In the heart of South Korea, a groundbreaking design study is underway, poised to revolutionize the energy sector with a novel approach to fusion technology. Researchers at the Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) are developing a dedicated linear accelerator (linac) that could significantly advance the testing of breeding blankets, a crucial component in fusion reactors. The project, led by Emre Cosgun from the Department of Physics at UNIST, aims to generate fusion-like neutrons using a 400 kW deuteron beam, paving the way for more efficient and sustainable energy solutions.
The linac, designed to accelerate deuteron (D+) beams to 40 MeV with a maximum current of 10 mA in continuous wave (CW) mode, will direct these beams onto a solid beryllium target. The resulting neutrons will mimic those produced in fusion reactions, providing a valuable tool for testing the technical feasibility of breeding blankets. These blankets are essential for tritium production and recovery, key processes in the fusion energy cycle.
Cosgun and his team have conducted extensive start-to-end simulations and machine imperfection studies to ensure the linac meets the required specifications. “Our goal is to assess the target beam availability and validate the machine’s performance under real-world conditions,” Cosgun explained. The design includes a 2.45 GHz Electron Cyclotron Resonance (ECR) ion source and a 4-vane type 176 MHz Radio Frequency Quadrupole (RFQ), both crucial for beam acceleration. The linac itself is proposed to be superconducting, utilizing Half-Wave Resonator (HWR) cavities and solenoid-focusing magnets to achieve the desired energy levels.
One of the most innovative aspects of this design is the High Energy Beam Transport (HEBT) line. This section of the linac employs two octupole magnets followed by quadrupole magnets to shape the beam into a rectangular, uniform density profile. This precise control is essential for creating a 20 cm × 20 cm footprint at the target, ensuring consistent and reliable neutron production.
The implications of this research are far-reaching. As the world seeks cleaner and more sustainable energy sources, fusion technology stands out as a promising solution. The ability to test breeding blankets effectively could accelerate the development of commercial fusion reactors, bringing us closer to a future where fusion energy is a viable and widespread power source.
The detailed beam dynamics studies, conducted using the TraceWin simulation code, have provided valuable insights into the linac’s performance. These studies are crucial for understanding how the beam will behave under various conditions, ensuring that the linac can operate reliably and efficiently.
The study, published in the journal Nuclear Engineering and Technology, marks a significant step forward in the field of fusion research. The English translation of the journal’s name is ‘원자력공학 및 기술’. As the energy sector continues to evolve, innovations like this linac could play a pivotal role in shaping the future of energy production. The work of Cosgun and his team at UNIST is a testament to the power of cutting-edge research and its potential to drive technological advancements in the energy industry.
