High Efficiency, Megawatt-Class Gyrotrons for Instability Control of Burning-Plasma Machines

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Program:
GAMOW
Award:
$2,750,000
Location:
Framingham, Massachusetts
Status:
ACTIVE
Project Term:
03/22/2021 - 03/21/2024
Website:

Technology Description:

Prototype burning-plasma magnetic-fusion devices must operate at long pulse lengths to support power generation, making them susceptible to catastrophic disruption from plasma instabilities. Electron cyclotron heating and current drive powered by megawatt-level gyrotrons (vacuum electron devices that generate high-power, high-frequency radiation) are the most effective ways to heat and stabilize such plasmas. Megawatt-class gyrotrons are large, expensive to build and operate, inefficient, and have limited frequency and device lifetime. Bridge 12 Technologies aims to develop and build a 1-MW, 250-GHz gyrotron demonstrator with a total efficiency >65 % that can be used in cost-effective, breakeven-class magnetic-fusion devices at operating parameters relevant for a commercial fusion power plant. The team will build one of the most expensive parts of the gyrotron, the collector, using additive manufacturing with advanced copper alloys allowing for higher performance, robustness, and cost-effectiveness. If successful, the technology will reduce capital and operational costs of a fusion plant and improve the heating system's reliability.

Potential Impact:

Successful development of fusion energy science and technology could lead to a safe, carbon-free, abundant energy source for developed and emerging economies.

Security:

The GAMOW program will advance American leadership in fusion energy science and technology.

Environment:

If successfully developed and commercialized, fusion energy can provide abundant, zero-carbon energy.

Economy:

Advances in GAMOW’s technical areas will help accelerate progress toward commercial fusion energy and a new zero-carbon energy economy.

Contact

ARPA-E Program Director:
Dr. Ahmed Diallo
Project Contact:
Dr. Jagadishwar Sirigiri
Press and General Inquiries Email:
ARPA-E-Comms@hq.doe.gov
Project Contact Email:
jsirigiri@bridge12.com

Partners

Oak Ridge National Laboratory

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Release Date:
02/13/2020