A New Reliability Allocation Method Based on PSA and AHP for Fusion Reactors

Abstract

Reasonable and feasible reliability index allocation is significant for improving safety and reducing costs for fusion reactors. Although the reliability index is allocated when designing some key systems, reliability allocation is not implemented from the overall layer to the system and component layers for fusion reactors. In this contribution, fusion reactors are divided into different layers by applying the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP); these layers include the overall layer, system layer and component layer, failure mode layer, etc. Combining the Probabilistic Safety Assessment (PSA) model for fusion reactors and AHP, the reliability index is allocated from the overall layer to the system and component layer. Firstly, a new reliability index allocation method based on PSA and AHP for fusion reactors is proposed. Secondly, the PSA model for an in-vessel LOCA accident of fusion reactors is selected as a case study to demonstrate the applications of the proposed method. Lastly, the relationship between PSA, items safety classification and reliability allocation are discussed. The allocation results indicate that the proposed method provides a more systematic reliability allocation scheme and contributes to improving the safety and economy of fusion reactors.