The HYLIFE-II inertial fusion energy power plant concept and implications for IFE

Conference · Fri Nov 04 04:00:00 EST 1994

OSTI ID:50445

Moir, R W

HYLIFE-II is based on nonflammable, renewable-liquid-wall fusion target chambers formed with Li{sub 2}BeF{sub 4} molten-salt jets, a heavy-ion driver, and single-sided illumination of indirect-drive targets. Building fusion chambers from existing materials with life-of-plant structural walls behind the liquid walls, while still meeting non-nuclear grade construction and low-level waste requirements, has profound implications for IFE development. Fluid-flow work and computational fluid dynamics predict chamber clearing adequate for 6-Hz pulse rates. Predicted electricity cost is reduced about 30% to 4.4 cents/kWh at 1 GWe. Development can be foreshortened and cost reduced by obviating expensive neutron sources to develop first-wall materials. The driver and chamber can be upgraded in stages, avoiding separate and sequential facilities. The most important features of a practical inertial fusion power plant are sufficient ignition and gain in targets; a low-cost, efficient, rep-ratable driver; and low-cost targets.

• Research Organization: Lawrence Livermore National Lab., CA (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-48
• OSTI ID: 50445
• Report Number(s): UCRL-JC--119070; CONF-941101--10; ON: DE95010561
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
COST
DESIGN
FIRST WALL
FLIBE
HYLIFE CONVERTER
INERTIAL CONFINEMENT
THERMONUCLEAR POWER PLANTS