Compact reversed-field pinch reactors (CRFPR): sensitivity study and design-point determination
If the costing assumptions upon which the positive assessment of conventional large superconducting fusion reactors are based proves overly optimistic, approaches that promise considerably increased system power density and reduced mass utilization will be required. These more compact reactor embodiments generally must operate with reduced shield thickness and resistive magnets. Because of the unique, magnetic topology associated with the Reversed-Field Pinch (RFP), the compact reactor embodiment for this approach is particularly attractive from the viewpoint of low-field resistive coils operating with Ohmic losses that can be made small relative to the fusion power. A comprehensive system model is developed and described for a steady-state, compact RFP reactor (CRFPR). This model is used to select a unique cost-optimized design point that will be used for a conceptual engineering design. The cost-optimized CRFPR design presented herein would operate with system power densities and mass utilizations that are comparable to fission power plants and are an order of magnitude more favorable than the conventional approaches to magnetic fusion power. The sensitivity of the base-case design point to changes in plasma transport, profiles, beta, blanket thickness, normal vs superconducting coils, and fuel cycle (DT vs DD) is examined. The RFP approach is found to yield a point design for a high-power-density reactor that is surprisingly resilient to changes in key, but relatively unknown, physics and systems parameters.
- Research Organization:
- Los Alamos National Lab., NM (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-36
- OSTI ID:
- 5257279
- Report Number(s):
- LA-9389-MS; ON: DE82019705
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Compact reversed-field pinch reactor (CRFPR): a high-density approach to magnetic fusion energy
Engineering design of a compact RFP reactor (CRFPR)
Related Subjects
REVERSE-FIELD PINCH
PARAMETRIC ANALYSIS
BREEDING BLANKETS
COST
FUEL CYCLE
PLASMA DRIFT
SUPERCONDUCTING MAGNETS
TRANSPORT THEORY
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
ELECTROMAGNETS
EQUIPMENT
MAGNETS
PINCH EFFECT
REACTOR COMPONENTS
SUPERCONDUCTING DEVICES
700200* - Fusion Energy- Fusion Power Plant Technology