Skip to main content
U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Laser or charged-particle-beam fusion reactor with direct electric generation by magnetic flux compression

Patent ·
OSTI ID:6911787

The invention is a laser or particle-beam-driven fusion reactor system which takes maximum advantage of both the very short pulsed nature of the energy release of inertial confinement fusion (ICF) and the very small volumes within which the thermonuclear burn takes place. The pulsed nature of ICF permits dynamic direct energy conversion schemes such as magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) generation and magnetic flux compression; the small volumes permit very compact blanket geometries. By fully exploiting these characteristics of ICF, it is possible to design a fusion reactor with exceptionally high power density, high net electric efficiency, and low neutron-induced radioactivity. The invention includes a compact blanket design and method and apparatus for obtaining energy utilizing the compact blanket.

DOE Contract Number:
W-7405-ENG-48
Assignee:
Dept. of Energy
Patent Number(s):
None
Application Number:
ON: DE84011284
OSTI ID:
6911787
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English