Tokamak Energy’s HTS magnets enable efficient operation of nuclear fusion devices

A UK-based fusion energy company has launched its magnetic division focusing on the industrial deployment of high temperature superconducting (HTS) magnet technology. Tokamak Energy’s HTS magnets technology enable the efficient operation of fusion energy devices by confining the extremely hot plasma of fuels.

It creates powerful and efficient magnetic fields for a wide range of applications that will drive scientific discoveries, improve medical diagnostics, and contribute to advancements in the defence industry.

Fusion, the power of the stars, will play a vital role in a complete transition to a clean and secure energy future and TE Magnetics aims to become the market-leading designer and supplier of HTS magnets to the fusion industry, according to the company.

Ultra-high field, robust and cost-effective technology

Tokamak Energy maintained that with over a decade of advanced HTS magnet research, generating more than 200 patents, TE Magnetics is introducing its ultra-high field, robust and cost-effective technology stack at this week’s Applied Superconductivity Conference (ASC) in Salt Lake City, Utah.

“TE Magnetics will commercialise our transformative fusion magnet technology and take it into new markets,” said Warrick Matthews, Tokamak Energy CEO.

“Launching this new business division allows us to focus on our core mission of delivering clean, secure and affordable fusion energy , while supporting our strategy for rapid growth across complementary markets.”

Compact HTS magnets generate far stronger fields

The company claims that compact HTS magnets generate far stronger fields and operate at higher temperatures than conventional low temperature superconductors (LTS).

This makes HTS much more energy efficient and easier to manage, removing the requirement for complex liquid helium infrastructure. By enabling more energy-efficient and robust, ‘quench-safe’ technologies, HTS magnets can contribute to reducing energy consumption and decarbonisation, according to Tokamak Energy .

“The era of high temperature superconductors is here. TE Magnetics is born from Tokamak Energy’s world-class fusion mission and is centred on opening new fields of performance in applications that will change the world in which we live today,” said Dr Liam Brennan, TE Magnetics Director.

“We’re taking our knowledge, skills and talent forward to disrupt existing and create new markets for magnet technologies over the next decade, including renewable energy, science, and land, water, air and space propulsion.”

HTS can enhance efficiency and power density of renewable energy devices

The company claims that HTS can also enhance the efficiency and power density of renewable energy devices, including wind turbines, and has the potential to provide grid stabilization and load levelling through energy storage.

“Potential propulsion applications include magneto hydrodynamic drive (MHD) and magnetic levitation, while ultra-high field (UHF) HTS magnet technology will enable high performance in areas such as physics research and materials analysis,” said Tokamak Energy in a statement .

“Magnets are wound in parallel from HTS tapes, multi-layered conductors typically 12mm wide and less than 0.1 mm thick made mostly of strong and conductive metals, but with a crucial thin internal coating of rare earth barium copper oxide (REBCO) superconducting material. REBCO magnets use 99% less rare earth material than permanent magnets.”