The Korea Superconducting Tokamak Advanced Research (KSTAR) is a cutting-edge fusion research device located at the National Fusion Research Institute (NFRI) in Daejeon, South Korea. It is a crucial part of Korea’s efforts to develop fusion energy technology and contribute to global advancements in the field of controlled nuclear fusion.
Background and Purpose
KSTAR was designed to investigate the feasibility of nuclear fusion as a potential clean and virtually limitless energy source. Fusion is the process that powers the sun and stars, where atomic nuclei combine to release vast amounts of energy. Scientists around the world are working on developing fusion reactors that can harness this process for practical energy generation on Earth.
Features and Technology
Tokamak Design: KSTAR follows the tokamak design, a toroidal magnetic confinement system. The device creates a plasma state by heating and confining hydrogen isotopes to extremely high temperatures, allowing them to fuse and release energy.
Superconducting Magnets: KSTAR’s magnetic field is created using superconducting magnets, which operate at extremely low temperatures to achieve the necessary high magnetic fields efficiently.
Plasma Heating: The tokamak uses various methods to heat the plasma, including radio frequency waves and neutral beam injection, to reach the conditions required for fusion reactions.
Plasma Control and Stability: Precise control and stability of the plasma are essential for successful fusion. KSTAR employs sophisticated control systems to maintain plasma stability and prevent disruptions.
Achievements and Milestones
Over the years, KSTAR has achieved several significant milestones in the field of nuclear fusion research:
Longest Continuous Operation: KSTAR holds the record for the longest continuous operation of a fusion device, sustaining plasma for 70 seconds in 2019.
High Ion Temperature: In 2018, KSTAR achieved an ion temperature of 100 million degrees Celsius, a significant step towards the conditions necessary for practical fusion energy.
International Collaboration
KSTAR is part of a global network of fusion research efforts, and scientists from various countries collaborate on experiments and research using the facility. Fusion research requires collective expertise and resources to address the complex challenges associated with achieving sustained and controlled nuclear fusion.
Future Prospects
KSTAR continues to play a crucial role in advancing fusion energy research. Its experiments and findings contribute to the development of next-generation fusion reactors, such as the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) being constructed in France. Fusion energy remains a promising and environmentally friendly solution for meeting the world’s future energy needs.
