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IPC Subclass
G21B

FUSION REACTORS

Introduced: September 1968

Classification Context

Section:
PHYSICS
Class:
NUCLEAR PHYSICS; NUCLEAR ENGINEERING
Subclass:
FUSION REACTORS

Description

G21B covers controlled nuclear fusion reactors and associated systems for energy production. This includes reactor designs (inertial confinement, magnetic confinement, and alternative approaches), plasma generation and containment technologies, fuel handling and breeding systems, and reactor components such as magnets, vacuum vessels, and cooling systems. The classification encompasses both experimental fusion facilities and commercial power generation concepts, including supporting technologies for achieving and maintaining the conditions necessary for sustained fusion reactions.

Filing statistics

IPC subclass G21B recorded 3,917 patent applications worldwide between 2013 and 2023. Annual filings grew from 219 in 2013 to 510 in 2023 (+133%). The most active applicants in class G21 are CHINA GENERAL NUCLEAR POWER CORPORATION (2,364 applications), CGN POWER COMPANY (1,899 applications) and CHINA NUCLEAR POWER ENGINEERING COMPANY (1,870 applications).

Source: EPO PATSTAT, worldwide filings

Additional Content

Glossary

Confinement Controlled compression of fusion nuclei to overcome their electrostatic repulsion. Fusion Combination of two or more nuclei to form a heavier nucleus, a by-product of which is the release of energy. Thermonuclear Relating to fusion at high temperatures.

Limiting references

Uncontrollable fusion reactions; applications thereof

Related Keywords

nuclear FUSION reactorsthermonuclear REACTORSTHERMO -nuclear reactors

2 direct subcodes

Child Classifications

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  • G21B 3/00 Low-temperature nuclear fusion reactors, e.g. alleged cold fusion reactors

Top Applicants

Top 10 applicants by patent filingsfor class G21, 2013–2023, worldwide · Source: EPO PATSTAT

  1. CHINA GENERAL NUCLEAR POWER CORPORATION 2,364
  2. CGN POWER COMPANY 1,899
  3. CHINA NUCLEAR POWER ENGINEERING COMPANY 1,870
  4. NUCLEAR POWER INSTITUTE OF CHINA 1,517
  5. KOREA ATOMIC ENERGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE KR 1,367
  6. WESTINGHOUSE ELECTRIC CORPORATION US 1,295
  7. KOREA HYDRO & NUCLEAR POWER COMPANY KR 1,196
  8. CHINESE ACADEMY OF SCIENCES 1,044
  9. CHINA INSTITUTE OF ATOMIC ENERGY 1,011
  10. HITACHI-GE NUCLEAR ENERGY 955