TECHNOLOGY

Illustrating Fusion Energy Power Plant and Our Enabling Technology Focus

Plasma Heating (Gyrotron)
System

Fuel Cycle System

Thermal Cycle System

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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.

• Fuel Cycle System

  A key challenge in achieving stable operations of a fusion device is maintaining a continuous fuel supply. To address this, KF is advancing fuel cycle technologies, essential for circulating hydrogen isotope gases like deuterium and tritium, the primary fuels for most fusion reactions. These gases, heavier forms of hydrogen, are pivotal for achieving the high-energy output desired in fusion reactors. Our research, rooted in studies from Kyoto University and other prestigious institutions, aims to refine the processes of exhaust, separation, and circulation of these gases.
  
  In collaboration with Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL), a leader in hydrogen management, we are undertaking the UNITY-2 project. This initiative focuses on enhancing the technological maturity of fuel cycle systems. CNL’s world-renowned facilities play a crucial role in this joint effort, bringing global expertise to the forefront of our 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

  Extracting heat efficiently from a fusion core requires innovative materials and plant designs tailored to the unique demands of fusion energy. These include managing extreme conditions like intense neutron bombardment, powerful magnetic fields, and high temperatures. At KF, we’re committed to developing a comprehensive system that not only withstands these challenges but also achieves high thermal efficiency.
  
  Our proprietary materials and plant designs represent a leap forward in fusion technology. They are specifically engineered to handle the rigors of fusion energy production, setting new standards in durability and efficiency. This development is a crucial step towards realizing practical and sustainable fusion energy.
  

  • 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.