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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, C.L. Gallagher
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 21 | Number 3 | May 1992 | Pages 1688-1692
Plasma Engineering | doi.org/10.13182/FST92-A29965
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
The CFAR (compact fusion advanced Rankine) cycle concept for an advanced tokamak reactor consists of a high temperature blanket cooled by evaporating mercury, microwave superheaters and magnetohydrodynamic generators for direct electric power generation. The vanadium alloy blanket is designed to minimize the MHD pressure losses in the front section where the mercury is evaporating. A passive concept for condensing the mercury vapor in the event of a LOCA (loss of coolant accident) is described. It is shown that an active cooling system is required to keep the vanadium alloy structure and the front part of the blanket at acceptable temperatures during cool-down after a LOCA.