China’s latest magnetic confinement nuclear fusion facility, the Huanliu-3 (HL-3) tokamak, has commenced a new round of physical experiments, integrating a cutting-edge digital twin system for the first time. Developed independently by the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), this advancement marks a significant milestone in the nation’s pursuit of controlled nuclear fusion technology.
The HL-3, often referred to as China’s ‘artificial sun,’ is the country’s largest and most advanced fusion device. Its primary goal is to research and develop sustainable nuclear fusion, a process that could potentially provide a virtually inexhaustible source of clean energy.
A critical phase in the operation of the HL-3 is the vacuum chamber baking process, which prepares the chamber for high-quality plasma operations. The newly implemented digital twin system acts as a ‘super eye’ during this process, creating a fully virtual replica of the physical components. This allows for real-time, highly accurate monitoring and enhances control and responsiveness throughout the operation.
The current experiments aim to improve the overall operational capability of the HL-3. By constructing an accurate digital model, the digital twin system significantly enhances the safety and stability of the facility, laying a foundation for fully integrated, intelligent control systems that could have broad applications in the future.
According to the CNNC, the successful application of the digital twin system represents substantial progress in the core digital technologies of the HL-3. Researchers plan to continue exploring the potential of this technology within nuclear fusion research, further advancing the capabilities of the HL-3 and contributing to the practical application of nuclear fusion energy.
In a move to foster international collaboration, China’s HL-3 opened its doors to global partners late last year. During its first round of joint experiments, the facility attracted 17 leading research institutes and universities from countries including France and Japan. Notably, it discovered and realized a new, advanced magnetic field structure for the first time in the world.
