An ExB drift type direct energy converter for a D-3He fusion reactor

A new type direct energy converter using ExB ion drift is proposed for energy recovery from thermal fuel components in a D-3He reactor. This converter has a pair of electrodes which generate static electric field perpendicular to magnetic field lines in a plasma. Separation of 15 MeV fusion proton from thermal components and energy selection of thermal ions are accomplished through the angular dependence of motion on parallel velocities of particles and the ExB drift section. A simple construction of the ion collector system enables to solve the cooling problems of collector electrodes. One dimensional simulation results show that uniform perpendicular electric field can be provided in a plasma at the ExB drift section. (author)