Advances in Tandem Mirror fusion power reactors

Conference · Tue May 20 00:00:00 EDT 1986

OSTI ID:5793071

Perkins, L J; Logan, B G

The Tandem Mirror exhibits several distinctive features which make the reactor embodiment of the principle very attractive: Simple low-technology linear central cell; steady-state operation; high-..beta.. operation; no driven current or disruptions; divertorless operation; direction conversion of end-loss power; low-surface heat loads; and advanced fusion fuel capability. In this paper, we examine these features in connection with two tandem mirror reactor designs, MARS and MINIMARS, and several advanced reactor concepts including the wall-stabilized reactor and the field-reversed mirror. With a novel compact end plug scheme employing octopole stabilization, MINIMARS is expressly designed for short construction times, factory-built modules, and a small (600 MWe) but economic reactor size. We have also configured the design for low radioactive afterheat and inherent/passive safety under LOCA/LOFA conditions, thereby obviating the need for expensive engineered safety systems. In contrast to the complex and expensive double-quadrupole end-cell of the MARS reactor, the compact octopole end-cell of MINIMARS enables ignition to be achieved with much shorter central cell lengths and considerably improves the economy of scale for small (approx.250 to 600 MWe) tandem mirror reactors. Finally, we examine the prospects for realizing the ultimate potential of the tandem mirror with regard to both innovative configurations and novel neutron energy conversion schemes, and stress that advanced fuel applications could exploit its unique reactor features.

• Research Organization: Lawrence Livermore National Lab., CA (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-48
• OSTI ID: 5793071
• Report Number(s): UCRL-94250; CONF-860551-7; ON: DE86011639
• Resource Relation: Conference: Technical meeting and workshop on fusion reactor design and technology, Yalta, USSR, 26 May 1986
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
MARS REACTOR
DESIGN
TMR REACTORS
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION
HIGH-BETA PLASMA
MAGNET COILS
CONVERSION
ELECTRIC COILS
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
ENERGY CONVERSION
EQUIPMENT
MAGNETIC MIRROR TYPE REACTORS
PLASMA
THERMONUCLEAR REACTORS
700209* - Fusion Power Plant Technology- Component Development & Materials Testing