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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.
C. J. Martin, L. A. El-Guebaly
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 52 | Number 4 | November 2007 | Pages 985-989
Technical Paper | Tritium, Safety, and Environment | doi.org/10.13182/FST07-A1622
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
Loss of Coolant Accident (LOCA) and Loss of Flow Accident (LOFA) thermal simulations have been performed for the ARIES compact stellarator fusion power plant. The ARIES-CS design uses three separate coolant loops: lithium-lead (LiPb) in the blanket, helium in the blanket and the shield, and water in the vacuum vessel. The thermal response to LOCA/LOFA conditions was simulated using transient axisymmetric finite element models. In these analyses, the plasma was quenched three seconds after coolant loss, and the temperature of the chamber components subsequently increased due to the generated decay heat. Thermal simulations determined the maximum temperatures reached in the various components were below the 740°C temperature limit for the reusability of the ferritic steel structure.