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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.
Jack Hovingh
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 4 | Number 2 | September 1983 | Pages 173-177
Hybrids and Nonelectric Applications | doi.org/10.13182/FST83-A22863
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
Performance of an inertial fusion system for the production of hydrogen is compared to a tandem mirror system hydrogen producer. Both systems use the General Atomic sulfur-iodine hydrogen production cycle and produce no net electric power to the grid. An ICF-driven hydrogen producer will have higher system gains and lower electrical-consumption ratios than the design point for the tandem mirror system if the inertial fusion energy gain ηQ > 8.8. For the ICF system to have a higher hydrogen production rate per unit fusion power than the tandem mirror system requires that ηQ > 17. These can be achieved utilizing realistic laser and pellet performances.