Scientists and engineers announced a major milestone for nuclear fusion technology on Saturday in Hefei, Anhui province. Teams successfully advanced two key superconducting magnets designed to power next-generation fusion reactors.
World’s Largest Toroidal Field Magnet
An expert panel officially passed the massive 582-metric-ton Toroidal Field (TF) superconducting magnet through a comprehensive review on Saturday. Developers at the Hefei-based Institute of Plasma Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences (ASIPP), confirmed that this is currently the largest fusion reactor magnet of its kind in the world.
To put its scale into perspective, this new magnet boasts a volume 1.3 times larger than the TF magnet used in the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER). Furthermore, it holds an energy storage capacity three times greater than its ITER counterpart.
Engineering Extreme Conditions
Toroidal Field magnets serve as a foundational pillar for any fusion reactor. According to an institute statement, these superconducting magnets generate a powerful magnetic field to cage plasma that reaches hundreds of millions of degrees Celsius.
Specifically, the TF magnet shapes the toroidal magnetic field. This field firmly traps the plasma, which minimizes energy loss and prevents high-energy particles from smashing into the vacuum chamber walls. To succeed, the magnet must run reliably for 60 years under brutal conditions, including ultra-low temperatures, massive electrical currents, intense radiation, and extreme physical stress.
Solenoid Coil Hits Leading Performance Benchmarks
On the same day, a second critical magnet completed its full-condition parameter testing. This high-temperature superconducting central solenoid coil met every rigorous benchmark. Scientists reported that its key indicators and core performance now lead the international community.
Paving the Way for Independent Energy
These back-to-back breakthroughs greatly strengthen China’s foundation for building operational fusion reactors. Developers noted that the achievements will drastically elevate the country’s capacity for independent research, design, and engineering construction in the field of fusion energy.
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