Energy technology company nT-Tao has announced the development of a new control system designed to stabilise power supply under highly variable load conditions, typical of fusion plasma environments. The method, published in the journal Actuators, is the result of a collaboration between engineers at nT-Tao and the Applied Energy Laboratory at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev.
A response to dynamic loads in fusion reactors
Precise pulsed-power control is essential in compact fusion systems. During plasma formation and heating cycles, a reactor’s electrical load can vary on the microsecond scale. This instability can reduce power transfer efficiency and damage internal components. The new controller developed by nT-Tao combines feedback linearisation with a conventional linear regulator, enabling real-time adaptation to load fluctuations.
Simulations confirmed the approach under conditions that replicate laboratory plasma environments. The method provides faster and more stable response than traditional linear regulators, ensuring the system remains in resonance even during abrupt changes in RLC (resistance-inductance-capacitance) load.
Operational gains for compact fusion architectures
According to the authors, this advancement will reduce the number of laboratory tests required due to the system’s self-calibration capability. Optimising test resources is a key challenge in developing compact reactors designed to operate at high frequency and plasma density.
This control method aligns with nT-Tao’s long-term objective to develop manufacturable, modular fusion systems aimed at distributed applications such as data centres, industrial sites, military uses, and remote areas.
A transferable solution for other fusion technologies
Resonant inverter control under variable load remains a key technical challenge in the fusion industry. The model proposed by nT-Tao represents progress applicable to other pulsed or hybrid fusion configurations seeking stable operational performance.
Researchers stated that this solution supports the transition to rapid-pulse, high-energy density architectures. The controller’s ability to handle extreme load variation places it at the core of technologies required for next-generation controlled fusion systems.
