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Optimization of passive superconductors for shaping stellarator magnetic fields
Alan A Kaptanoglu1, Matt Landreman2, Michael C Zarnstorff3
1University of Washington, Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences, New York University, New York, New York 10012, USA and Department of Mechanical Engineering, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA.
Physical Review. E
|August 1, 2025
Summary
This study optimizes passive superconducting coils (PSCs) for fusion energy, using induced currents for stellarator magnetic fields and stabilization. It presents the first joint optimization of coil design and background fields.
Area of Science:
- Plasma Physics
- Fusion Energy Engineering
- Applied Electromagnetism
Background:
- Passive superconducting coils (PSCs) are proposed for stellarators.
- PSCs can generate 3D magnetic fields and offer passive stabilization.
- Current methods lack comprehensive optimization for PSCs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To optimize passive superconducting coil arrays.
- To investigate coil orientation, shape, and location.
- To jointly minimize coil parameters with background magnetic fields.
Main Methods:
- Developed optimization algorithms for PSC arrays.
- Performed joint minimization of coil geometry and background fields.
- Applied optimization to generate coil solutions for existing stellarator designs.
Main Results:
- Achieved optimized passive superconducting coil configurations.
- Demonstrated the feasibility of joint optimization for coil and field parameters.
- Generated specific passive coil array solutions for four stellarators.
Conclusions:
- Optimized PSC arrays can effectively contribute to stellarator magnetic field generation.
- The developed method provides a pathway for designing passive coil systems.
- This approach enhances the potential of PSCs in fusion reactor designs.
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