Exploration of Compact Stellarators as Power Plants: Initial Results from ARIES-CS Study

Journal Article · Fri Apr 15 04:00:00 EDT 2005 · Fusion Science and Technology

OSTI ID:20849901

Najmabadi, Farrokh ^[1]

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1. University of California San Diego (United States)

A detailed and integrated study of compact stellarators as power plants, ARIES-CS, was initiated recently to advance our understanding of attractive compact stellarator configurations and to define key R and D areas. We have completed phase 1 of ARIES-CS study - our results are described in this paper. We have identified several promising stellarator configurations. High {alpha} particle loss of these configurations is a critical issue. It appears that devices with an overall size similar to those envisioned for tokamak power plants are possible. A novel approach was developed in ARIES-CS in which the blanket at the critical areas of minimum stand-off is replaced by a highly efficient WC-based shield. In this manner, we have been able to reduce the minimum stand-off by {approx}20%-30% compared to a uniform radial build which was assumed in previous studies. Our examination of engineering options indicates that overall assembly and maintenance procedure plays a critical role in identifying acceptable engineering design and has a major impact on the optimization of a plasma/coil configuration.

• OSTI ID: 20849901
• Journal Information: Fusion Science and Technology, Journal Name: Fusion Science and Technology Journal Issue: 3 Vol. 47; ISSN 1536-1055
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
ALPHA PARTICLES
DESIGN
ENGINEERING
MAINTENANCE
OPTIMIZATION
PLASMA
SHIELDS
STELLARATORS
THERMONUCLEAR POWER PLANTS
TOKAMAK DEVICES
TUNGSTEN CARBIDES