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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.
Enrico Magnani, Lionel Cachon, Thomas Ihli, Jeremy West
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 56 | Number 2 | August 2009 | Pages 935-939
Power Plants, Demo, and Next Steps | Eighteenth Topical Meeting on the Technology of Fusion Energy (Part 2) | doi.org/10.13182/FST09-A9030
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
A part of the recent scoping studies for a European DEMO reactor deals with the design of the in-vessel components and their integration inside the reactor. The main in-vessel components are the Breeding Blankets (Helium Cooled Lithium Lead and Helium Cooled Pebble Bed), the helium supply units called Manifolds (MF) and the Neutron Shields. Alternative concepts for the integration of these components have been developed in parallel by different Europe an associations (FZK, CEA, and EFET). Nevertheless these concepts are all based on the vertical segmentation concept called "Multi Module Segment" (MMS). The big advantage of the MMS concept dwells in the fact that blankets and MF constitute a vertical non-permanent segment to be installed and dismantled by Remote Handling (RH) tools through the upper ports of the reactor. The dimensions, geometry and materials are strictly dependent on the harsh conditions of the in-vessel environment: high temperatures, high neutron fluxes, and high thermo-mechanical loads during normal operations and disruptive events. In addition, suitable systems of attachment able to withstand thermal expansion and the expected loads have been developed to provide reliability and easy in-vessel maintenance. The general aspects of the MMS system and the common RH procedures foreseen are presented and the different specific options for solving attachment and in-vessel assembly issues are discussed.