Zap Energy Pilot Plant Key Design Elements

Zap Energy’s concept for a fusion energy plant [1] leverages the simplicity and modularity afforded by harnessing a sheared-flow stabilized Z-pinch plasma as the fusion source. A preconceptual design for Zap Energy’s fusion pilot plant was recently completed and will be summarized, including the plant performance targets, block diagram, and power balance. Design considerations and requirements will be described for several key subsystems including repetitive pulsed power, a liquid metal first wall, and fuel gas handling. The Zap Energy pilot plant design results in a compact, safe, and economically competitive fusion power plant.

[1] M. C. Thompson, B. Levitt, B. A. Nelson & U. Shumlak (2023) Engineering Paradigms for Sheared-Flow-Stabilized Z-Pinch Fusion Energy, Fusion Science and Technology, 79:8, 1051-1058.