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Fusion energy: Progress, partnerships, and the path to deployment
Over the past decade, fusion energy has moved decisively from scientific aspiration toward a credible pathway to a new energy technology. Thanks to long-term federal support, we have significantly advanced our fundamental understanding of plasma physics—the behavior of the superheated gases at the heart of fusion devices. This knowledge will enable the creation and control of fusion fuel under conditions required for future power plants. Our progress is exemplified by breakthroughs at the National Ignition Facility and the Joint European Torus.
F. Bombarda, B. Coppi, F. Franza, Z. S. Hartwig, G. Ramogida, M. Zucchetti
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 61 | Number 1 | January 2012 | Pages 95-100
Fusion | Proceedings of the Fifteenth International Conference on Emerging Nuclear Energy Systems | doi.org/10.13182/FST12-A13403
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
Fusion creates more neutrons per energy released than fission or spallation, therefore DT fusion facilities have the potential to become the most intense sources of neutrons for material testing. An Ignitor-like device, that is a compact, high field, high density machine could be envisaged for this purpose making full use of the intense neutron flux that it can generate, without reaching ignition. The main features of this High Field Neutron Source Facility, which would have about 50% more volume than Ignitor, are illustrated and the R&D required in order to achieve relevant dpa quantities in the tested materials are discussed, in particular the adoption of superconducting magnet coils. Radiation damage evaluations have been performed by means of the ACAB code, showing the potential of high field, neutron-rich devices for fusion material testing. Few full-power months of operation are sufficient to obtain significant radiation damage values (in terms of dpa) of large size samples (~m3). The setup of a duty cycle for the device in order to obtain such operation times is discussed. The problem of radiation damage to the insulator of the Toroidal Field Coils has been explored. Two strategies for mitigating damage to the TF coil insulators have been demonstrated, and it is likely that both will need to be implemented to ensure the survival of the insulating material for the lifetime of the tokamak.