Fusion-fission hybrid reactor with a plasma source of deuterium-tritium neutrons in a linear configuration

Abstract

The current state of research in nuclear and thermonuclear energy enables the further development of modern energy using hybrid systems. In this work, the concept of a hybrid reactor with a plasma source of deuterium–tritium (D–T) neutrons (PSN) is proposed. The study is aimed at small-scale energy generation (∼10–100 MWt) which can be used in the medium term. The proposed facility consists of an axisymmetric assembly of high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) fuel blocks and a PSN in a linear configuration. The synergy between HTGR and PSN technologies enables the transfer of the entire system to a hybrid, subcritical mode of operation, thereby dramatically increasing its nuclear safety level. The numerical studies conducted in this work may establish the basis for the design of a hybrid reactor with an extended pulsed PSN based on a magnetic trap.