Fusion Power Systems Engineering Program at Zap Energy

Zap Energy is rapidly developing the technology of Z-pinch plasma discharges stabilized via sheared flow [1]. The Z-pinch configuration offers the promise of a compact fusion device owing to its simple geometry, unity beta, and absence of external magnetic field coils. In addition to a robust experimental program pushing plasma performance towards breakeven conditions, Zap Energy has parallel programs developing power handling systems suitable for future power plants. Technologies under development in the test stand program include high-average-power repetitive pulsed power, high-duty-cycle cathodes, and liquid metal wall / blanket systems. Our plant design group is simultaneously developing overall power plant architectures, including neutron flux modeling.

[1] U. Shumlak, J. Appl. Phys. 127, 200901 (2020)