China has taken a significant step towards realizing the dream of clean energy through nuclear fusion. The country’s most advanced “artificial sun,” the Huanliu-3 (HL-3) tokamak device, has commenced a new phase of experiments, which features a digital twin system.
The HL-3, developed by the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), replicates the process that powers the sun. It uses powerful magnetic fields to confine and superheat a plasma of hydrogen isotopes, forcing them to fuse and release enormous amounts of energy.
This process requires precise control and monitoring, especially during the “baking” of the vacuum chamber. Baking involves heating the vacuum chamber to extreme temperatures to eliminate impurities that could disrupt the plasma.
It is in this context that the new system holds immense significance. This system, likened to a “super eye,” provides real-time monitoring of the device’s operation.
Real-time data through virtual modeling
The new system generates a virtual model of the HL-3’s vacuum chamber, providing scientists with real-time data on temperature distribution.
By receiving information from physical sensors within the chamber and employing advanced algorithms, the digital twin constructs a comprehensive and accurate representation of the baking process.
This technology can enhance safety by providing constant monitoring and early detection of potential issues.
It could also enable more efficient operation by allowing scientists to fine-tune the baking process and optimize performance.
HL-3’s international collaboration
Earlier, in December 2023, the CNNC opened the HL-3 facility to the global scientific community, fostering international collaboration in the pursuit of clean energy.
This initiative followed a collaborative agreement between the Southwestern Institute of Physics (SWIP), responsible for the HL-3’s development, and the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project.
For reference, ITER, based in France, is an international effort to construct the world’s largest “artificial sun.”
Notably, the Huanliu-3 (HL-3) hit the headlines in June this year when Chinese scientists were able to discover an advanced magnetic field structure “for the first time in the world” using this tokamak device. This discovery was also the result of the first round of international joint experiments conducted on the HL-3 tokamak.
Global efforts in nuclear fusion
China’s latest achievement in nuclear fusion is in line with the global efforts to harness this source of abundant and clean energy. Recently, the US completed the first key magnet for an apple-shaped nuclear fusion reactor.
A Japan-based firm has also announced that it is developing the world’s first steady-state nuclear fusion reactor. The United Kingdom is also actively participating in this arena as it closes in on developing its first prototype fusion energy plant through its STEP program.
Spain’s SMART is a new spherical tokamak machine that explores negative versus positive triangularity prospects.
While the global community has yet to realize nuclear fusion, these ongoing research activities could expedite this process.
