The role of helium in nuclear R&D

Helium plays an important role in research and development in the field of nuclear fusion. The ITER project in the Estuary of the Rhône in France is an experimental thermonuclear fusion reactor under construction. The project will establish a cooling plant to ensure the cooling of the reactor. “In order to generate the electromagnetic fields necessary to surround the reactor, superconducting magnetic materials are required, and superconducting magnetic materials need to operate at extremely low temperatures, close to absolute zero.” In ITER’s cooling plant, the helium plant area occupies an area of 3,000 square meters, and the total area reaches 5,400 square meters.

In nuclear fusion experiments, helium is widely used for refrigeration and cooling work. Helium is considered an ideal refrigerant due to its cryogenic properties and good thermal conductivity. In ITER’s cooling plant, helium is used to keep the reactor at the right operating temperature to ensure that it can function properly and produce enough fusion energy.

In order to ensure the normal operation of the reactor, the cooling plant uses superconducting magnetic materials to generate the required electromagnetic field. Superconducting magnetic materials need to operate at extremely low temperatures, close to absolute zero, for optimal superconducting properties. As an important refrigeration medium, helium can provide the required low-temperature environment and effectively cool the superconducting magnetic material to ensure that it can achieve the expected working state.

In order to meet the needs of the ITER cooling plant, the helium plant occupies a considerable area. This shows the importance of helium in nuclear fusion research and development, and its indispensability in providing the necessary cryogenic environment and cooling effect.

In conclusion, helium plays a vital role in nuclear fusion research and development. As an ideal refrigeration medium, it is widely used in the cooling work of nuclear fusion experimental reactors. In ITER’s cooling plant, the importance of helium is reflected in its ability to provide the necessary low-temperature environment and cooling effect to ensure that the reactor can work normally and produce sufficient fusion energy. With the development of nuclear fusion technology, the application prospect of helium in the field of research and development will be broader.