In a statement announcing the collaboration, UKAEA said it reaffirms the strategic partnership between the UK and Japan, and is based on ‘a mutual commitment to deliver sustainable, commercial fusion energy for generations to come’.
The first project will involve the development of a ‘fusion-grade’ silicon carbide composite system (SiC/SiC), suitable for use as a structural material inside a fusion machine and to understand its stability under simulated fusion conditions.
According to UKAEA, the use of SiC/SiC composites within the breeder blanket of a fusion machine will increase the efficiency and commercial viability of fusion power stations by providing a material that operates at high-temperatures and is resistant to neutron damage.
The Self-Cooled Yuryo Lithium Lead Advanced (SCYLLA) blanket developed by KF is compatible with the lithium-lead based coolant and fuel breeding fluids. Novel materials enable compatibility with the corrosive lithium lead, the company said.
KF specialises in the design, experimentation, and manufacturing of silicon carbide materials. The company possesses know-how in making the raw materials for SiC/SiC and manufacturing of silicon carbide composite components, both in-house and in industrial processes.
Examination of irradiated composites can only be done in a suitable active testing facility. KF have looked to UKAEA’s Materials Research Facility (MRF) for support.
Scientists and engineers at the MRF are experienced in material irradiation and the handling of activated materials.
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New Post Irradiation Examination (PIE) methods are being developed by UKAEA to understand the changes in microstructural properties of the SiC/SiC samples caused by radiation damage; as a fibre-reinforced composite, some novel methods need to be used to extract useful material properties.
Under the new agreement, Kyoto Fusioneering aims to accelerate the development of critical plant components catered to the needs of other fusion companies around the world.
“Kyoto Fusioneering will continue to build on our successful technology collaboration to help achieve industrialization of fusion energy,” said KF’s CEO Taka Nagao.
“The development of a ‘fusion-grade’ silicon carbide composite system is not only a huge advancement to the realisation of commercial fusion, but also yet another advantage of the blanket system, which is so important in our collective battle against climate change.”
UKAEA’s CEO Professor Sir Ian Chapman added: “This collaboration agreement builds on our existing relationship. Putting fusion electricity on the grid requires finding and integrating solutions to several major challenges and we will be working with Kyoto Fusioneering on finding solutions to some of those challenges.
“The ground-breaking research and innovation being done in the UK, and with our partners across the globe, aims to make fusion a reality which could be transformative for energy security and climate change.”
KF has several contracts awarded by UKAEA to provide its expertise and services, most notably as a member of the Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) Interim Engineering Delivery Partner consortium. KF was also selected as Tier 1 supplier in 2021 under the UKAEA Tritium Engineering Framework for the STEP fuel cycle.
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