Using the experimental advanced superconducting tokamak (EAST), which is called Chinese “artificial sun”, the physicists were able to heat plasma to 100 million degrees Celsius (which is 6 times hotter than the core of our star) and reach a heating output of 10 MW. In this experiment, the researchers got the figures, approaching to the physical conditions required for the fusion reactor in a stable manner.
The experiment was conducted using the world’s first superconducting tokamak with non-circular cross section. Its design and build was carried out by scientists from the Institute of plasma physics at the Chinese Academy of Sciences. In a published press release, the Institute States that the results were close to meeting the physical conditions required for a future stationary fusion reactor.
The collision of two hydrogen nuclei creates a huge release of energy. This process is called thermonuclear reaction. With it, the Sun and other stars produce light and heat. If scientists can harness this energy, then mankind will receive access to a virtually endless source of clean energy.
Chinese installation called artificial sun due to the fact that it creates the necessary conditions for nuclear fusion by fusing hydrogen nuclei, as in the cores of stars. However, unlike the heavenly bodies, in a tokamak is used not ordinary hydrogen, and its isotopes deuterium and tritium, which is extracted from sea water.
A successful experiment EAST was an important step towards the creation of the International thermonuclear experimental reactor (ITER). In the development of the latter, 35 countries participate, including Russia, China and the United States.
In addition, the obtained in the tests parameters are also important for the construction of the China experimental fusion reactor (CFETR).
Scientists are working not only on the creation of “artificial sun”, but inventing new ways of storing energy coming from the present. For example, Swedish physicists have described how to store solar energy inside the liquid.
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