| Presentation: | submitted: | by: |
|---|---|---|
| icc_gw_oral_2007.pdf | 2007-02-14 08:30:26 | Glen Wurden |
| icc2007abstract_mtf_issues_wurden.pdf | 2006-12-18 16:38:57 | Glen Wurden |
Issues for a Magnetized Target Fusion Reactor
Author: Glen Wurden
Requested Type: Consider for Invited
Submitted: 2006-12-18 16:27:22
Co-authors: R. L. Miller, R. E. Siemon
Contact Info:
Los Alamos National Laboratory
MS-E526
Los Alamos, NM 87545
USA
Abstract Text:
One can work backwards from a conceptual pulsed fusion reactor employing magnetized target fusion (MTF), to identify necessary performance requirements and critical physics and engineering issues which would have to be overcome to enable economic energy production. This effort can be compared to prior fast liner(1), LINUS(2), slow liner(3), ICF(4) and Z(5) reactor scenarios to recognize similarities and key differences. By constructing a logic flow diagram from the desired end-state, then assumptions, branching points, and trade-offs are identified. We start from a 4.1 GigaJoule (1-ton equivalent) DT yield via MTF, once every 10 seconds, and see what would be needed to derive net energy from such a system. A single-point design begins with the assumption of a Q of 20, while using a thick, flowing (falling) FLIBE blanket to absorb neutrons and breed tritium, with an electrical drive efficiency (wall plug-to-liner implosion energy) of 30%. This drives a requirement of 3% or greater fractional burn-up of the magnetized DT fuel, and identifies a need for reliable high-current switches with pulsed energy storage that does not exist today. However, a great advantage of flowing wall pulsed systems, such as MTF with the thick liquid wall, is that the reactor has a “fresh” wall for every subsequent implosion/explosion. Essentially, the “fusion materials problem” would be solved (6). Supported by OFES and the DOE LANS Contract No. DE-AC52-06NA25396
1). R. W. Moses, R. A. Krakowski, and R. L. Miller, “Fast-Imploding-Liner Fusion Power,” Proceedings of the Third Topical Meeting on The Technology of Controlled
Nuclear Fusion, Vol. 1, 109 (May 1978) CONF-780508.
2). P. J. Turchi, A. L. Cooper, R. D. Ford, D. J. Jenkins, and R. L. Burton, “Review of the NRL Liner Implosion Program,’’ MegaGauss Physics and Technology, P. J. Turchi, Ed., Plenum Press (1980) 375
3). M. J. Schaeffer, “Slow liner fusion”, GA-Report GA-A22689, Aug. 1997
4). R. W. Moir, R. L. Bieri, X. M. Chen, T. J. Dolan, M. A. Hoffman, et al., “HYLIFE-II: A Molten-Salt Inertial Fusion Energy Power Plant Design-Final Report,” Fusion Technology, 25, 1 (January 1994) 5-25.
5). G. E. Rochau, and the Z-Pinch Power Plant Team, “Progress Toward the Development of an IFE Power Plant Using Z-Pinch Technology,” Fusion Science and Technology, 47, 3 (April 2005) 641.
6). R. Moir “The logic behind thick, liquid-walled, fusion concepts”. LLNL UCRL-JC-115748, 1994.
Characterization: A1,A2
Comments:
Place with other FRC/MTF posters, if a poster.
