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Author(s):
H. Momota, G.H. Miley and J. Nadler
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Title:
Direct Energy Conversion for IEC Propulsions
Date of publication:
Aug. 2000
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Key words:
Inertia Electrostatic Confinement, D-^3He Fusion, Fusion Propulsion, IEC Array, Direct Energy Conversion
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Abstract:
The paper describes a concept of extracting fusion power from D-^3He fueled IEC devices. The fusion system consists of a series of fusion modules and direct energy converters at an end or at both ends. This system of multiple units is linear and is connected by a magnetic field. A pair of coils anti-parallel to the magnetic field yields a field-null domain at the center of each unit as required for IEC operation. A stabilizing coil installed between the coil pairs eliminates the strong attractive force between the anti-parallel coils. Accessible regions for charged particle trajectories are essentially isolated from the coil structure. Thus, charged particles are directed along magnetic field lines to the direct energy converter without appreciable losses. A direct energy converter unit designed to be compatible to this unique system is also described. It basically consists of a separator and a traveling wave converter. A separator separates low energy ions and electrons from the 14.7-MeV fusion protons and then converts their energy into electricity. In the traveling wave direct energy converter, fusion protons are modulated to form proton bunches. It couples with a transmission line to couple AC power out. The overall conversion efficiency of this system, combined with D-^3He IEC cores, is estimated as high as 60%.
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