Startorus Fusion
NTST Experimental Hall Topped Out and Device Cryostat Delivered After Passing Factory Acceptance — Infrastructure Construction and Key Component Development Advance in Parallel, Paving the Way for On-Site Installation, Final Assembly, and System Integration and Commissioning.
Recently, Startorus Fusion's self-developed Negative Triangularity Spherical Tokamak (NTST) device has achieved two major milestones: the main structure of the NTST experimental hall at the Xuhang Town experimental site in Jiading District, Shanghai, has been topped out; and the device cryostat has completed manufacturing, passed factory acceptance (FAT), and been officially delivered. With these two milestones completed, a foundation has been laid for the subsequent equipment move-in, on-site installation, and system integration of the NTST device.
NTST Experimental Hall Topped Out, Advancing Preparations for On-Site Installation
The NTST experimental hall is where the device's main assembly and associated systems will be installed, integrated, commissioned, and tested for operation. It is essential infrastructure that connects the development of key components with the validation of the complete device. With the main structure now topped out, the project team will coordinate the completion of supporting facilities and preparations for equipment move-in, in order to meet the on-site assembly requirements of key components, including the cryostat, magnet system, and vacuum vessel, and to prepare for subsequent final assembly and integrated system commissioning.
Figure: NTST experimental hall at the Shanghai experimental site following topping-out.
Cryostat Delivered, Supporting Cryogenic Magnet Operation
The cryostat is a core component of the fusion device's main assembly. Located at the outermost layer of the main assembly, it provides a high-vacuum thermal insulation environment and a precise installation reference for the entire system, and is key infrastructure for ensuring the stable cryogenic operation of the magnet coils. Its dimensional accuracy, structural strength, vacuum sealing, and thermal insulation performance directly affect the reliability of magnet operation and the efficiency of the cryogenic system.
The NTST cryostat delivered on this occasion was designed in-house by the Startorus Fusion team, with manufacturing carried out jointly with a specialized manufacturing partner. From conceptual design and manufacturing process planning to on-site monitoring of key manufacturing operations and final factory inspection and acceptance, the team led the implementation of key technical requirements throughout, and advanced the development jointly with the manufacturing partner.
The NTST device adopts a spherical tokamak configuration with a highly compact central region, in which multiple systems must be arranged and interconnected within limited space. During the design phase, the Startorus Fusion team systematically optimized the cryostat structure and interfaces in line with the overall device requirements. The design meets the requirements for vacuum pressure-bearing capability and magnet support stiffness, while also taking into account ease of on-site installation and accessibility for future maintenance, ensuring compatibility with the integration requirements of the magnet system, vacuum vessel, and associated supporting systems. Before leaving the factory, the cryostat completed the specified inspection items. The results met the design requirements, and the cryostat passed factory acceptance.
We would like to express our sincere appreciation to Wuxi Huali Juneng Equipment Co., Ltd. for its professional support and close cooperation throughout the manufacturing and delivery of the cryostat.
Figure: Main body of the NTST cryostat after closure.
In line with the overall construction plan, the project team will proceed in sequence with cryostat positioning, magnet assembly, vacuum vessel installation, deployment of power supply and control systems, integration and commissioning of the cryogenic and diagnostic systems. These activities will progressively advance the final assembly and integrated commissioning of the NTST device. In parallel, the project team will proceed with the radiation safety license application and related preparations in accordance with applicable requirements. All of these efforts are intended to prepare for the goal of first plasma discharge.
