Chinese researchers at the “Science Island” research facility in Hefei, Anhui Province, are working on the development and application of fusion energy, a key part of China’s next-generation clean energy source research—creating an “artificial sun.” Recently, as part of this project, the Institute of Plasma Physics under the Chinese Academy of Sciences has developed the world’s largest superconducting magnet dynamic testing system, according to Chinese media outlet CMG.
Xin Qingkang, a researcher at the Plasma Physics Institute, explained, “The dynamic testing system for the superconducting magnet is a crucial infrastructure for fusion technology. The first round of tests has been completed, and multiple tests with higher parameters and faster rates of magnetic field changes will be conducted soon.”
After 10 years of effort, the research team has overcome numerous challenges to develop the massive superconducting magnet, a core component of the fusion reactor. To measure the performance of this magnet, a dynamic testing system is essential.
This system includes a large vacuum container with a diameter of 6.5 meters and a height of 9.2 meters. It is equipped with extremely low-temperature systems, high electrical current power supplies, and other mechanisms, allowing tests to be performed under various conditions while collecting data on the performance of the superconducting magnet.
During the first round of tests, the maximum steady electric current reached 48 kiloamperes, meeting the researchers’ expectations.
Xin Qingkang further stated, “In the future, the system’s capacity will exceed 50 kiloamperes, and the rate of magnetic field changes will reach 1.5 tesla per second. For the first time, we will be able to conduct tests in dynamic conditions involving large currents, multiple coils, and high magnetic fields.”
Chinese researchers also revealed that, in addition to the dynamic testing system for the superconducting magnet, nearly all 18 subsystems required for fusion technology have been completed, and integration-related tests are currently underway. The research and infrastructure are expected to be completed by the end of this year.