A California-based firm called Pacific Fusion is attempting to create fusion energy by using a unique pulsed magnetic concept. This method employs large electrical current pulses to generate enormous magnetic fields, compressing and heating the fusion fuel. The company claims its technology is based on proven inertial fusion concepts demonstrated at US National Laboratories.
Pacific Fusion’s approach involves creating fast-rising, high-current pulses that magnetically squeeze and heat small containers of deuterium-tritium fuel, driving it to fusion conditions. This process requires three key components: pulser modules, a small meter-scale fusion chamber, and centimeter-scale fuel containers.
Pulser modules store electricity in capacitors and release it in fast pulses, which are delivered by metallic pulse tubes that speed toward the fusion chamber before imploding. The energy from multiple transmission lines is coupled into two electrodes, driving current through the target and electromagnetically compressing it to cause fusion.
The company believes its approach offers advantages such as high efficiency and mass-manufacturability, a compact fusion chamber, and built-in water shielding. They plan to build small mass-manufacturable units called bricks, which are assembled into modules that fit into shipping containers, facilitating low-cost maintenance.
Pacific Fusion aims to create a high-gain pulsed magnetic fusion driver to achieve net facility gain, defined as more fusion energy output than all stored energy input. The company has started engineering the components and systems for a commercial fusion system, with the goal of delivering limitless energy.
Source: https://interestingengineering.com/energy/pulsed-magnetic-concept-pacific-fusion