battery to extend its functionality.
A Promising Path Toward Commercial Fusion
OpenStar envisions its reactors providing 25 to 50 megawatts of power, ideal for remote locations or data centers. Revenue generated from these smaller reactors would fund the development of larger systems capable of producing gigawatts of energy. While the company anticipates achieving successful fusion with its third-generation prototype by 2027, significant technical challenges remain. If successful, OpenStar’s approach could complement existing Tokamak technology and accelerate the commercialization of fusion energy.
OpenStar’s innovative design highlights the creative solutions emerging in the pursuit of fusion energy.
Based on information from www.futurezone.at and own research.