D-3He spherical-torus fusion-reactor-system study. Master's thesis

Technical Report · Wed Apr 01 00:00:00 EST 1992

OSTI ID:6985189

Macon, W A

This system study extrapolates present physics knowledge and technology to predict the anticipated characteristics of D-He3 spherical torus fusion reactors and their sensitivity to uncertainties in important parameters. Reference cases for steady-state 1000 MWe reactors operating in H-mode in both the 1st stability regime and the 2nd stability regime were developed and assessed quantitatively. These devices would a very small aspect ratio (A=1,2), a major radius of about 2.0 m, an on-a%,,44s magnetic field less than 2 T, a large plasma current (80-120 MA) dominated by the bootstrap effect, and high plasma beta (>O.6). The estimated cost of electricity is in the range of 60-90 mills/kW-hr, assuming the use of a direct energy conversion system. The inherent safety and environmental advantages of D-He3 fusion indicate that this reactor concept could be competitive with advanced fission breeder reactors and large-scale solar electric plants by the end of the 21st century if research and development can produce the anticipated physics and technology advances.

• Research Organization: Rensselaer Polytechnic Inst., Troy, NY (United States)
• OSTI ID: 6985189
• Report Number(s): AD-A-253358/6/XAB
• Resource Relation: Other Information: Thesis (M.S.)
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
STEADY-STATE FUSION REACTORS
TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT
ASPECT RATIO
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
DEUTERIUM
ELECTRICITY
ENERGY CONVERSION
HELIUM 3
MAGNETIC CONFINEMENT
MAGNETIC FIELDS
REACTOR SAFETY
SENSITIVITY
STABILITY
CONFINEMENT
CONVERSION
EVALUATION
EVEN-ODD NUCLEI
HELIUM ISOTOPES
HYDROGEN ISOTOPES
ISOTOPES
LIGHT NUCLEI
NUCLEI
ODD-ODD NUCLEI
PLASMA CONFINEMENT
SAFETY
STABLE ISOTOPES
THERMONUCLEAR REACTORS
700412* - Magnetic Confinement Devices- (1992-)
700490 - Fusion Technology- Economics- (1992-)