World's largest superconducting magnet for fusion reactor unveiled in Hefei

Scientists and engineers announced significant progress regarding two key superconducting magnets related to fusion reactors on Saturday in Hefei, Anhui province.

One of them is the Toroidal Field superconducting magnet, which weighs 582 metric tons. It successfully passed a comprehensive review by an expert panel on Saturday.

This magnet is currently the largest of its kind in the world for fusion reactors, according to its developers at the Hefei-based Institute of Plasma Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences.

The volume of this magnet is 1.3 times that of the TF magnet used in the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor, and its energy storage capacity is three times greater.

The Toroidal Field magnet is one of the most crucial components of a fusion reactor. During the operation of a fusion device, superconducting magnets generate a strong magnetic field to confine plasma heated to hundreds of millions of degrees Celsius, according to a statement by the institute.

The magnet is responsible for creating the toroidal magnetic field, which firmly constrains the plasma and reduces the impact and energy loss of high-energy particles on the vacuum chamber walls.

The superconducting magnet must operate stably and reliably for 60 years under extreme conditions, including ultra-low temperatures, high currents, intense radiation, and high stress.

Another magnet, the high-temperature superconducting central solenoid coil, has completed full-condition parameter testing on the day.

Scientists said its key indicators and core performance have reached internationally leading levels.

The successive breakthroughs of the two core superconducting magnets have further solidified the foundation for China's construction of fusion reactors, said the developers.

The breakthroughs will significantly enhance the country's capabilities in independent research and development as well as engineering construction of fusion reactors.