Performance and economics analysis of several laser fusion breeder fueled electricity generation systems

Journal Article · Thu Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1981 · Nucl. Technol./Fusion; (United States)

OSTI ID:5779843

Berwald, D H; Maniscalco, J A

The paper evaluates the potential of several future electricity generating systems composed of laser fusion-driven breeder reactors that provide fissile fuel for current technology light water fission power reactors (LWRs). The performance and economic feasibility of four fusion breeder blanket technologies for laser fusion drivers, namely uranium fast fission (UFF) blankets, uranium-thorium fast fission (UTFF) blankets, thorium fast fission (TFF) blankets and thorium-suppressed fission (TSF) blankets, are considered, including design and costs of two kinds, fixed (indirect) costs associated with plant capital and variable (direct) costs associated with fuel processing and operation and maintenance. Results indicate that the UTFF and TFF systems produce electricity most inexpensively and that any of the four breeder blanket concepts, including the TSF and UFF systems, can produce electricity for about 25 to 33% above the cost of electricity produced by a new LWR operating on the current once-through cycle. It is suggested that fusion breeders could supply most or all of our fissile fuel makeup requirements within about 20 years after commercial introduction.

• Research Organization: TRW, Inc., Redondo Beach, CA
• OSTI ID: 5779843
• Journal Information: Nucl. Technol./Fusion; (United States), Journal Name: Nucl. Technol./Fusion; (United States) Vol. 1; ISSN NTFUD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
700208* -- Fusion Power Plant Technology-- Inertial Confinement Technology
BREEDING
ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
ECONOMICS
ENERGY SOURCES
FUELS
HYBRID REACTORS
LASER FUSION REACTORS
MATERIALS
NUCLEAR FUEL CONVERSION
NUCLEAR FUELS
PERFORMANCE
POWER GENERATION
REACTOR MATERIALS
THERMONUCLEAR REACTORS