Science & Tech · Science & Environment · 2 hrs ago
ITER tests 330-tonne magnet for fusion reactor
ITER successfully tested a 330-tonne superconducting magnet at its facility.
The magnet was cooled to 4 kelvin and energized to 34 kiloamperes, half its planned operating current.
ITER is a fusion project that will use powerful magnetic fields to confine superhot plasma inside a reactor.
The test let engineers check how the coil deforms under electromagnetic forces and compare its performance with their models.
The magnet is one of 18 toroidal field coils planned for ITER, and these magnets help confine the plasma needed for fusion experiments.
The tested coil will go into temporary storage before being moved to the Assembly Hall for integration into a reactor section.
Testing of a spare coil is scheduled for April 2027, with engineers planning further checks of its insulation and protection systems.
ITER has completed testing of a 330-tonne superconducting magnet intended to help control plasma in its fusion reactor.
The D-shaped toroidal field coil, designated #17, was cooled to 4 kelvin and energized to 34 kiloamperes.
That test current was half the coil’s nominal operating current of 68 kiloamperes.
Engineers used the campaign to assess how the coil deforms under electromagnetic loads and compare its behavior with structural models.
The coil was transferred to a transport frame on October 30 and will be moved to temporary storage before integration into the reactor.
- Who
- ITER engineers and teams tested the magnet. Adrien Deydier was the lead mechanical engineer involved in the testing.
- What
- ITER completed a test campaign on its 330-tonne toroidal field coil #17, energizing it to 34 kiloamperes.
- When
- Testing began in August 2026. The coil was transferred to a transport frame on October 30.
- Where
- The tests took place at ITER’s magnet cold test facility.
- Why
- To assess the coil’s structural response under electromagnetic loads and compare its behavior with models, while gaining experience ahead of integrated commissioning.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The magnet cold test facility began its first testing campaign with toroidal field coil #7.
Testing of toroidal field coil #17 began.
Coil #17 was transferred from the facility to a transport frame.
Cooldown of spare toroidal field coil #19 is scheduled to begin.
- Magnet mass
- 330 tonnes
- Coil designation
- Toroidal field coil #17
- Test temperature
- 4 kelvin (minus 269 degrees Celsius)
- Test current
- 34 kiloamperes, half the nominal operating current
- Nominal current
- 68 kiloamperes
- ITER toroidal field coils
- 18 D-shaped coils
What people are saying
It is an important step to reach 34 kA and to confirm the coil is behaving as predicted by the models.