China’s ‘artificial sun’ has a twin

Huanliu-3 (HL-3) integrates a digital twin system for the first time, operates as a “super eye”, and carries out a new series of physics experiments, according to China National Nuclear Corporation ( CNNC) – developer of Huanliu-3, Global Times reported on November 6.

HL-3 is a large scientific device for magnetically confined fusion reactions, independently designed and manufactured in China. This is currently the largest and most advanced magnetic fusion reactor in the country, dubbed the new generation “artificial sun”.

A key aspect of the HL-3’s operation is heating the vacuum chamber, with the digital twin acting as a “super eye” in the process. The system creates a digital model in virtual space that is identical to the physical entity, allowing precise real-time monitoring of the heating process of the vacuum chamber.

The digital twin system focuses on the temperature distribution in the vacuum chamber and creates an accurate digital model. Receiving data from physical heaters and temperature monitoring points, the system uses virtual sensing algorithms to create a complete temperature distribution map in real time.

The application of the digital twin system marks an important advancement in the digital core technology of the artificial Sun, ensuring safe and stable operation, laying the foundation for the development of control mechanisms Comprehensive intelligence, according to CNNC.

This digital twin system was developed by experts from the Southwest Institute of Physics (SWIP) in Chengdu, affiliated with CNNC. The group of experts said they will continue to explore the potential of this technology with fusion research, enhancing the capabilities of the artificial Sun.

CNNC announced the opening of HL-3 to the whole world from December 2023, inviting international scientists to come to China and cooperate towards the common goal of pursuing artificial solar energy after SWIP signed the agreement. agreement with the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project team. Since then, HL-3 has become an important support tool for the construction and operation of ITER – the world’s largest artificial sun project.

Scientists have long sought to exploit energy from fusion reactions – a process that takes place in the cores of stars. This is considered a huge and safe source of energy. “Fusion energy not only does not emit greenhouse gases, but also does not create long-term nuclear waste. It is very compact, does not take up much space and can produce large amounts of industrially useful electricity “, Sam Davis, team leader of Japan’s JT-60SA reactor project, explained.