Basic Requirements for a 1000-MW(electric) Class Tokamak Fusion-Fission Hybrid Reactor and Its Blanket Concept

Abstract

AbstractPlasma size and other basic performance parameters for 1000-MW (electric) power production are calculated with the blanket energy multiplication factor, the M value, as a parameter. The calculational model is based on the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) physics design guidelines and includes overall plant power flow. Plasma size decreases as the M value increases. However, the improvement in the plasma compactness and other basic performance parameters, such as the total plant power efficiency, becomes saturated above the M = 5 to 7 range. Thus, a value in the M = 5 to 7 range is a reasonable choice for 1000-MW (electric) hybrids. Typical plasma parameters for 1000-MW (electric) hybrids with a value of M = 7 are a major radius of R = 5.2 m, minor radius of a = 1.7 m, plasma current of Ip = 15 MA, and toroidal field on the axis of B0 = 5 T. The concept of a thermal fission blanket that uses light water as a coolant is selected as an attractive candidate for electricity-produ...