Passive magnetic shielding of structures immersed in plasma using superconductors
A fusion reactor includes a fusion plasma reactor chamber. A magnetic coil structure is disposed inside of the fusion plasma reactor chamber, and a structural component is also disposed inside of the fusion plasma reactor chamber. The structural component couples the magnetic coil structure to the fusion plasma reactor chamber. A superconducting material is disposed at least partially within the structural component. A plurality of cooling channels are disposed at least partially within the structural component. An insulating material is disposed at least partially within the structural component.
1. A fusion reactor comprising:
a fusion plasma reactor chamber;
a magnetic coil structure disposed inside of the fusion plasma reactor chamber;
a structural component disposed inside of the fusion plasma reactor chamber, wherein the structural component couples the magnetic coil structure to the fusion plasma reactor chamber;
a superconducting material disposed at least partially within the structural component;
a plurality of cooling channels disposed at least partially within the structural component; and
an insulating material disposed at least partially within the structural component.
2. The fusion reactor of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of cooling channels comprises a plurality of metal tubes.
3. The fusion reactor of claim 1 , wherein the superconducting material comprises a superconducting tape.
4. The fusion reactor of claim 1 , wherein the superconducting material comprises a plurality of superconducting tiles.
5. The fusion reactor of claim 1 , wherein the superconducting material is cooled to a temperature equal to or below a superconducting transition temperature of the superconducting material.
6. The fusion reactor of claim 1 , wherein the superconducting material excludes a magnetic field from penetrating the structural component.
7. The fusion reactor of claim 1 , wherein the insulator comprises two walls separated by a near vacuum.
8. The fusion reactor of claim 1 , wherein a cooling fluid is circulated through the plurality of cooling channels.
9. The fusion reactor of claim 1 , further comprising a fusion plasma contained inside of the fusion plasma reactor chamber.