Steady-State Operation
In steady state the plant holds density, temperature, plug potential, and output constant through coordinated feedback control.
Steady-state operation is the design intent of Aegis: a continuous burn delivering firm power, not a pulsed machine. Holding steady means balancing fueling, heating, pumping, and plug operation so that plasma density, temperature, and the confining potential stay on their setpoints while the direct converter delivers constant output.
Balanced control loops
- Fueling replaces particle losses to hold density
- Heating sustains temperature against losses
- Plug operation maintains the ambipolar potential
- Pumping and recovery keep the vacuum and fuel mix on point
Firm delivery
Because the tandem mirror runs continuously, output is firm rather than intermittent. The control system trims the operating point in response to load changes and disturbances, and the power-conditioning chain smooths delivery. This is what makes Aegis suitable as resilient, always-on installation power.
Operating envelope
Operation stays inside a defined envelope bounded by machine-protection limits. Approaching a limit triggers control action and, if needed, a trip. The steady-state operating point and its control are established at design stage from the frozen configuration; steady-state burn is a design and simulation result until demonstrated on the first test burner.