Integrated process modeling for the laser inertial fusion Energy (LIFE) generation system
A concept for a new fusion-fission hybrid technology is being developed at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. The primary application of this technology is base-load electrical power generation. However, variants of the baseline technology can be used to 'burn' spent nuclear fuel from light water reactors or to perform selective transmutation of problematic fission products. The use of a fusion driver allows very high burn-up of the fission fuel, limited only by the radiation resistance of the fuel form and system structures. As a part of this process, integrated process models have been developed to aid in concept definition. Several models have been developed. A cost scaling model allows quick assessment of design changes or technology improvements on cost of electricity. System design models are being used to better understand system interactions and to do design trade-off and optimization studies. Here we describe the different systems models and present systems analysis results. Different market entry strategies are discussed along with potential benefits to US energy security and nuclear waste disposal. Advanced technology options are evaluated and potential benefits from additional R&D targeted at the different options is quantified.
- Research Organization:
- Lawrence Livermore National Lab. (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-48
- OSTI ID:
- 1009205
- Report Number(s):
- LLNL-JRNL-418605; TRN: US1101409
- Journal Information:
- Journal of Physics: Conference Series , vol. 244, no. 3, September 16, 2010, pp. 032035, Vol. 244, Issue 3
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
29 ENERGY PLANNING
POLICY AND ECONOMY
70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION
DESIGN
ELECTRICITY
FISSION
FISSION PRODUCTS
LASERS
LAWRENCE LIVERMORE NATIONAL LABORATORY
MARKET
NUCLEAR FUELS
OPTIMIZATION
POWER GENERATION
RADIATIONS
RADIOACTIVE WASTES
SECURITY
SIMULATION
SYSTEMS ANALYSIS
THERMONUCLEAR REACTORS
TRANSMUTATION
WATER