There nuclear fusion it is the process that powers the stars and represents a possible alternative to nuclear fissioncurrently used in power plants to produce electricity. Scientists have been working on it for decades as it promises to generate huge amounts of energy without worsening global warming. In essence, the development of this technology could allow us to meet energy needs without compromising the environment.
Numerous research projects to develop fusion reactors are underway around the world, but none have yet produced a fully operational prototype. In Wellington, the company OpenStar Technologies is working on the country’s first fusion reactor with an innovative design. At the center of the project lies Juniora toroidal electromagnet weighing approximately 500 kg, powered by patented flow pump technology.
Technical details: the electromagnet and its function
OpenStar electromagnet integrates high temperature superconductors and can withstand compressive forces of up to 74 tons to avoid self-implosion. This component is essential for confining the plasma generated by the reaction, whose temperature exceeds 100 million degrees Celsius. The distinctive element of the device lies in its power system, based on a conduction cooling technique with helium gas in a closed circuit.
The technology of OpenStar Technologies draws inspiration from Earth’s magnetospherewhich protects the planet from charged particles coming from space. The start-up has in fact successfully powered the Junior module, composed of 14 coils of non-insulated ReBCO superconductors. The next step will be to refine the design of the complete reactor, with the aim of making it operational by 2030 to contribute to the energy transition.
