CHEMCON User`s Manual, Version 3.1

This study, called APEX, is exploring novel concepts for fusion chamber technology that can substantially improve the attractiveness of fusion energy systems. The emphasis of the study is on fundamental understanding and advancing the underlying engineering sciences, integration of the physics and engineering requirements, and enhancing innovation for the chamber technology components surrounding the plasma. The chamber technology goals in APEX include: (1) high power density capability with neutron wall load \ 10 MW/m 2 and surface heat flux \ 2 MW/m 2 , (2) high power conversion efficiency ( \ 40%), (3) high availability, and (4) simple technological and material constraints. Two classes of innovative concepts have emerged that offer great promise and deserve further (2001) 181-247 182 research and development. The first class seeks to eliminate the solid ''bare'' first wall by flowing liquids facing the plasma. This liquid wall idea evolved during the APEX study into a number of concepts based on: (a) using liquid metals (Li or Sn-Li) or a molten salt (Flibe) as the working liquid, (b) utilizing electromagnetic, inertial and/or other types of forces to restrain the liquid against a backing wall and control the hydrodynamic flow configurations, and (c) employing a thin ( 2 cm) or thick ( 40 cm) liquid layer to remove the surface heat flux and attenuate the neutrons. These liquid wall concepts have some common features but also have widely different issues and merits. Some of the attractive features of liquid walls include the potential for: (1) high power density capability; (2) higher plasma b and stable physics regimes if liquid metals are used; (3) increased disruption survivability; (4) reduced volume of radioactive waste; (5) reduced radiation damage in structural materials; and (6) higher availability. Analyses show that not all of these potential advantages may be realized simultaneously in a single concept. However, the realization of only a subset of these advantages will result in remarkable progress toward attractive fusion energy systems. Of the many scientific and engineering issues for liquid walls, the most important are: (1) plasma-liquid interactions including both plasma-liquid surface and liquid wall-bulk plasma interactions; (2) hydrodynamic flow configuration control in complex geometries including penetrations; and (3) heat transfer at free surface and temperature control. The second class of concepts focuses on ideas for extending the capabilities, particularly the power density and operating temperature limits, of solid first walls. The most promising idea, called EVOLVE, is based on the use of a high-temperature refractory alloy (e.g. W -5% Re) with an innovative cooling scheme based on the use of the heat of vaporization of lithium. Calculations show that an evaporative system with Li at 1 200°C can remove the goal heat loads and result in a high power conversion efficiency. The vapor operating pressure is low, resulting in a very low operating stress in the structure. In ad...

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“…If surface temperatures are low enough, mobilization of hazardous material is minimized. The CHEMCON code [36] Fig. 42.…”

Section: Loca Calculationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

On the exploration of innovative concepts for fusion chamber technology

Abdou¹,

TEAM²,

Ying³

et al. 2001

Fusion Engineering and Design

310

168

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“…The heat transfer code CHEMCON [10] has been used to simulate a LOFA and to assess the dissipation of afterheat during the transient. It has been found that the decay heat rapidly transfers through radiation to the cooler structures (shielding and confinement building).…”

Section: Loss-of-flow Accident Analysismentioning

confidence: 99%

Status of IFE safety and environmental activities in the US

et al. 2007

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This paper presents an overview of recent progress in the area of inertial fusion energy (IFE) safety and environment (S&E) in the US. Over the past several years, a significant effort has been devoted towards the development of S&E analyses for future IFE power plants. We have completed the safety assessment of various baseline IFE power plant concepts, including simulation of accident scenarios and accident consequences analyses, S&E studies of candidate target materials and discussions on waste management issues. The results from this work have allowed for a better understanding of the behaviour of radioactive sources and hazardous materials within the IFE power plant, identification of the energy sources that could mobilize those materials in case of an accident and assessment of waste management options for IFE. Currently, ongoing S&E studies for IFE are focusing on emerging design concepts, which include support to the high average power laser (HAPL) program for development of a dry-wall, laser-driven IFE power plant and collaboration with the Z-pinch IFE program for the production of an economically attractive power plant using high-yield Z-pinch-driven targets. In this paper, the main safety issues related to the HAPL and Z-IFE programs are reviewed, some recent safety highlights are presented and future directions in the IFE S&E area are proposed.

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“…These data have been used with the heat transfer capability of the CHEMCON code 18 to obtain radioactivity source terms during accident scenarios in both IFE and MFE. CHEMCON was developed by the INEEL FSP to analyze thermal transients and has been updated to account for new experimental data and a more realistic oxidation package.…”

Section: Safety Assessment Tool Developmentmentioning

confidence: 99%