A conceptual fusion reactor based on the high-plasma-density Z-pinch

Abstract

Conceptual DT and DD fusion reactors are discussed based on magnetic confinement with the high-plasma-density Z-pinch. The reactor concepts have no “first wall”, the fusion neutrons and plasma energy being absorbed directly into a surrounding lithium vortex blanket. Efficient systems with low re-circulated power are projected, based on a flow-through pinch cycle for which overall Q values can approach 10. The conceptual reactors are characterized by simplicity, small minimum size (100 MW(e)) and by the potential for minimal radioactivity hazards.

Ol'ga Arsen'evna Oleinik (on her sixtieth birthday)

“…The Marx/water-line configuration to which is affixed the DZP, however, will result in a number of design and operational constraints. Since both the transferred and fusion energies are small, the issue of a high repetition-rate Marx/water-line system should be less critical than that for systems requiring 1-10 MJ transfers [13,23]. Furthermore, the low total yield (4-5 MJ) should significantly ameliorate the blast-confinement problem that proves so important for higher-yield devices [13,23].…”

“…Since both the transferred and fusion energies are small, the issue of a high repetition-rate Marx/water-line system should be less critical than that for systems requiring 1-10 MJ transfers [13,23]. Furthermore, the low total yield (4-5 MJ) should significantly ameliorate the blast-confinement problem that proves so important for higher-yield devices [13,23]. The low fusion yields predicted by this study, however, correspond to a revenue of only a few cents per discharge, and more detailed engineering considerations must be given to the quantitative estimate of destroyed material (if any) and the associated replacement cost.…”

“…a few microseconds), the associated reactor system would lead to a potentially economic, compact, and highly modular power plant with very small capital investment. A conceptual DZP reactor has been previously proposed [13]. The plasmas for the design given in Ref.…”

“…The plasmas for the design given in Ref. [13] are small (2.2-mm diameter and 100-mm long) and dense (3.2 X 10 26 nf 3 ). A final temperature of 41 keV, a short burning time (~ 2.5 JUS) and a low output power (100 MW(e)) was proposed.…”

Transition from Beam-Target to Thermonuclear Fusion in High-Current DeuteriumZ-Pinch Simulations

“…The drop stands as a barrier to potential applications such as a compact neutron source for imaging diagnostics, radiation therapy, isotope production, etc. and as a source of economical fusion energy [5][6][7][8]. The exact cause for the deviation has eluded researchers for nearly 50 years [4].…”