New Breakthroughs Achieved in R&D of Fusion Reactor Superconducting Magnets

On June 27, the Institute of Plasma Physics, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences (ASIPP), has fully localized two core superconducting magnet systems for fusion reactors, marking a major advance in China’s artificial sun research. The toroidal field (TF) superconducting magnet and high-temperature superconducting (HTS) central solenoid (CS) coil have successfully passed final acceptance and full-parameter testing with 100% domestically developed core technologies.

Weighing 582 tons with optimized structural performance, the newly developed TF magnet is currently the world’s largest fusion reactor superconducting magnet. It features 1.3 times the volume and three times the energy storage of the ITER TF magnet. Operating stably under extreme conditions for 60 years, the magnet runs at 98 kA with a total energy storage of 120 GJ, generating stable magnetic fields to confine high-temperature plasma and reduce device wall loss. The six-year research project has yielded 47 authorized patents and 14 industry standards, with overall performance reaching advanced international levels.

Meanwhile, the domestic HTS CS coil completed full-condition testing with superior indicators, including a stable current of 60 kA, energy storage of 6.03 MJ and ultra-low joint resistance of 0.87 nanoohms. The research team overcame over ten key technical bottlenecks in magnet design, conductor fabrication and quench protection through innovative structural and technological optimization.

The dual breakthroughs consolidate the superconducting engineering foundation for domestic fusion reactors, greatly enhancing China’s independent R&D and engineering construction capacity in fusion energy technology.

CRAFT toroidal field (TF) magnet.

Group photo of the project team.