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Title: Application of the Integrated-Blanket-Coil concept to a compact reversed-field pinch reactor

Thesis/Dissertation ·
OSTI ID:5703827

The Integrated-Blanket-Coil (IBC) concept has been examined in the context of a compact reversed-field pinch (RFP) fusion reactor. The IBC approach is novel in that the functions of the blanket (tritium breeding and energy recovery) and the coil (magnetic field production) are fulfilled in a single component. This combination of functions is accomplished by using lithium metal as the coolant, breeding medium, and electrical conductor. Economics and physics modeling indicates that the toroidal field and divertor coil systems are appropriate applications for IBC components. Conceptual designs for the TF-IBC and IBC divertor systems are developed, based on parameters generated by the TITAN RFP Reactor Design Study. Design of the IBC divertor is similar to the TF-IBC, but with the added concern for proper mapping of the field lines. Improved magnetic coupling and additional energy recovery and tritium breeding enhance the attractiveness of the IBC divertor relative to copper coils. Both the TF and divertor IBC systems are capable of operating compatibly with the Oscillating Field Current Drive (OFCD). The conceptual design process indicates that the TF-IBC and IBC divertor are technically feasible. As such, they represent viable alternatives for a compact RFP reactor.

Research Organization:
Rensselaer Polytechnic Inst., Troy, NY (USA)
OSTI ID:
5703827
Resource Relation:
Other Information: Thesis (Ph. D.)
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English