zap energy ramps up the pressure in its latest fusion device

Zap Energy Advances Fusion Technology with New Device

Zap Energy recently unveiled its newest fusion device during a research conference held in Long Beach, California. This represents the latest advancement in the company’s ongoing efforts to commercialize fusion power.

The company is currently engaged in a competitive race alongside numerous other startups. These organizations are all striving to develop fusion power plants capable of delivering electricity to the power grid by the early 2030s.

Fuze-3 Experiments and Results

Experiments utilizing Zap’s Fuze-3 device have been conducted at the company’s facility near Seattle. The data gathered from these tests will be instrumental in shaping the designs of future demonstration plants.

The Fuze-3 successfully compressed a plasma – a soup of charged particles – to a pressure exceeding 232,000 psi (1.6 gigapascals). Simultaneously, it heated the plasma to temperatures surpassing 21 million degrees F (11.7 million degrees C).

This pressure achievement establishes a new record for the sheared-flow-stabilized Z-pinch fusion method that Zap is pioneering.

Understanding the Sheared-Flow-Stabilized Z-Pinch

Zap’s reactor employs electrodes to channel electricity through the plasma. This process generates a magnetic field within the plasma.

If the magnetic field reaches sufficient strength, it will compress and heat the plasma to the point where nuclear fusion occurs.

While these results are valuable to Zap’s pursuit of commercial fusion, direct comparisons with other startups are difficult. This is due to the diverse approaches being utilized across the industry.

The Importance of Plasma Pressure

Achieving high-pressure plasmas is crucial for the viability of any future fusion power plant.

Fusion reactions must achieve a specific value known as the triple product to generate more power than they consume. This product considers the temperature, pressure, and duration of the plasma within the reactor.

Sustaining a plasma at a high enough temperature and density for a sufficient duration is key to unlocking power generation.

Progress Towards Scientific Breakeven

According to Zap’s calculations, the plasma pressure must be increased at least tenfold to reach scientific breakeven. This milestone has only been achieved by one other fusion experiment to date.

The company reports it is nearing a significant milestone outlined by Bob Mumgaard, co-founder and CEO of competitor Commonwealth Fusion Systems.

Reactor Design Improvements

Zap achieved the record plasma pressure by modifying its reactor design to incorporate a third electrode.

Previous designs, utilizing two electrodes, were capable of heating the plasma adequately, but failed to reach the desired pressure levels.

Specific details of the new design were not disclosed. However, spokesperson Andy Freeberg explained that it allows for the utilization of two power banks.

This provides greater control over the plasma’s behavior within the reactor.

“While the plasma chamber’s physical appearance remains largely unchanged, its operation is significantly different due to the implementation of two input power pulses instead of one,” Freeberg stated.

Future Developments

Zap is currently developing a new generation of Fuze devices. The company anticipates this new device will be operational this winter.