Fusion Energy Supply Chain
At the forefront of innovation, we specialize in manufacturing an extensive selection of electromagnets, catering to a spectrum of applications.
Magnets and Power Supplies in Fusion
The pursuit of fusion energy has given rise to a specialized and capital-intensive supply chain, dedicated to the procurement and assembly of sophisticated electromagnet technologies and the potent power systems they necessitate. Magnets are at the heart of most fusion reactor designs, such as the doughnut-shaped tokamaks, which depend on toroidal and poloidal superconducting magnets operating at high current and low temperature, and stellarators with their intricately shaped coils requiring precision engineering and significant power to maintain the stability of plasma. Inertial confinement fusion, on the other hand, makes use of pulsed power systems derived from large capacitor banks, delivering brief, high-energy surges essential for fuel pellet compression.
These systems are energized by a variety of power supplies tailored to the demands of the specific fusion approach. High-voltage power supplies are indispensable for ion injectors, while regulated ones maintain the required precise current and voltage needed by superconducting magnets. Transformers in these setups are likewise engineered to endure the harsh conditions brought about by neutron bombardment and other radiological challenges inherent to fusion technology.
Entering the realm of fusion energy engineering also entails close familiarity with the unique operational challenges such as neutron damage to materials, necessitating the development of neutron-resistant alloys and advanced shielding techniques. The magnetic systems and their supportive power infrastructure must operate efficiently within high electromagnetic interference (EMI) environments, which can perturb control systems and data acquisition processes. Engineers must account for the prodigious forces and stresses involved in containing the plasma, designing structures that can withstand the thermal and mechanical demands of a fusion reactor over extended periods.
To address these requirements, Woodruff Engineering applies robust design principles, pioneering research into materials that can endure the intense neutron flux, high magnetic fields, and the EMI within fusion devices. Our commitment to innovation extends to our power supplies and transformers, reliably handling both the steady DC needed for superconducting magnets and the high-power pulses for inertial confinement. With mastery over these challenges, Woodruff Engineering contributes core components to facilitate the maturation of fusion energy technology, while navigating the demanding conditions it imposes.