Reactor Prototype Update
robh's picture
Posted on:
Wednesday, October 25, 2017 - 16:23

The reactor prototype has been undergoing extensive testing and review, but we're getting very close to the final design. Here are some highlights:

Automatic Inter-Generator Trimming

The initial design saw each field generator's output controlled manually by the crew. It quickly became obvious that this wasn't feasible - field geometry variations between generators were too extensive to be controlled manually. Extensive work was put into developing a computer-controlled "trimming" system that dynamically adjusts each generator's output to ensure compatibility across the containment field.

Now, a single power input can be elected for all field generators (toroidal or poloidal) and the computer will do the necessary fine-tuning between them.

Redundant Field Generators

Field generators have proven extremely reliable but the consequences of a failure are extremely problematic (but not catastrophic - tests have proven the reactor chamber can contain the reaction in the even of field failure). Work has been done to incorporate two isolated field coils into each generator unit to provide military-grade redundancy. If a generator exhibits performance degradation beyond a certain point, the auxiliary will automatically engage.

Remaining Areas of Work

There are a couple of sub-systems that have required more attention, slowing progress. The Reaction Isolation Shield (RIS) module designs have proven unreliable and need an extensive redesign. The reactor's fuel injection system also faces re-prototyping due to reliability issues. Future posts will address these sub-systems directly.

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