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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.
B. A. Pint
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 52 | Number 4 | November 2007 | Pages 829-833
Technical Paper | First Wall, Blanket, and Shield | doi.org/10.13182/FST07-A1594
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
One proposed U.S. test blanket module (TBM) for ITER uses ferritic-martensitic alloys with both eutectic Pb-Li and He coolants at ~475°C. In order for this blanket concept to operate at higher temperatures (~750°C) for a DEMO-type reactor, several Pb-Li compatibility issues need to be addressed. A SiC/SiC composite flow channel insert is proposed to reduce the steel dissolution rate (and the magnetohydrodynamic pressure drop). Prior capsule testing examined dense, high-purity SiC in Pb-Li at 800°-1200°C and found detectable levels of Si in the Pb-Li after 2,000h at 1100°C and 1,000h at 1200°C. Current capsule experiments are examining several different SiC/SiC composite materials at 1000°C. Another issue involves Pb-Li transport between the first wall and heat exchanger. Aluminide coatings on type 316 stainless steel and Al-containing alloys capable of forming an external alumina scale have been studied in capsule experiments at 700° and 800°C for 1,000h. Model aluminide coatings made by chemical vapor deposition reduced the dissolution rate for 316SS at 800°C by a factor of 50.