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Updated reference liquid-metal-cooled tandem mirror fusion breeder

Conference · · Transactions of the American Nuclear Society; (USA)
OSTI ID:6860780

This paper summarizes the current version of a reference design for a liquid-metal-cooled tandem mirror fusion breeder (fusion-fission hybrid reactor). The design update incorporates the results of several recent studies that have attempted to resolve key technical issues associated with an earlier reference design completed in 1982. The issues that were addressed relate to the following areas of design and performance: nuclear performance, magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) pressure loading, beryllium multiplier lifetime, structural efficiency and lifetime, reactor safety, corrosion/mass transfer, and fusion breeder capital cost. The updated blanket design provides increased performance and reduced technological risk in comparison with earlier fission-suppressed hybrid blanket designs. In addition to the blanket design revisions, a plant concept, cost, and fuel cycle economics assessment has been completed. Assuming that the fusion breeder uses the same fusion plant design as was developed, the total plant cost and net electrical production are expected to be $6.3 billion and 1990 MW(e), respectively. In summary, an updated liquid-metal-cooled blanket design for a tandem mirror fusion breeder has been completed. Several prior feasibility issues have been addressed and the design continues to promise attractive levels of performance as an economical producer of fissile fuel for many client LWRs. 5 refs., 1 tab.

OSTI ID:
6860780
Report Number(s):
CONF-860610--Summs.
Journal Information:
Transactions of the American Nuclear Society; (USA), Journal Name: Transactions of the American Nuclear Society; (USA) Vol. 52; ISSN TANSA; ISSN 0003-018X
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English