Novatron, a private fusion initiative, joined other companies at the First Private Sector Fusion Workshop at ITER Organization headquarters in Cadarache, France. Erik Oden, the co-founder and chairman, presented Novatron’s innovative fusion approach at the event. The company’s concept is based on the use of plasma, the fourth state of matter, which is abundant in the universe.
Novatron’s approach is a modern version of the magnetic mirror machine concept, initially developed in 1955. This design offers advantages such as low cost, easy fueling, continuous operation, and high efficiency. Despite challenges with traditional mirror machines, Novatron’s axisymmetric tandem mirror (ATM) combines magnetic mirrors and biconic cusps to improve stability and confinement time.
To validate their approach, Novatron relies on computer simulations using the WarpX platform. These simulations show that Novatron’s design is stable and offers significant improvements over traditional mirror machines in terms of energy confinement time. The company is currently commissioning its first experimental reactor, Novatron 1, with plans for future experimental reactors leading up to a commercial fusion reactor by the 2030s.
Novatron’s goal is to provide a commercially viable source of clean and limitless energy using their unique fusion architecture. Through their innovative approach and ongoing research and development efforts, Novatron aims to become a leader in the fusion energy sector.