Recommendations for a cryogenic system for ITER (International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor)
The International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) is a new tokamak design project with joint participation from Japan, the European Community, the Soviet Union, and the United States. ITER will be a large machine requiring up to 100 kW of refrigeration at 4.5 K to cool its superconducting magnets. Unlike earlier fusion experiments, the ITER cryogenic system must handle pulse loads constituting a large percentage of the total load. These come from neutron heating during a fusion burn and from ac losses during ramping of current in the PF (poloidal field) coils. This paper presents a conceptual design for a cryogenic system that meets ITER requirements. It describes a system with the following features: Only time-proven components are used. The system obtains a high efficiency without use of cold pumps or other developmental components. High reliability is achieved by paralleling compressors and expanders and by using adequate isolation valving. The problem of load fluctuations is solved by a simple load-leveling device. The cryogenic system can be housed in a separate building located at a considerable distance from the ITER core, if desired. The paper also summarizes physical plant size, cost estimates, and means of handling vented helium during magnet quench. 4 refs., 4 figs., 3 tabs.
- Research Organization:
- Lawrence Livermore National Lab., CA (USA)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- DOE/ER
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-48
- OSTI ID:
- 5636131
- Report Number(s):
- UCRL-101075; CONF-891007-11; ON: DE90001164; TRN: 89-026122
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: 13. international symposium on fusion engineering, Knoxville, TN (USA), 2-6 Oct 1989
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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