In earlier days, the question "For how long will the fossil fuels last?" was often raised, but now we rather ask "When can we free ourselves from the dependence on fossil fuels?".
In this course, a background is given to the problems concerning future energy provision that we are realizing today and that will become critical towards the mid-century unless new energy sources are developed. We will also discuss the alternative energy sources that are known today.
Within fusion research, the goal is to produce a sustainable energy source for large scale generation of electricity. By using the surplus energy that is released when light atomic nuclei merge (fusion), the final benefit comes from an endurable and environmentally friendly "Sun on earth". Since the early 1960's, the Alfven Laboratory at KTH has been part of the international collaboration in this field.
This introductory course will provide the physical and technological basics and give a picture of the state of present day fusion research. We may now say, with some confidence, that fusion power will indeed be realized. In the course, different solutions to this "the greatest technological challenge ever pursued by man" will be presented.
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Content and learning outcomes
Course contents
The course provides an introduction to the international energy problems and to fusion research. In particular, the following topics are treated:
The energy demand. Different energy sources. Environment and energy. Possible future energy scenarios. The potential of fusion energy.
Brief history of fusion research. The research at KTH and internationally.
The Lawson criterion. The fusion plasma and its quality parameters.
Theoretical plasma models.
Equilibrium. Stability. Transport.
The tokamak today and as a reactor.
Alternative fusion. Inertial confinement.
The components of a reactor.
Safety and environmental problems.
Demonstration of the experimental device Extrap T2R at the Alfvén Lab, KTH.
Intended learning outcomes
The main objective of this course is to present and discuss fusion energy in the perspective of future national and global energy scenarios, as well as to provide basic knowledge in fusion physics.
The student should be able to
- give an overview of the national and global energy production within a sustainable perspective
- discuss the need for fusion energy for future production of electricity
- describe the principles for for magnetic confinement, both at particle- and at macroscopic level
- give an account of the most important plasma models
- solve simpler problems within the fusion plasma physics fields of equilibrium, stability and transport
- describe the basic plasma parameters and correspon-ding diagnostic techniques for fusion plasmas
- explain the function of different plasma heating techniques
- describe the components of a fusion reactor, and their functions
- give an account of alternative confinement schemes and the planned route to a reactor
Course Disposition
No information inserted
Literature and preparations
Specific prerequisites
Students from all programs, but prerequisites listed in the course information are strongly recommended.
Recommended prerequisites
Vector calculus, corresponding to basic concepts (as contained in the KTH elementary courses in multiple variable analysis). Elementary electromagnetism.
The course EF2200 Plasma Physics is recommended, however not necessary.
Equipment
No information inserted
Literature
Jan Scheffel and Per Brunsell: Fusion physics –
an introduction to the physics behind fusion energy, Stockholm 2016.
Examination and completion
If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.
Grading scale
P, F
Examination
- PRO1 - Project, 1,5 hp, betygsskala: P, F
- ÖVN1 - Assignments, 4,5 hp, betygsskala: P, F
Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.
The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.
Other requirements for final grade
Continual examination, consisting of home assignments (4.5 credits) and group work in class (1.5 credits). There is no final exam.
Opportunity to complete the requirements via supplementary examination
No information inserted
Opportunity to raise an approved grade via renewed examination
No information inserted
Examiner
Ethical approach
- All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
- In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
- In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.
Further information
Course web
Further information about the course can be found on the Course web at the link below. Information on the Course web will later be moved to this site.
Course web ED2200Offered by
Main field of study
Electrical Engineering, Engineering Physics, Physics
Education cycle
Second cycle
Add-on studies
No information inserted
Contact
Jan Scheffel
Supplementary information
The course is learning oriented, with lectures using focus problems and class exercises partially carried out as group work.
In this course, the EECS code of honor applies, see: http://www.kth.se/en/eecs/utbildning/hederskodex.