Core of fusion experiment completed
The last major part of the Wendelstein 7-X fusion experiment was installed on 21 December last year. The addition of the 14 tonne final part of the device – the lid of the thermally insulating outer shell – sees the completion of the ring-like base machine, at the Greifswald branch of the Max Planck Institute of Plasma Physics, which will begin operation in 2014.
Fusion research aims to draw energy from the fusion of atomic nuclei – the same power source which drives the sun. To achieve this, hydrogen plasma must be superheated to temperatures above 100 million degrees, within the confines of a restricting magnetic field. The Wendelstein 7-X – which will be the largest fusion device of its type – will investigate the feasibility of such a power plant and its potential for continuous operation.
“There are still many things to be completed before the whole of the experiment will be operational; remaining tasks include the installation of the main power lines and coolant pipes; the incorporation of the plasma heating systems and the connection of the various measuring equipment for diagnosing the plasma’s behaviour.
“It’s just a pity, that there will then be nothing more to be seen of the machine’s interior, particularly of its hallmark, the coils,” says Hans-Stephan Bosch, Wendelstein 7-X project Associate Director.
For more information, please visit the Max Planck Institute website.
