February 9, 2024
Fusion energy’s development has been fundamentally altered by the advent of high-temperature superconductors (HTS) that allow for high magnetic field, efficient electromagnets. The order-of-magnitude improvement in fusion power density has accelerated the development of terrestrial fusion energy sources. The application of HTS in space exploration is examined in the context of a Mars colonization mission. Several applications were identified. 1) A fusion-fission hybrid magnetic mirror as a high-efficiency power supply for onboard electricity for propulsion, and for long duration power supply on-surface using Mars’ thorium as a fertile fuel material. 2) Use of HTS magnets in MHD energy converters that are used for on-board electricity at the ~10 MW level with no moving parts 3) HTS magnets in the electric thruster and 4) A novel idea for astronaut radiation protection by a toroidal habitat that features a large dipole moment from HTS that deflects ~0.1 -1 GeV charged particles from solar events and cosmic background radiation. These concepts and the development challenges will be discussed.
Dennis G. Whyte is the Hitachi America Professor of Engineering, and director of the Plasma Science and Fusion Center at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. A recognized leader in fusion research, especially in the magnetic confinement of plasmas, Whyte has paved an innovative and faster path to producing fusion energy. He leads the fusion project, SPARC — a compact, high-field, net fusion energy fusion device — in collaboration with private fusion startup Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS). The core of the SPARC project was formed over eight years ago during a design course led by Whyte to challenge assumptions in fusion. Many of the ideas underpinning the high-field approach — including the use of HTS for high-field, demountable magnets, liquid blankets, and ARC (a fusion power plant concept) — have been conceived of or significantly advanced in his design courses. Whyte has over 350 publications, is a fellow of the American Physical Society, and has served on panels for the National Academies, the United States government, and the Royal Society. In 2018, Whyte received The Fusion Power Associates (FPA) Board of Directors Leadership Award which is given annually to individuals who have shown outstanding leadership qualities in accelerating the development of fusion. Whyte earned a B.Eng from the University of Saskatchewan, and an MS and PhD from Université du Québec.