UK Fusion Energy Ltd.’s STEP program is developing a fusion reactor called a tokamak, which uses powerful superconducting magnets to contain and control superheated plasma. As these magnets switch on and adjust during startup, they create changing magnetic fields that generate unwanted heat, known as AC losses, which can affect the magnets’ performance.
To study this, STEP worked with Demcon Multiphysics, using COMSOL Multiphysics simulation software to model how these losses occur and where heat builds up. The results showed that the expected temperature rise in the toroidal field coils stays within safe limits, meaning their cables can use a simpler design without extra reinforcement. Building on this work, the teams are now using simulation to study how the toroidal field coils would behave in the event of a sudden loss of superconductivity, to help plan safety measures for the reactor.
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