Improved Magnetic Fusion Energy Economics via Massive Resistive Electromagnets
Author: Robert D. Woolley
Abandoning superconductors for magnetic fusion reactors and instead using resistive magnet designs based on cheap copper or aluminum conductor material operating at "room temperature" (300 K) can reduce the capital cost per unit fusion power and simplify plant operations. By increasing unit size well beyond that of present magnetic fusion energy conceptual designs using superconducting electromagnets, the recirculating power fraction needed to operate resistive electromagnets can be made as close to zero as needed for economy without requiring superconductors. Other advantages of large fusion plant size, such as very long inductively driven pulses, may also help reduce the cost per unit fusion power.