Fusion energy technology replicates solar atomic reactions and processes on the Earth for the purpose of producing cleaner energy. Particle accelerators are currently considered to be the most suitable technical tool required to research top-quality materials used to manufacture fusion reactors. 

It is in this context that the work in progress of a multi-disciplinary team deployed by the Tekniker technology centre is focused on developing an innovative test bench to make further progress in the area of energy research addressing fusion energy. 

Thanks to this experimental project it will be possible to perform the tests required to verify the reliability of the designs developed for critical elements used in the IFMIF-DONES project, an innovative particle accelerator located in Escúzar (Granada, Spain). 

More specifically, the equipment developed by Tekniker will enable IFMIF-DONES scientists to learn more about how different mechanical systems, components and materials installed on the particle accelerator line behave when unexpected events occur.

The technology centre is covering all the stages of this project, starting from the design, manufacture and assembly of the prototype to final installation work at the University of Granada. It must be underscored, however, that all the collaborative work carried out with university technicians has been a key factor for the success of this project. 

In order to undertake all the work involved in this project, Tekniker has resorted to its in-house experience in the area of Ultra High Vacuum (UHV) equipment and has offered capabilities associated with technological areas such as metrology, mechatronics, surface engineering, automation and control.

As the entire system has been fully assembled at Tekniker, it will now be possible to make sure that all components are operating correctly and with a high degree of accuracy. Data, moreover, can be obtained instantaneously thanks to a wholly automated system.

In this regard, the system has been fitted with a network of ad hoc sensors configured to achieve high-speed and synchronised operations so that the requirements posed by the cutting-edge experiments to be carried out in this facility can be met in full. 

The prototype’s network of sensors should be able to read and analyse how wave lengths advance as speeds in excess of 500m/second can be reached.

A team of Tekniker researchers assembled the equipment in the technology centre´s ultra-precision room. It is a large space that meets an extensive range of technical requirements related to levels of humidity, temperature and cleanliness that Ultra High Vacuum systems must meet to operate correctly. 

A unique project in the world

The prototype recreates the final 30 metres of the line connecting the accelerator’s high energy beam to the lithium target chamber and can be used to carry out experimental studies on wave front propagation times and to validate protection systems designed to mitigate potentially unexpected events.

Although there are trials available that are similar to those to be run, there is no other facility that is capable of replicating, on site, all of these trial campaigns that features the same capabilities that this system has to offer. In fact, the repercussion that end results will have will be of great interest for the scientific community that develops particle accelerators. The knowledge acquired during the process, moreover, will be useful in areas related to the manufacture of critical components and advanced sensors.

The prototype, called MUVACAS (Multipurpose Vacuum Accident Scenarios), will serve to adapt the design and optimum configuration of the particle accelerator to be built within the framework of the international IFMIF-DONES initiative, (International Fusion Materials Irradiation Facility – Demo Oriented Neutron Source), a unique facility in the world.

The facility, currently under construction in Granada, forms part of an ambitious EU programme aimed at transforming fusion into an energy source.