Novatron Fusion Group (NFG) has achieved a major milestone in the development of clean fusion energy technology at KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm after successfully integrating key subsystems in the Novatron 1 (N1) machine and the first ionization tests with hydrogen plasma.
This key milestone is the first step in the experimental campaign aiming to validate the plasma stabilizing properties of the Novatron design.
Being able to initiate an experimental campaign involving the key subsystems is a significant step for the operational readiness of the N1 machine. After months of hard work assembling the various systems, carefully cleaning and leak testing the high vacuum vessel, commissioning vacuum pumps and auxiliary machine automation systems, the machine was ready for first operations.
This milestone not only includes the successful test of the high vacuum system, process gas feed, magnet coil drive, machine automation, experiment control and data acquisition, it also included the first ionization tests with the Electron Cyclotron Resonance Heating (ECRH) system. These first tests are just the beginning of a much longer experimental campaign journey, with the goal to experimentally validate the plasma stabilizing properties of the Novatron design predicted by the group’s theoretical and simulation work.
Nine months ago, the laboratory had an empty floor. Today, having constructed and assembled the N1 machine proves the remarkable engineering effort conducted by an impressive team” says Peter Roos, CEO of Novatron Fusion Group. Following rigorous testing of critical system components, we’ve successfully integrated them into a working system. This achievement reflects the dedication of our exceptional workforce.
Anders Söderholm, President of KTH Royal Institute of Technology, remarked: At KTH, we have a long tradition in plasma physics, dating back to our Nobel laureate Hannes Alfvén. Novatron Fusion Group’s achievement in the N1 machine at the Alfvén Laboratory is an impressive accomplishment and highlights the power of collaboration between academia and industry to advance the field.
NFG is now poised to proceed with the next phase of development, including the integration of more plasma heating systems and additional diagnostic systems. These upgrades are essential for the experimental campaign that lies ahead.
The ECR ionization tests demonstrate functionality of all subsystems and will serve as the foundation for future progress, said Jan Jäderberg, co-founder and innovator of Novatron Fusion Group. Our next step is to build on this success by incorporating key upgrades to inform and guide the work ahead.
The N1 machine will serve as a testbed for NFG’s unique approach to plasma stability and a platform for comparing its system against traditional mirror machines. The unique design of Novatron 1 is regarded to be the world’s first stable axisymmetric mirror machine concept, spearheading the revival of the mirror machine track to fusion. NFG is well-positioned for the next step in its fusion technology development. The successful achievement of the first experimental runs in the N1 machine underscores the company’s commitment to innovation of fusion reactors and shaping the future of energy.
