Recent advancements in understanding beam-ion losses during neutral-beam injection (NBI) heating on the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST) are poised to significantly impact the future of fusion energy research. A study published in the journal ‘Nuclear Fusion’ has shed light on the velocity-space distribution of fast-ion losses, a critical aspect in optimizing the efficiency of tokamak operations.
The research, led by S.S. Wang from the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Qingdao Sifang SRI Intellectual Technology Co., Ltd, provides a comprehensive analysis of fast-ion losses using both experimental data and advanced simulations. By employing Scintillator-based fast-ion loss detectors (FILD) and simulation tools like ASCOT5 and FILDSIM, the team was able to closely correlate their findings with experimental measurements. Wang noted, “Our simulations and experimental results demonstrate a strong agreement, particularly in understanding the contributions of fast ions from both the high-field side and the low-field side.”
One of the key findings from the study is the identification of beam-ion losses from the high-field side (HFS), which had previously gone undetected due to the limitations of the FILD probe. In response, the research team undertook significant upgrades to the FILD probe in 2022, enhancing its ability to detect fast-ion losses with smaller pitch angles. This upgrade has proven essential, as it allows for a more nuanced understanding of how these ions behave under different conditions.
However, the researchers also encountered discrepancies in the data related to losses from the low-field side (LFS). This inconsistency arises from the current simulation models not accounting for the effects of boundary neutral particles on neutral-beam deposition. Wang emphasized the importance of addressing these limitations, stating, “These findings not only provide valuable references for improving the neutral-beam deposition model but also lay a foundation for exploring the mechanisms of fast-ion loss in various operational scenarios.”
The implications of this research extend beyond academic curiosity; they hold significant potential for the commercial energy sector. As nations invest in fusion technology as a cleaner, sustainable energy source, refining the understanding of beam-ion dynamics can lead to more efficient and effective fusion reactors. Improved models and detection capabilities may accelerate the development of viable fusion power plants, ultimately contributing to global energy security and sustainability.
As the journey towards practical fusion energy continues, the insights gleaned from Wang’s research represent a critical step forward. The work not only enhances our understanding of the complex behavior of ions within a tokamak but also paves the way for innovations that could one day make fusion energy a reality.
For more information on the research, you can visit the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science at lead_author_affiliation.
