The Physics Basis for Eos and Helios Stellarators

Thea Energy, Inc. is pioneering the development of the planar coil stellarator, which significantly simplifies the stellarator approach to fusion energy. Preconceptual designs have been developed for “Eos”, a large-scale deuterium-deuterium (D-D) neutron source stellarator, and “Helios”, a fusion pilot plant (FPP). This presentation outlines the status of the physics basis for both the Eos and Helios stellarators. For both systems, the stellarator equilibria have been narrowed down to two field-period quasi-axisymmetric configurations. The selection process was guided by a comprehensive set of figures of merit that incorporates metrics for: coil feasibility, blanket feasibility, quasisymmetry, fast particle confinement, island/ergodic fraction, MHD stability, and plasma transport and is consistent with shielding super conducting magnets for long-life and steady-state operation. This presentation provides a detailed breakdown of these criteria, explains their significance, and discusses the rationale behind the final configuration down-selection. The reference operating points for the neutron source stellarator and the FPP will also be outlined.