Neutronics Analysis of a Self-Cooled Blanket for a Laser Fusion Plant with Magnetic Diversion

Neutronics Analysis of a Molten Salt Blanket for the HAPL Laser Fusion Power Plant with Magnetic Intervention

“…The results indicate that the dpa rate in the C sublattice is larger than in the Si sublattice of the SiC fiber/matrix. The dpa values are about half those obtained with LiPb while the gas production and burnup rates are -10% higher than with LiPb [4]. This reflects the fact that Flibe is more effective attenuating intermediate and low energy neutrons while LiPb is more effective attenuating high-energy neutrons.…”

“…With 7.7% coverage, the total cusp dump thermal power is estimated to be 240 MW including 106 MW volumetric nuclear heating, 132 MW ion surface heating, and 2 MW x-ray surface heating. If the energy deposited in the cusp dumps and shield is included in the power cycle, the total plant thermal power will be 2121 MW which is -2.5% higher than that with a LiPb blanket [4]. …”

“…A blanket concept made of the low electrical conductivity SiCfSiC composite (required for dissipating the magnetic energy resistively) and utilizing Li17Pb83 eutectic (LiPb) as coolant and tritium breeder was developed and integrated with the magnetic intervention system [4]. In this paper, we address the neutronics issues for a blanket that utilizes the molten salt Flibe (consisting of LiF and BeF2, with a molar ratio of 2:1) in place of LiPb.…”

“…On the other hand, it has a relatively high melting point (459°C), lower thermal conductivity, lower tritium breeding potential, and requires careful chemistry control of the corrosive TF and F2. In order to compare the performance parameters, we carried out neutronics calculations for the Flibe blanket option using the same chamber configuration used previously with LiPb [4]. In this initial configuration, the chamber consists of an upright cone on top of an inverted cone, with the mid-plane space reserved for a toroidal ring cusp dump as shown in Fig.…”

“…Each sub-module consists of two concentric conduits forming an annular channel and a large inner channel. Reference [4] gives a detailed description of the blanket design. Another configuration is currently being considered in which a larger VV encloses the blanket, shield, and magnets [3].…”