Securing Fusion "Digital Twin" Technology Raises Hopes for Early Realization of Fusion Energy

Korea Institute of Fusion Energy Develops "Virtual Tokamak Platform" Software
Virtualization of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor in Digital Space Demonstrates Digital Twin Capabilities
Providing Virtual Fusion Technology to the Private Sector Paves the Way for New Fusion Industries

The research team at the Korea Institute of Fusion Energy has developed a "virtual tokamak software" technology capable of precisely analyzing changes in "heat load"-the amount of thermal energy applied to the inner wall of a fusion device. This advancement enables South Korea to secure global leadership in fusion research.

On September 10, the Ministry of Science and ICT announced that it had developed a "virtual tokamak platform" software, which implements a tokamak fusion device in a virtual space based on digital twin technology. The ministry also revealed that it has secured the capability to precisely verify the performance and safety of key internal components of future fusion devices.

An image precisely analyzing the phenomenon where the heat flux distribution applied to the tokamak inner wall varies according to the operation method of two Neutral Beam Injectors (a total of six ion beams installed) on KSTAR, using Virtual KSTAR combined with supercomputing simulation and digital twin technology. Provided by Korea Institute of Fusion Energy

Digital twin is a next-generation technology that creates a virtual representation of actual devices or systems, allowing for the prediction and validation of various scenarios. When applied to fusion research, it enables precise analysis of safety and performance through simulated operation of fusion devices in a virtual environment. This approach enhances research efficiency and reliability, while mitigating the risks associated with constructing actual fusion reactors, thereby reducing both economic and time costs.

The research team at the Korea Institute of Fusion Energy utilized digital twin technology, developed independently based on data obtained from studies on South Korea's superconducting fusion device (KSTAR). By virtualizing the tokamak fusion device and combining it with supercomputing simulation, they succeeded in developing technology capable of precisely analyzing changes in heat load on the inner wall of the fusion device caused by various factors.

By applying this technology, the team virtualized the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), a global fusion research and development project, in digital space. They predicted and analyzed changes in heat load on the inner wall under different plasma operating conditions in a three-dimensional virtual environment, thereby demonstrating the reliability of the software.

This achievement demonstrates that South Korea's fusion digital twin technology can be applied not only to KSTAR but also to other fusion devices, including ITER. It lays the groundwork for utilizing this technology in the operation, design, and management of ITER and other fusion devices in the future.

Additionally, the newly developed virtual tokamak software can be provided to international researchers collaborating with South Korea, as well as to domestic industries. This is expected to serve as an opportunity to foster new industries in South Korea, in addition to promoting international joint research. Through this, South Korea is poised to secure global leadership in fusion research.

Jung Taekryeol, Director of Public Convergence Research Policy at the Ministry of Science and ICT, stated, "We will establish a strategy for securing core fusion technologies based on private sector cooperation and actively respond to the global competition for the early realization of fusion energy by supporting research and development and creating a sustainable research and industrial ecosystem."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.