Topic outline

  • General

    Fusion Energy Technology aims to teach the basic principles and underlying physics of producing energy from fusion of hydrogen. The course consists of three principal components: the first section gives an overview of the physical conditions for fusion and presents the main fusion reactor concepts. The second part deals with the technical characteristics of a fusion reactor, in particular, with material issues, vacuum technology, heat transfer and fuel technology. The third section covers the potential of fusion power plant features, security, and the future of fusion generated electricity. 

    The course includes lectures, exercises, and an exam. Upon completion, graduates will have a basic understanding of what fusion is, an overview of major fusion research topics and challenges in constructing a fusion power plant, and how the fusion-fired power plant will potentially work.

    The grade for the course will be determined on the scale 0-5 based on three factors:

    • 50% for attending the exercise classes and getting the exercises done 
    • 25% for attending lectures and responded to the quiz questions
    • 25% for the (final) exam

    The grade limits are

    ≥ 50% - 1
    ≥ 60% - 2
    ≥ 70% - 3
    ≥ 80% - 4
    ≥ 90% - 5

    The final exam can be either oral or written exam depending on the number of students attending the course. Bonus points (2%) can be given for course feedback.

    Generally, the course schedule will be according to the "Upcoming events" on the right.

    Room 1571 (in the new Kide building, Konemiehentie 1) is booked for the lectures and 1572 for the exercise classes.

    Course staff is located in Kide building: Mathias Groth (room 2511), Timo Kiviniemi (2509), Ray Chandra (2508), Roni Mäenpää (2506). E-mail addresses: first.lastname@aalto.fi

    Tentative schedule of the course (to be confirmed):

    Week Jan 8-12, 2024: Fusion principles. Lecture (Dr. Timo Kiviniemi) Monday, Jan 8, 2024, 12am-2pm,  exercise session (MSc Roni Mäenpää) Wednesday, Jan 10, 2024, 10am - 12pm

    Week Jan 15-19, 2024: Fusion concepts. Lecture (Dr. Timo Kiviniemi) Monday, Jan 15, 2024, 12am-2pm, exercise session (MSc Roni Mäenpää) Wednesday, Jan 17, 2024, 10am - 12pm

    Week Jan 22-26, 2024: Tokamaks 1. Lecture (Dr. Timo Kiviniemi) Monday, Jan 22, 2024, 12am-2pm, exercise session (MSc Roni Mäenpää) Wednesday, Jan 24, 2024, 10am - 12pm

    Week Jan 29 - Feb 2, 2024: Tokamaks 2. Lecture (Dr. Timo Kiviniemi) Monday, Jan 29, 2024, 12am-2pm, exercise session (MSc Roni Mäenpää) Wednesday, Jan 31, 2024, 10am - 12pm

    Week Feb 5-9, 2024: ITER. Lecture (Prof. Mathias Groth) Monday Feb 5, 2024, 12am-2pm, exercise session (MSc Roni Mäenpää) on Wednesday, Feb 7, 2024, 10am - 12pm

    Week Feb 12-16, 2024: Scrape-off layer and plasma-wall interaction. Lecture (Dr. Ray Chandra) Monday, Feb 12, 2024,12am-2pm exercise session (MSc Roni Mäenpää) on Wednesday, Feb 14, 2024, 10am - 12pm

    Week Feb 19-23, 2024: Exam week - no lectures or exercises

    Week Feb 26 - Mar 1, 2024: Inertial confinement fusion. Lecture (Dr. Timo Kiviniemi) Monday, Feb 26, 2024, 12am-2pm, exercise session (MSc Roni Mäenpää) Wednesday, Feb 28, 2024, 10am - 12pm

    Week Mar 4-8, 2024: Plasma diagnostics. Lecture (Dr. Ray Chandra) Monday, Mar 4, 2024, 12am-2pm, exercise session (Dr. Timo Kiviniemi) Wednesday, Mar 6, 2024, 10am - 12pm

    Week Mar 11-15, 2024: Plasma Heating. Lecture (Dr. Ray Chandra) Monday, Mar 11, 2024, 12am-2pm, exercise session (Dr. Ray Chandra) Wednesday, Mar 13, 2024, 10am - 12pm

    Week Mar 18-22, 2024: Stellarators. Lecture (Dr. Timo Kiviniemi) Monday, Mar 18, 2024, 12am-2pm, exercise session (Dr. Timo Kiviniemi) Wednesday, Mar 20, 2024, 10am - 12pm

    Week Mar 25-29, 2024: Tritium cycle. Lecture (Dr. Ray Chandra) Monday, Mar 25, 2024, 12am-2pm, exercise session (Dr. Timo Kiviniemi) Wednesday, Mar 27, 2024, 10am - 12pm

    Week Apr 1-5, 2024: No lectures or exercise due to spring break

    Week Apr 8-12, 2024: Fusion energy as part of the future energy mix. Lecture (Dr. Ray Chandra) Monday, Apr 8, 2024, 12am-2pm, exercise session (MSc Roni Mäenpää) Wednesday, Apr 10, 2024, 10am - 12pm.

    Week Apr 15-19, 2024: Evaluation week