Electromagnetic modeling of innovative systems for energy production via nuclear fusion and for energy wireless transfer

The challenges of facing the increasing energy demand and of addressing a sustainable development require innovative solutions both in the production and in the distribution of the electrical energy. This Thesis addresses two innovative technologies proposed for these purposes: the use of the Nuclear Fusion technology to supply “clean” electrical energy, and of the Wireless Energy Transfer technology as a key factor enabling the “green” electric mobility. The purposes of this doctoral Thesis are that of presenting the electromagnetic models to be used for describe the applications of the above technologies, and that of analyzing of specific case-studies. In the context of the nuclear fusion machines (tokamaks), two particular devices have been here modelled and analyzed: the divertor assembly to be installed in the Tokamak DEMO, and a neutron-diagnostic module (Ex-port RNC) proposed for the Tokamak ITER. For these two different objects, the aim was to develop a low-frequency electromgnetic model suitable for calculating the mechanical loads (forces and moments) associated to electromagnetic fast transients or to ferromagnetic effects. As for the second topic, associated to the electrical mobility, two different Wireless Power Transfer (WPT) systems have been modelled, based on inductive coupling: a static WPT for recharging public transportation vehicles (buses) developed by the Spanish company Circe, and a dynamic WPT designed and realized by the Politecnico di Torino for rechearging small trucks. Static and dynamic models have been developed to study the behavior of the coupled coils, to analyze the overall performance, to study the dynamic effects, and to suggest guidelines for the system optimization. The Thesis has been carried out in the frame of the following projects and grants: – DEMO: EUROFUSION Consortium, Euratom research and training program 2014-2018 and 2019-2020 under grant agreement No 633053. – ITER: F4E, Fusion4Energy, “Framework Partnership Agreement for Diagnostic Development and Design of Radial Neutron Camera and Radial Gamma Ray Spectrometer”, F4E FPA327 – MICEV, “Metrology for Inductive Charging of Electric Vehicles”, H2020-EMPIR, grant JRP 16ENG08 (2017-2021).