Technology

. In this paper, we present a concept for a new class of quasi-isodynamic (QI) stellarators leveraging HTS technology to overcome well-known challenges of a tokamak. This class of QI-HTS stellarators, labeled Stellaris, is shown to achieve an extensive set of desirable properties for reactor candidates simultaneously for the first time, offering a compelling path toward commercially viable fusion energy. (…)

The physics design point proposed in this study provides a maximum of 2.7 GW of fusion energy, which – together with power multiplication in the blanket – results in about 3.1 GW of thermal power for the plant. It is worth noting that the machine presented here will similarly be able to operate at lower total power, though likely at the cost of economic attractiveness. We estimate a required regular maintenance interval of four to six years for scheduled component substitutions, given structural degradation of the first wall. (…)

Stellaris is a first-of-a-kind concept for a high-field, QI stellarator fusion power plant. It combines significant physics performance improvements, an integrated and self-consistent engineering feasibility study, and novel concepts for key subsystems and operations. Due to the QI symmetry of the magnetic field, Stellaris is designed to operate as an intrinsically steady-state device without disruptions. (…)

. Until now, no single consistent stellarator reactor study has been presented that fulfills all relevant performance aspects of stellarator configuration simultaneously, including an engineering feasibility analysis that builds credibility for a reactor candidate. This paper aims to address this gap, suggesting a new stellarator concept alongside a broad range of analyses targeted at indicating viability for a power plant prototype.