TECHNOLOGY
Leveraging world-class R&D facilities and specialized expertise,
we drive innovation by providing practical solutions to fast-track the path to commercial fusion.
Engineering Excellence
Our strengths
Our technical team consists of many researchers and engineers who have significant experience in fusion energy research. With a combined total of approximately 800 years of experience, the solid expertise and knowledge of our team form the foundation of our technological capabilities.
Illustrating Fusion Energy Power Plant and Our Enabling Technology Focus
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Plasma Heating (Gyrotron) System
Gyrotrons provide the heating necessary to sustain a plasma in magnetic confinement-type fusion power plants.
Gyrotrons have long been the subject of research and development involving national research institutes and many engineers. Building on this technology, we are conducting R&D to improve performance and promote the global adoption of gyrotrons. Our R&D efforts include the development of higher frequencies and extended output duration ,ensuring their transition to industrial applications.
As a private company, we prioritize excellence in product management and quality assurance,
along with other aspects necessary for the successful implementation of gyrotrons.-
Gyrotrons capable of four frequency bands (104 / 137 / 170 / 236*GHz).
*236GHz is currently under development - Received orders from UKAEA and overseas start-up companies.
- Engaging in extensive cooperation with major Japanese technology and manufacturing companies for collaborative product development.
- Developing a combination of technologies that are expected to be applied not only to the fusion industry but also to other industries.
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Gyrotrons capable of four frequency bands (104 / 137 / 170 / 236*GHz).
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Fuel Cycle System
One of the most significant challenges for the fusion industry is to secure a continuous fuel supply. To address this challenge, KF is actively engaged in the research and development of fuel cycle technologies. These technologies are designed to exhaust, separate, and circulate hydrogen isotope gases, such as deuterium and tritium, which serve as fuels for the fusion core. This work builds on many years of research at Kyoto University and other esteemed institutions.
We are also collaborating with the Canadian Nuclear Laboratory (CNL), a leading institution with extensive experience and specialized technologies for handling and managing hydrogen. Their state-of-the-art facilities, considered among the best in the world, further enhance our joint effort in this critical area of research.
- Development of technologies and equipment to enable efficient tritium extraction from liquid breeder system.
- Design and development of plasma exhaust systems (including divertors, pumps, direct internal recycling system) and separation technologies (impurity gas removal, isotope separation system, etc.) to maintain continuous burning of fusion plasma through efficient tritium recovery.
- Optimization of fuel cycle systems and investigation of cost-competitive designs.
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Thermal Cycle System
KF is actively involved in the development of components designed to harness heat from the fusion core, all while withstanding the unique environment of fusion energy. This includes considerations for high energy and flux neutron irradiation, elevated magnetic field conditions, and extreme temperatures. Our equipment is specifically engineered to endure these demanding conditions without compromising thermal efficiency.
Additionally, we are planning and currently constructing the world’s first* fusion power generation test plant called “UNITY.” (*As of the announcement in July 2022)- Development of advanced materials (e.g., SiC composites) with high heat resistance (up to 1000°C) and low activation.
- Design and development of advanced blankets with heat recovery and tritium breeding capabilities at high temperatures, as well as the design of liquid metal molten salt loops (LiPb, Li, FLiBe).
- Design and development of advanced heat exchangers and innovative power generation cycles using helium and other media.
- Exploration of hydrogen production using zero-carbon, high-temperature heat sources derived from fusion energy, and carbon fixation technology through the pyrolysis of biomass.
UNITY
World-first Integrated Testing Facility for Fusion Power Plant Equipment
UNITY will be equipped with a “blanket” to extract heat from the simulated power core, a “liquid metal loop” to transport the extracted heat, an “advanced heat exchanger” and “power generation system,” and a “hydrogen isotope recovery circulator.”
