James Cropper Delivers Innovative Electrical Shielding for ITER Nuclear Fusion Reactor

Published:
3 Sep 2024
Nuclear fusion is in essence what powers the sun in our solar system. The process forces two light atomic nuclei together, resulting in a heavier nuclei and releasing energy. Nuclear fusion has the potential to produce energy with near-zero carbon emissions, without creating dangerous radioactive waste associated with today's nuclear fission reactors, which splits heavy nuclei of radioactive elements.

What is ITER?

ITER (International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor) is a large-scale scientific project aimed at demonstrating the feasibility of nuclear fusion as a sustainable and clean energy source. Located in France, ITER is a collaborative effort involving 35 countries, including the European Union, the United States, China, India, Japan, Russia, and South Korea. The project’s goal is to create a fusion reaction that produces more energy than it consumes, paving the way for future fusion power plants that could provide nearly limitless energy with minimal environmental impact.

The Challenge

The issue with the busbars in the ITER project involved the need for effective electrical insulation capable of withstanding the high voltage and harsh operational conditions within the superconducting environment. The challenge was to ensure that the insulation provided uniform coverage, minimized the risk of electrical faults, and could maintain long-term reliability under extreme conditions. This led to the use of James Cropper’s silver-coated nylon and copper-nickel carbon nonwoven veils to enhance the insulation’s performance and durability.

The Solution

Silver-coated nylon and copper-nickel carbon were chosen for the ITER busbars due to their excellent electrical conductivity, corrosion resistance, and ability to provide effective electromagnetic shielding. The silver coating on nylon enhances the material’s conductivity and resistance to oxidation, while the copper-nickel carbon veil offers durability and high thermal and electrical conductivity. These properties were essential to ensure reliable and uniform insulation, capable of withstanding the extreme operational conditions within the superconducting environment of ITER.

Find out more about our range of metal coated nonwovens