News

As of July 2023, three of the needed six central solenoid modules have been delivered to the ITER site.

US ITER produced an animation that shows the central solenoid's critical role for starting and sustaining the ITER plasma.

What role will the central solenoid magnet in the ITER tokamak perform? US ITER produced an animation that shows the magnet’s critical role for starting and sustaining the ITER plasma.

The successful delivery of the first central solenoid magnet was marked with a reception at the ITER site in September 2021. Photo: ITER Organization

The arrival at the ITER site of the first of seven 110-ton magnet modules for ITER’s central solenoid attracted attention around the world. But that milestone was just one among a slew of recent US ITER accomplishments.

R&D engineer and pellet injection scientist Trey Gebhart of the Blanket and Fuel Cycle group in ORNL’s Fusion Energy Division with a pellet injection system testbed used for fusion R&D. The group leads the world in pellet injection R&D.

A team of experts at Oak Ridge National Laboratory is taking aim at one of the biggest challenges facing the international ITER fusion facility: turning cold gas into wine-cork-sized, solid pellets to help keep ITER’s plasma in check.

The team involved in the development of radiation hardened electronics for US ITER includes (left to right): Frank Ivester, Shane Frank, Claudell Harvey, Nance Ericson and Kurt Vetter.

ITER, a machine that will imitate the sun, will also mimic the sun’s extreme environment: intense heat, strong magnetic fields and radiation.

The first of six magnet modules forming the central solenoid is packaged while the next is ready for packaging at General Atomics in Poway, California. Photo: GA

The first of six superconducting magnet modules for the ITER central solenoid left General Atomics’ Magnet Technologies Center in Poway, California for the ITER site in France.

The interior of a central solenoid module shows the extensive network of helium piping needed to keep the superconducting magnet at 4 degrees Kelvin. US ITER is managing the fabrication of magnet modules at General Atomics in Poway, CA. Photo: GA

As Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s Material Plasma Exposure eXperiment (MPEX) prepares for the start of fabrication, ORNL’s Phil Ferguson credits US ITER staff for sharing hard-earned expertise to help jump-start the design of the MPEX superconducting magnet system.

A Climax technician works on a shear pin drill fixture, a critical tool used to prevent rotational movement among the central solenoid superconducting magnets. Photo: Climax

Like many other ITER staff around the world, US ITER senior project engineer Travis Reagan did not expect to spend most of 2020 working remotely.

After rounds of challenging testing, the first central solenoid module is ready for shipment to the ITER site. Credit: GA

After enduring a battery of rigorous tests, the first of seven (six plus 1 spare) superconducting magnet modules that will make up the heart of the ITER international fusion reactor earned a clean bill of health.

A low field side reflectometer test stand at General Atomics with antennae (left) and waveguides (right).

As the first phase of ITER tokamak assembly begins, the US ITER diagnostics team is busy preparing the systems essential for first plasma.

Central solenoid module deliveries continue

New Animation Brings Central Solenoid to Life

US ITER wraps up a year of technical achievements and record contracts

Perfecting the Pellet

Tough Stuff: US ITER electronics will stand up to ITER’s extremes

First-of-a kind superconducting magnet en route to ITER site

Strong bonds: MPEX magnet system benefits from US ITER expertise

Central solenoid structures and assembly tooling team innovates to get the job done

First central solenoid module gets clean bill of health

US ITER team preps design of first-of-a-kind real-time plasma diagnostic