Exploratory studies of tokamaks as fusion test reactors

Abstract

Studies have been performed to explore various plasma burn scenarios for a tokamak test reactor which could follow the next generation of large tokamak experiments. Tradeoffs between an ignited burning plasma and a sub-ignited driven plasma are examined in terms of device size and performance as a fusion engineering test facility. It is found that plasma performance levels, measured by ignition margin, amplification factorQ, and fusion power output, increase with device size, more optimistic transport scaling laws, lower magnetic field ripple, and higherΒ. The performance of a generally low stress (B0=4 T) reference device, with major radiusR=4.5 m and minor radiusa=1.3 m in a D-shaped (κ=1.6) plasma has been evaluated over a wide range of operating parameters. In particular, a moderate fusion power output of 300 MW is obtained, the driven plasma havingQ≅ 10, an edge ripple of 1%, and a density ranging between 1.0 and 1.5×1014 cm−3. The same device operated at a higher general level of stress (B0=5.3 T) is predicted to achieve ignition, but is not required for the mission of an engineering test facility and would entail greater technical risk.