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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.
I. Maya, K. R. Schultz, J. M. Battaglia, L. C. Brown, E. T. Cheng, R. L. Creedon, D. R. Engler, W. G. Homeyer, M. T. Simnad, P. W. Trester, C. P. C. Wong, R. W. Goodrich, B. K. Jensen, R. Krauss
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 4 | Number 2 | September 1983 | Pages 178-183
Hybrids and Nonelectric Applications | doi.org/10.13182/FST83-A22864
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
A conceptual fusion synfuel production system has been developed with the unique features of: (1) a fusion blanket producing high-temperature (1250°C) process heat, and (2) the GA sulfur-iodine thermochemical cycle. The system incorporates a two-zone blanket which achieves a tritium breeding ratio of 1.1 while delivering a high fraction (30%) of the fusion heat at high temperatures (1250°C). The multiple barriers to tritium permeation in the blanket design permit the hydrogen product to meet 10CFR20 regulatory requirements without stringent requirements on the tritium recovery systems. A ceramic heat exchanger, incorporating SiC tubes and headers to contain the process stream and a cooled, Inconel 718 pressure shell to contain the helium, was designed for transferring the heat from the high-temperature coolant to the process. A good heat-line match of the blanket heat-source temperature distribution to the requirements of the thermochemical plant was attained under the dual goal of maximizing process efficiency and minimizing the hydrogen cost. The results are a process efficiency of 45%, an overall plant efficiency of 43%, and an estimated cost of hydrogen of $12 to $14 per Gigajoule of hydrogen ($11 to $13 per million Btu).