Abstract
Several potentially attractive system options have been identified for use in a linear induction‐driven heavy‐ion fusion reactor power plant. These include higher charge‐state ions, double‐pulsed accelerators, a range of ion species, different target types, innovative cavity approaches and various illumination schemes. Data from the U.S. DOE Heavy‐Ion Fusion (HIF) Systems Assessment (HIFSA) Project were integrated into a unified, comprehensive system performance and cost code for a commercial HIF power plant. This code surveyed the above hardware options over the design parameter spaces of multiple accelerator beams, target gain curve parameter (r3/2R or r/R) gain, repetition rate, ion voltage, beam energy and net electric power output. The results indicate that a 1000 MWe, linac‐driven, HIF power plant can produce electricity on a competitive basis. An innovative triple‐charged heavy ion accelerator design is used that greatly reduces the cost (and length) of the accelerator while increasing the efficiency. The ability of the linac accelerator to operate efficiently at repetition rates of 5 to 1 Hertz indicates promise for reactor cavity protection cencepts such as granular and wetted wall.
Published Version
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