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Center for Integrated Electric Energy Systems Our ProjectsThea Energy Project Highlight

Project Highlight: Quench and Transient Analysis of Thea Energy Stellarator Using Lumped Element STEAM-LEDET Code.

Principal Investigator: Vyacheslav Solovyov, PhD
Industrial Partner: Thea Energy
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Summary

magnetic flux chartThe project focuses on the quench and transient analysis of the Thea Energy Stellarator using lumped element STEAM-LEDET code, aimed at advancing the development of HTS-based planar magnets for stellarator applications. Below is an outline of the project objectives, tasks, milestones, and expected economic impacts.

The main objective is to develop a semi-analytical numerical model to understand the thermal and electrical behavior of 2G-HTS planar magnet geometry during quench events and transient conditions. This will aid in the development of planar coil stellarators, with Thea Energy’s planar magnet consisting of multiple double pancakes of tape-wound HTS and stainless steel metal insulation.

  • A subscale coil (5kJ max) is currently being developed, with future iterations designed to scale up to 150kJ.
  • The transient analysis will be modeled using Finite Element Analysis (FEA), while quench and power management strategies will be tested using STEAM-LEDET, a lumped element code for superconducting magnets.

Milestones

  • Milestone 1: FEA Modeling of Local Quench Propagation
  • Milestone 2: Lumped Element Analysis using STEAM-LEDET

Economic Impacts:

  • Federal Funds Acquired: The project is part of the INFUSE project with BNL, valued at $300,000.
  • Non-Government Funds: Thea Energy has secured $20 million in Series A funding led by Prelude Ventures, with participation from multiple investors.
  • Cost Savings: $100,000 due to cost reduction strategies, including the use of specialized facilities at CIEES.
  • Capital Expenditures: $0 (no new equipment purchases planned).
  • New Jobs Created in NY: 3 jobs.
  • Jobs Retained in NY: 2 jobs retained, which would have been at risk of being cut or moved out of state.

This project aims to deliver advanced modeling and quench protection strategies for planar coil magnets while contributing to job creation and fostering economic growth in the fusion energy sector.