Q and net electricity
- Official name
- Ratio of fusion power to external plasma heating
- ENGLISH
- Plasma energy gain
Plasma energy gain Q and net electricity after subtracting the entire plant's power consumption are different metrics. Check the measurement boundary before comparing numbers.
Read the Japanese original
Plasma energy gain Q and net electricity after subtracting the entire plant's power consumption are different metrics. Check the measurement boundary before comparing numbers.
Business considerations
Consider manufacturing repeatability, maintenance, quality assurance and supply availability alongside individual performance. Check the reactor's overall objectives and the scope demonstrated for each component.
Understanding the organizations and companies
Even the same symbol Q changes meaning depending on which energy input forms the denominator. Distinguish ITER's plasma gain, NIF's target gain and the balance between a facility's electricity consumption and generation. A company's phrase 'net fusion energy' does not necessarily mean net electricity. Checking measurement locations, time intervals, auxiliary loads and whether values are measured or designed is the starting point for a fair comparison.
ITER Organization / LLNL／NIF / Commonwealth Fusion Systems / LLNL LIFT
Official information from related companies and research institutions
Check each organization’s announcements for development progress and technical documentation.