Mobis Begins Development of Control System for Superconductor Testing Equipment

Securing Control Technology for Test Equipment to Withstand High Magnetic Fields
Strategic Partnership with Korea Energy Engineering University (KENTECH)

KOSDAQ-listed company Mobis has embarked on developing a control system for test facilities related to superconductors, essential materials for nuclear fusion power, in collaboration with KEN TECH.

On the 3rd, Mobis announced, "We have signed a strategic alliance with KENTECH's superconductor test facility construction project team to develop related technologies."

According to Mobis, the superconducting nuclear fusion research device (KSTAR), known as the artificial sun, and the world's largest international nuclear fusion experimental reactor (ITER) currently under construction in France, operate by repeating cycles of running and resting for several seconds to hundreds of seconds.

However, for nuclear fusion power to be successful, superconducting magnets and control systems capable of operating plasma stably and running continuously for decades without repair or replacement are essential.

Additionally, they must withstand extreme environments such as high magnetic fields above 16T (tesla), ultra-low temperatures, and ultra-high temperatures.

In response, the National Fusion Research Institute (KFE), the operator of KSTAR, and KENTECH signed an MOU in January 2022 to jointly develop high-performance superconductor test facilities for nuclear fusion power.

If development is successful, a foundation will be established to test and evaluate conductor performance of superconductors in actual operating environments. Currently, the only existing large-scale superconductor test and evaluation facility is Switzerland’s ‘SULTAN’.

A Mobis official stated, "There are limitations to relying solely on SULTAN to prepare for the future nuclear fusion era," adding, "Korea must also establish related facilities and actively invest in superconductor development."

The official further said, "Through this strategic alliance, we will secure control technology capabilities for the world's largest 16T-class high magnetic field test facility, establish a leading position in the superconducting magnet field, and contribute to activating global cooperation. At the same time, we will grow into a solution provider company for nuclear fusion power control systems."