Heavy ion fusion--Using heavy ions to make electricity

Conference · Mon Mar 15 00:00:00 EST 2004

OSTI ID:834230

Celata, C M

The idea of using nuclear fusion as a source of commercial electrical power has been pursued worldwide since the 1950s. Two approaches, using magnetic and inertial confinement of the reactants, are under study. This paper describes the difference between the two approaches, and discusses in more detail the heavy-ion-driven inertial fusion concept. A multibeam induction linear accelerator would be used to bring {approx}100 heavy ion beams to a few GeV. The beams would then heat and compress a target of solid D-T. This approach is unique among fusion concepts in its ability to protect the reaction chamber wall from neutrons and debris.

• Research Organization: Lawrence Berkeley National Lab. (LBNL), Berkeley, CA (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE Director. Office of Science. Office of Fusion Energy Sciences. Contracts DE-AC03-76SF00098. W-7405-ENG-48. DE-AI02-93ER40799. AC02-76CH03073. DE-AI02-94ER-54232 (US)
• DOE Contract Number: AC03-76SF00098
• OSTI ID: 834230
• Report Number(s): LBNL-55145; HIFAN 1325; R&D Project: Z46010; TRN: US0407092
• Resource Relation: Conference: 20th Winter Workshop on Nuclear Dynamics, Trelawny Beach (JM), 03/15/2004--03/20/2004; Other Information: PBD: 15 Mar 2004
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS
ELECTRICITY
HEAVY IONS
INDUCTION
INERTIAL CONFINEMENT
LINEAR ACCELERATORS
NEUTRONS
TARGETS