Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory scientists have innovatively integrated electron cyclotron present drive and resonant magnetic perturbations to improve plasma control in combination procedures, possibly reducing fusion energy expenses and getting rid of obstacles associated with edge-localized modes. Credit: SciTechDaily.comResearchers effectively replicate a novel mix approach for handling blend plasma.In their continuous mission to establish a range of approaches for handling plasma so it can be utilized to create electrical power in a process understood as blend, researchers at the U.S. Department of Energys (DOE) Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) have revealed how two old approaches can be integrated to provide higher flexibility.While the 2 methods– known as electron cyclotron current drive (ECCD) and applying resonant magnetic perturbations (RMP)– have long been studied, this is the first time researchers have simulated how they can be utilized together to give boosted plasma control. These fields produce oval or circular magnetic fields in the plasma called magnetic islands. Metaphorically, the RMPs act like a simple light switch that turns the islands on, while the ECCD acts like an extra dimmer switch that lets the scientists change the islands to the perfect size for a workable plasma. “When the ECCD was added in the same direction as the existing in the plasma, the width of the island decreased, and the pedestal pressure increased.
Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory researchers have innovatively integrated electron cyclotron present drive and resonant magnetic perturbations to improve plasma control in fusion processes, possibly minimizing combination energy expenses and conquering difficulties associated with edge-localized modes. Credit: SciTechDaily.comResearchers effectively simulate a novel mix technique for handling combination plasma.In their ongoing quest to establish a range of approaches for handling plasma so it can be utilized to create electricity in a procedure understood as combination, scientists at the U.S. Department of Energys (DOE) Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) have revealed how 2 old methods can be combined to provide greater flexibility.While the two methods– understood as electron cyclotron current drive (ECCD) and using resonant magnetic perturbations (RMP)– have long been studied, this is the first time researchers have simulated how they can be utilized together to provide enhanced plasma control. Metaphorically, the RMPs act like a simple light switch that turns the islands on, while the ECCD acts like an extra dimmer switch that lets the scientists adjust the islands to the ideal size for a manageable plasma.