The Energy Ring Donut in the Fusion Reactor: Structure, Function, and Tank Systems The Entire Universe is THE TANK

The Energy Ring Donut in the Fusion Reactor: Structure, Function, and Tank Systems

THE TANK AND TANK FILLING

1. Introduction

Energy generation through controlled nuclear fusion is considered a beacon of hope for the future of energy supply. The so-called energy ring donut—the ring-shaped plasma vessel region—plays a central role, particularly in torus-shaped reactor concepts such as tokamaks or stellarators. It contains the fusion plasma and is simultaneously the thermal and magnetic center of reactor operation.

This paper describes the structure and function of this energy ring ("donut") in the context of a fusion reactor, as well as analyzing the associated tank systems for fuel, cooling, and exhaust gas routing in detail.

2. Structure of the Energy Ring Donut

2.1 Geometry and Basic Function

• Shape: Torus (mathematical donut)

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• Volume: Contains ionized plasma (e.g., deuterium-tritium mixture)

• Wall Structure: Consists of a combination of a blanket, diverter, first wall, and vacuum vessel.

2.2 Function of the Donut

• Containment of the Fusion plasmas through magnetic fields

• Enables the ignition and maintenance of the nuclear fusion reaction

• Heat transfer to secondary circuits

• Tritium breeding through neutron bombardment in the blanket

3. Inner Zones of the Plasma Vessel

4. Tank Systems in Fusion Reactors

Fusion reactors require complex tank systems for different functions:

4.1 Fuel Tank Systems

4.1.1 Function

• Storage and Dosing of Deuterium (D) and Tritium (T)

• Enrichment and Recovery

4.1.2 Design

• Stainless Steel Pressure Tanks with Double Hull

• Cryogenic Isolation for liquid tritium at ~20 K

• Separation systems for isotope recycling (membranes, molecular sieves)

4.1.3 Safety aspects

• Tritium is radioactive: Tanks with active circulation filters
• Integration into a closed circuit
• Leak monitoring with helium detection

4.2 Coolant Tank Systems

4.2.1 Function

• Dissipation of the enormous heat (~500 MW thermal in ITER)

• Cooling of blanket, diverter, and superconducting magnets

4.2.2 Typical Coolants

• Helium gas: high temperature resistance, inert

• Liquid lithium/FLiBe (LiF-Be salt): at Breeding Blankets

• Water/Heavy Water: for conventional cooling circuits

4.2.3 Structure

• Primary Tank: Contains pure cooling medium

• Heat Exchanger Sections: Transfer to secondary circuits (e.g., steam turbine)

• Buffer Tanks: For load changes

4.3 Exhaust and Decontamination Tanks

4.3.1 Function

• Capture of noble gases (e.g., helium), aerosols, and contamination

• Filtering radioactive isotopes

4.3.2 Structure

• Plasma exhaust gas collection chamber: with ion separator

• Getter modules: e.g.B. Zirconium alloys for binding tritium

• Condensation chambers: for water vapor and other residues

4.3.3 Tritium recovery

• Isotope purifiers: Membrane or cryogenic separation processes

• Tritium return system: Return to the fuel tank

5. Materials Science Aspects

5.1 Wall Materials

• First Wall: often beryllium or carbon fiber composites

• Blanket: with lithium ceramics for tritium breeding (Li₂TiO₃, Li₄SiO₄)

• Diverter: high-temperature-resistant materials such as tungsten or TZM alloys

5.2 Tank Materials

• Inner layers made of low-nickel steels (e.g. 316LN)

• Tritium-resistant alloys with low permeability

• Boron nitride linings for neutron absorption

6. Energetic aspects of the donut

• The toroidal plasma ring contains up to 10⁻⁻⁻ Fusion reactions per second

• Generation of 14 MeV neutrons as the main heat carrier

• Wall heat transfer rate up to 5-20 MW/m²

• Energy extraction through blanket and discharge to turbogenerators

7. Future Outlook: Modular Tank Systems and AI-Controlled Ring Control

7.1 Intelligent Tank Systems

• With sensors for real-time monitoring of temperature, pressure, and isotope concentration

• Automated Tritium Cycle Optimization through Machine Learning

7.2 Adaptive Donut Geometries

• Flexibly Modulated Magnetic Field Shapes (“Smart Donut Rings”)

• Goal: Minimizing Energy Losses Due to Turbulence and Drift

8. Conclusion

The energy ring donut in a fusion reactor is the heart of future energy technologies. To keep the ultra-high-temperature plasma stable, it requires precise magnetic control, exact wall materials, and complex tank systems for fuel, cooling, and waste. The tank systems are not only storage facilities, but also actively controlled units for the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of reactor operation.

9. Sources (selection)

• ITER Organization (2024): Engineering Design Overview

• Wesson, J. (2011): Tokamaks. Oxford University Press.

• Fusion for Energy (F4E): Blanket & Fuel Cycle Systems Reports

• IAEA (2023): Technical Reports Series on Fusion Fuel Technology

• Giersch, J. et al. (2022): Advanced Materials for Fusion Reactors

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