Electrode Technology Development for the Sheared-Flow Z-Pinch Fusion Reactor

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Program:
OPEN 2018
Award:
$6,767,334
Location:
Seattle, Washington
Status:
ALUMNI
Project Term:
07/30/2019 - 07/29/2022

Technology Description:

Zap Energy will advance the fusion performance of the sheared-flow stabilized (SFS) Z-pinch fusion concept. While the simplicity of the Z-pinch is attractive, it has been plagued by plasma instabilities. Like traditional Z-pinch approaches, the SFS Z-pinch drives electrical current through a plasma to create magnetic fields that compress and heat the plasma toward fusion conditions. The innovation of the SFS Z-pinch is the velocity gradient across the radius of the Z-pinch—in other words, the outer edge of the plasma column is moving at a different velocity than the center—which stabilizes the plasma instabilities of traditional Z-pinches. In this project the team will raise the electrical current of their SFS Z-pinch, reduce physics risks relating to plasma stability and confinement, and develop the electrode technology and plasma-initiation techniques necessary to enable the next steps toward a functional SFS Z-pinch fusion power plant. This could provide nearly limitless, on-demand, emission-free energy with negligible fuel costs.

Potential Impact:

Zap Energy’s work will validate a new type of Z-pinch approach, enabling a low-cost, rapid development path towards economical fusion power.

Security:

Zap Energy’s innovation could accelerate the development of cost-effective fusion power plants, which could provide a nearly limitless supply of domestic power and eliminate dependence on foreign energy sources.

Environment:

Fusion power plants offer nearly zero emissions and produce manageable waste products. If widely adopted, they could significantly reduce or nearly eliminate carbon emissions from the electricity generation sector.

Economy:

Zap Energy’s approach, if viable, could enable a low-cost path to fusion, reducing research costs to develop economical fusion energy and helping enable a domestic fusion energy industry.

Contact

ARPA-E Program Director:
Dr. Ahmed Diallo
Project Contact:
Dr. Brian Nelson
Press and General Inquiries Email:
ARPA-E-Comms@hq.doe.gov
Project Contact Email:
nelson@zapenergyinc.com

Partners

University of Washington

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Release Date:
12/13/2017