The need and prospects for improved fusion reactors

Krakowski, R.A.; Miller, R.L.; Hagenson, R.L.

doi:10.1007/bf01050615

Cited by 9 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 27 publications

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“…The ratio R dipole W /R aries W ∼ 5.7 indicates a substantially better utilization of magnetic field energy in a dipole, which results from the high average beta that a dipole can support. Although the ARIES AT wall loading (3.3 MW m −2 from neutrons) exceeds the dipole reactor wall loading (photons and particles) by a factor of 40, the mass power density [41], i.e. the power per unit volume of structure (first wall + coil), which we estimate to be 1.7 MW m −3 for the dipole is comparable with the mass power density of Aries, estimated to be 1.5 MW m −3 (thermal power = 2 GW, system volume = 1300 m 3 ).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 97%

Helium catalysed D–D fusion in a levitated dipole

et al. 2003

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Fusion research has focused on the goal of a fusion power source that utilizes deuterium–tritium (D–T) because the reaction rate is relatively large. Fusion reactors based on the deuterium–deuterium (D–D) reaction, however, might be superior to D–T based reactors insofar as they minimize the power produced in neutrons and do not require the breeding of tritium. We explore an alternative D–D based fuel cycle and show that a levitated dipole may be uniquely suited for this application. We find that a dipole based D–D power source can potentially provide a substantially better utilization of magnetic field energy with a mass power density comparable with a D–T based tokamak power source.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 97%

Helium catalysed D–D fusion in a levitated dipole

et al. 2003

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“…Several fusion power plant studies based on the RFP configuration were undertaken in the 1980s with a goal to identify compact, high-power-density options as the basis for fusion reactors with mass power density competitive with fission reactors [636,637]. The TITAN reactor concept [638][639][640][641] was the most detailed of these studies for the RFP.…”

Section: Rfp Reactor Studiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

The reversed field pinch

et al. 2021

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This paper reviews the research on the reversed field pinch (RFP) in the last three decades. Substantial experimental and theoretical progress and transformational changes have been achieved since the last review (Bodin 1990 Nucl. Fusion 30 1717–37). The experiments have been performed in devices with different sizes and capabilities. The largest are RFX-mod in Padova (Italy) and MST in Madison (USA). The experimental community includes also EXTRAP-T2R in Sweden, RELAX in Japan and KTX in China. Impressive improvements in the performance are the result of exploration of two lines: the high current operation (up to 2 MA) with the spontaneous occurrence of helical equilibria with good magnetic flux surfaces and the active control of the current profile. A crucial ingredient for the advancements obtained in the experiments has been the development of state-of-art active feedback control systems allowing the control of MHD instabilities in presence of a thin shell. The balance between achievements and still open issues leads us to the conclusion that the RFP can be a valuable and diverse contributor in the quest for fusion electricity.

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