Micro and macro analysis of a thermonuclear fusion plant for reliability and performance

Abstract

AbstractThe Next European Torus (NET) must be operated with appropriate reliability and availability levels if it is to attain its targets. A basic simulation model, the principles and potentials of which had been previously demonstrated, has been considerably extended to provide a more accurate representation of the operations of NET and to facilitate its study under various operating and reliability considerations. The latest simulation model of NET incorporates the physics phase as well as the technology phase. It encompasses complex features such as time and event dependent failure rates and independent failures. For ease of manipulating the uncertainties associated with the reliability data, the model has been furnished with the normal, exponential, lognormal and Weibull distribution modules. The level of subsystem breakdown is easily adjustable to match the needs of the design that is growing in detail. A goal‐seeking procedure has been developed for use in conjunction with the simulation model. The application of this procedure culminates in operating and reliability strategies which will enable NET to achieve its intended targets. This paper describes the operating and reliability features of NET together with the ways in which they have been captured by the NET simulation model. The underlying philosophy and application of the goal seeking procedure is also demonstrated through illustrative results.