Linear transformer driver
A linear transformer driver (LTD) within
LTDs at Sandia National Laboratories
Sandia's roadmap includes another future Z machine version called ZN (Z Neutron) to test higher yields in fusion power and automation systems. ZN is planned to give between 20 and 30 MJ of hydrogen fusion power with a shot per hour thanks to LTDs replacing the current Marx generators.[1] After 8 to 10 years of operation, ZN would become a transmutation pilot plant capable of a fusion shot every 100 seconds.[2]
The next step planned would be the Z-IFE (Z-inertial fusion energy) test facility, the first true z-pinch driven prototype fusion power plant. It is suggested it would integrate Sandia's latest designs using LTDs. Sandia labs recently proposed a conceptual 1 petawatt (1015 watts) LTD Z-pinch power plant, where the electric discharge would reach 70 million amperes.[3]
See also
References
- ^ Rapid-fire pulse brings Sandia’s Z method closer to goal of developing high-yield fusion reactor, Sandia's press release (April 27, 2007).
- ^ Z-Inertial Fusion Energy: Power Plant Final Report FY 2006[permanent dead link], Sandia Report SAND2006-7148 (October 2006).
- ^ W.A. Stygar et al., Architecture of petawatt-class z-pinch accelerators Archived 2016-03-03 at the Wayback Machine (October 2007).