Economic Systems Modeling for Laser IFE and the Potential advantages of Fast Ignition

Conference · Tue Jun 06 04:00:00 EDT 2006

OSTI ID:896290

Meier, W R

An updated systems code for a laser-driven IFE power plant has been developed as part of the U.S. High Average Power Laser (HAPL) program. The cost of electricity (COE) is calculated using standardized methods for fusion reactor studies. In this paper, we describe the systems code and present results for capital cost and COE as a function of key design variables and parameters. We show how the COE varies as a function of driver energy and pulse repetition rate for different lasers. We examine the dependence of COE on other parameters such as laser cost ($/J), laser efficiency, plant efficiency, and net power output of the plant. Finally we compare results for a plant using direct-drive central ignition targets to results with fast ignition targets and note the potential advantages of fast ignition for various assumptions.

• Research Organization: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-48
• OSTI ID: 896290
• Report Number(s): UCRL-CONF-221936
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
42 ENGINEERING
CAPITALIZED COST
DESIGN
ECONOMICS
EFFICIENCY
ELECTRICITY
IGNITION
LASERS
POWER PLANTS
SIMULATION
TARGETS
THERMONUCLEAR REACTORS