Novatron Fusion Group nears completion of first official prototype at KTH Royal University, Stockholm
Work accelerating on Novatron Fusion Group’s ground-breaking ‘mirror-machine’ concept, offering unique approach to fusion energy
Key progress includes design, procurement and assembly of subsystems forming the first patented NOVATRON configuration
New UKAEA (UK Atomic Energy Authority) collaboration sees further integration of Langmuir Probe diagnostics instrument
Novatron Fusion Group is rapidly advancing the construction of its first official plasma stability test facility – the NOVATRON 1 (N1) – at KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm.
Design work has been progressing on the N1 since 2021, with assembly of custom made parts and subsystems starting in 2024 in efforts to deliver the ground-breaking ‘mirror-machine’ concept.
This approach uses large magnets to trap plasma fuel within a strong magnetic field, bouncing them back and forth like a ball in a mirror-lined room.
Novatron Fusion Group’s unique design is regarded as the world’s first stable mirror machine concept with several appealing characteristics, including low cost, easy fuelling, and the ability to operate continuously. It also achieves a high “beta,” meaning it can produce high plasma pressure with relatively weak magnetic fields, which is more cost-effective.
Integration-driven design
A major advance in early 2024 saw engineers successfully commissioning the N1 Cleanroom, setting the foundation for the broader build-out. Shortly after, key components for the internal vacuum vessel were received, kick-starting the assembly of the fusion reactor’s mid-sections, before additional layers were added.
Further phases involved the integration of ten large-scale copper magnets - which were measured, aligned and mounted on the subsystem. This high-precision process saw the 1.4metre magnets carefully aligned with 1-milimetre accuracy to create the required magnetic field.
Engineers have also developed a PLC (Programme Logic Controller) which has been fully integrated and synced with all custom-made subsystems, connecting various components including pumps, valves and water-cooling elements. Testing has been performed using a special “experiment controller” software, with a purpose-built database collecting results for analysis.
After completing the vacuum vessel engineers continued mounting a variety of other components including cables, tubes, connectors, heating equipment, plus connections to control and PLC systems, to make up the plasma experiment machine – requiring widescale integration work. Additional work has involved the installation of ‘backing plates’ to form an outer layer, helping to encase the vessel and aid magnetic conductivity.
Many components underwent a meticulous cleaning process prior to installation to prevent contamination and ensure optimal vacuum performance.
Crucially, engineers have also performed a rigorous testing and verification process of all subsystems before mounting and integration.
Project Manager Josefin Snöbohm said: “Throughout the N1 build-out we have been carefully studying system anatomy – looking at the integration of subsystems both from a planning and abstract view, right through the installation in the final machine. This ‘integration driven’ approach ensures all subsystems are thoroughly interrogated and we maximise performance of the entire system. Our initial experimental rig, the X0, was built using the same approach and we learnt a great deal through the process.”
Novatron Fusion Group’s experimental X0 test rig continues to play an important function, directing engineers with the larger N1 build-out. At the tail end of 2023, the X0 was used to conduct a complex multi-system integration project to create plasma, raising ambitions for the Nordics’ fusion energy sector. Read more here.
(L-R) Project Managers Inger Frii-Fleerackers and Josefin Snöbohm
UKAEA collaboration
Another key development has involved collaboration with the UKAEA (UK Atomic Energy Authority) which has specifically supported with the successful integration of Langmuir Probes – a special type of diagnostic instrument used to measure electron temperature within plasma.
It comes shortly after Novatron Fusion Group signed a landmark MoU with the UKAEA to advance fusion development. Read more here.
More broadly, the partnership will include site visits, staff exchanges and technology demonstrations alongside broader knowledge and IP sharing. Investigations will be performed in parallel on the next generation of machines, with specific focus areas including the design of fusion machines: particularly for heating of plasma, along with Diagnostics and Remote handling systems.
Project Manager Inger Frii-Fleerackers said: “It’s been a hugely positive experience working with the UKAEA which brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from previous fusion experiments. They were able to save us a great deal of time, demonstrating the pros and cons of diagnostic instrumentation. International cooperation like this is essential to ensure a concerted push, not only with technology development, but for swift implement of funding and regulatory changes to pave the way for the fusion energy industry.”
Key components and supply chain
Roughly 40% of the N1 prototype is being sourced by manufacturers within Sweden, including the 10 large-scale copper magnets.
Meanwhile, an international supply chain of world-leading manufacturers is also contributing to the effort with the Vacuum Vessel infrastructure imported from Germany, containing pumps, gauges and ancillary equipment required for precision control to ensure a clean environment to conduct fusion reactions. The viewing ports - allowing engineers to observe the inner workings of the reactor, or to connect instruments and steering equipment etc.. along with other raw materials and components such as heating elements and diagnostics equipment have been supplied by South Korea, the US, New Zealand and France.
Inger Frii-Fleerackers added: “It must be emphasised that this is really a huge team effort. We have an excellent international supply chain, and everyone within the Novatron Fusion Group team is a specialist in their field. We’re fortunate to have an open-minded and collaborative work environment. It sounds cliché, but everyone is extremely dedicated, engaged and willing to go the extra mile because they are so motivated by the project.”
The NOVATRON concept is based on the idea by Swedish inventor and entrepreneur Jan Jäderberg.
Reducing the capital cost of fusion
Novatron Fusion Group’s mirror machine technology aims to simplify the quest to deliver fusion energy while reducing capital cost of fusion reactors by half, compared to other solutions in experimental development, such as the Tokamak.
The novel technology builds to a great extent on formative work carried out over decades at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California from the 1960s through to the mid-80s, where the world’s largest mirror machine fusion development was initially conducted.
A number of leading figures behind the seminal US initiative – including Professor Emeritus Kenneth Fowler and leading Physicist Arthur Molvik - are now supporting Novatron Fusion Group’s efforts to push the boundaries of the technology.
The next steps….
Upon completing the N1, Novatron Fusion Group will start experiments to validate the stable confinement of its hydrogen plasma, essentially proving that the solution doesn’t have the instabilities that other magnetic confinement concepts have.
In parallel, it is perfecting the conceptual design of the N2, which will form part of the systems that are needed for building a fusion power plant. All this is taking place over the next year. Establishing a first of a kind technology takes time, but Novatron Fusion Group benefits decades of research and the support of investors, meaning that with enough support from governments, academia and industry, commerciality is as close as 2040.
