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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.
M.A. Hoffman, Y.T. Lee
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 21 | Number 3 | May 1992 | Pages 1557-1568
Inertial Fusion Reactor Studies | doi.org/10.13182/FST92-A29942
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
The HYLIFE-II concept uses the molten salt, Flibe as the primary coolant for the liquid jet flows in the reactor and uses sodium fluoroborate (NaBF4) in the secondary loop. The impact of these molten salts on the direct capital cost of the balance of plant (BOP) and on the cost of electricity (COE) has been investigated. The RUBY computer code has been written specifically for these molten salts and includes detailed analytical models for the intermediate heat exchangers (IHX's) and the steam generator system consisting of separate evaporators and superheaters. Using the RUBY code, the design of these large and costly heat exchangers and the associated tritium removal system has been optimized to yield the minimum COE. The cost models used in the code are described and the results of the optimization are given.