Mirror-based hybrids of recent design

Abstract

Early application of the simple axisymmetric mirror, requiring intermediate performance between a neutron source for materials testing Q=P fusion /P input ~0.05 and pure fusion Q>10, are the hybrid applications. The Axisymmetric Mirror has attractive features as a driver for a fusion-fission hybrid system: geometrical simplicity, as well as the typical mirror features of inherently steady-state operation, and natural divertors in the form of end tanks. Operation at Q~0.7 allows for relatively low electron temperatures, in the range of 3 keV, for the DT injection energy ~ 80 keV from existing positive ion neutral beams designed for steady state. This level of physics performance has the virtue of being low risk with only modest R&D needed; and its simplicity promises economy advantages. A simple mirror with the plasma diameter of 1 m and mirror-to-mirror 2.5 T solenoid length of 40 m is discussed. Simple circular steady state superconducting coils at each end are based on 15 T technology development of the ITER central solenoid. Hybrids obtain important revenues from the sale of both electricity and fuel production or waste burning. Burning fission reactor wastes by fissioning transuranics in the hybrid will multiply fusion's neutron energy by a factor of ~10 or more and diminish the Q needed to overcome the cost of recirculating power for good economics to less than 2 and for minor actinides with multiplication over 50 to Q~0.2. Hybrids that produce fissile fuel with fissioning blankets might need Q<2 while suppressing fissioning might be the most economical application of fusion but will require Q>4.

The BINP road map for development of fusion reactor based on a linear machine

“…The mirror's high beta and axial symmetry advantages were confirmed in the fusion neutron source study [16][17][18][19], albeit with a large extrapolation from the established mirror database. Note, that the problem of a relatively low energy gain may be offset by the ability to easily couple to direct energy conversion, the relative ease of construction and maintenance due to the basic cylindrical geometry, and the ease of fueling and impurity control.…”

“…Essentially, the experiments at GDT and GOL-3 devices have progressed to the point when it becomes possible to consider their results to be used for the first practical applications to fusion. Now, the most attractive options for that would be fusion neutron sources, which are dedicated, for example, to fusion materials development [16,17], or drivers for subcritical fission reactors [18][19][20]. Note that the GDT concept assumes no significant role of electrostatic plugging of the end losses, as in tandem mirrors [21,22], and does not incorporate complex thermal barrier physics [23].…”

A Compact Non-Planar Coil Design for the SFLM Hybrid

“…• Moiseenko et al in Kharkiv, Ukraine is working on fusion-fission and neutron sources [15]. • Moir et al [16] at Lawrence Livermore who recently presented an axisymmetric mirror-based concept.…”

A 14 MeV fusion neutron source for material and blanket development and fission fuel production

“…Beyond the application of the GDT-concept for fusion material development we have considered the potential and requirements for commercial applications [10][11][12]. We focus on a molten salt fission-suppressed fusion breeder of 233 U on the Thorium cycle.…”

“…The first part of this paper considers how the GDT concept could be employed to evaluate the consequences of expected temporal variations of fusion system output [7][8][9]. The second part of this paper considers the GDT concept as a fusion-fission hybrid for the purpose of producing fissile fuel concentrating on blanket design options [10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19].…”