Recent Progress in the WCLL Breeding Blanket Design for the DEMO Fusion Reactor

Tassone, Alessandro; Nevo, Alessandro Del; Arena, P.; Bongioví, G.; Caruso, Gianfranco; Maio, P.A. Di; Gironimo, Giuseppe Di; Eboli, Marica; Forgione, Nicola; Forte, Ruggero; Giannetti, Fabio; Mariano, G.; Martelli, Emanuela; Moro, F.; Mozzillo, Rocco; Tarallo, Andrea; Villari, R.

doi:10.1109/tps.2017.2786046

Cited by 55 publications

(30 citation statements)

References 23 publications

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“…This concept is better known as multi-module segment (MMS). Consequently, following the adoption of a new DEMO architecture in 2017 [5,12,13], the reference BB design moved from the MMS to the single-module segment (SMS) concept. Indeed, this layout allows one to: (i) optimize the shielding performance and increase the tritium breeding ratio (TBR) thanks to the absence of gaps between the different modules in the poloidal direction, (ii) increase the robustness of the segment against high electromagnetic (EM) loads derived from possible plasma disruptions [14], and (iii) simplify the distribution of both the breeder and coolant to the different regions of the blanket.…”

Section: Wcll Bb Layoutmentioning

confidence: 99%

The DEMO Water-Cooled Lead–Lithium Breeding Blanket: Design Status at the End of the Pre-Conceptual Design Phase

et al. 2021

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The Water-Cooled Lead–Lithium Breeding Blanket (WCLL BB) is one of the two blanket concept candidates to become the driver blanket of the EU-DEMO reactor. The design was enacted with a holistic approach. The influence that neutronics, thermal-hydraulics (TH), thermo-mechanics (TM) and magneto-hydro-dynamics (MHD) may have on the design were considered at the same time. This new approach allowed for the design team to create a WCLL BB layout that is able to comply with different foreseen requirements in terms of integration, tritium self-sufficiency, and TH and TM needs. In this paper, the rationale behind the design choices and the main characteristics of the WCLL BB needed for the EU-DEMO are reported and discussed. Finally, the main achievements reached during the pre-conceptual design phase and some remaining open issues to be further investigated in the upcoming conceptual design phase are reported as well.

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Section: Wcll Bb Layoutmentioning

confidence: 99%

The DEMO Water-Cooled Lead–Lithium Breeding Blanket: Design Status at the End of the Pre-Conceptual Design Phase

et al. 2021

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“…In Table 2, the dimensionless parameters governing the flow features of the considered case are collected. To avoid the build-up of tritium inventory in the blanket, the PbLi in the channel is compelled to move upward in the poloidal direction (z-axis) with a mass flow rate Γ = 0.431 kg/s, equivalent to a mean velocity u 0 = 1.825 mm/s [2,6]. From the average volumetric power,Q = 1/V V Q(x) dV ≈ 6.7 MW/m 3 , it is possible to define a characteristic temperature difference ∆T =Qb 2 /κ and, through the Grashof number, the characteristic velocity for the natural convection contribution is estimated as u nc = √ Grµ/ρb = 451 mm/s.…”

Section: Problem Formulationmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Regarding the latter parameter, the midpoint temperature of the coolant thermodynamic cycle (T ext = 584.65 K) is chosen due to the channel position. The HTC is calculated with h ext = (1/h pipe +1/h H2O ) −1 = 1.05•10 4 W/m 2 K, accounting for the pipe thermal resistance (h pipe = 2κ EU /d i ln(d o /d i )) and the water HTC (h H2O ), obtained from the Dittus-Boelter correlation for turbulent flow in smooth pipes and assuming an average velocity u H2O = 5 m/s [2]. The water properties are evaluated at T ext and 15.5 MPa according to the IAPWS standard [11], as well as the thermal conductivity of the Eurofer from the data reported by Mergia and Boukos [12].…”

Section: Numerical Modelmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In the WCLL, Lithium Lead (PbLi) is employed as breeder, pressurized water at 15.5 MPa as first wall (FW) and breding zone (BZ) coolant, and Eurofer steel as structural material. A single module segmentation approach is adopted with the blanket being segmented only in the toroidal direction [2]. To preserve the Eurofer mechanical properties, the steel bulk and interface temperature must not exceed 823 K (550 • C) during normal operation [3].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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MHD mixed convection flow in the WCLL: Heat transfer analysis and cooling system optimization

Tassone

Caruso

Giannetti

et al. 2019

Fusion Engineering and Design

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In the Water-Cooled Lithium Lead (WCLL) blanket, a critical problem faced by the design is to ensure that the breeding zone (BZ) is properly cooled to avoid the loss of mechanical properties in the structural materials. CFD simulations are performed using ANSYS CFX to assess the cooling system performances accounting for the magnetic field effect in the sub-channel closest to the first wall (FW). Here, intense buoyancy forces (Gr ≈ 10 10) interact with the pressure-driven flow (Re ≈ 10 3) in a MHD mixed convection regime. A constant magnetic field, parallel to the toroidal direction, is assumed with Ha = 8550. The walls bounding the channel and the water pipes are modeled as perfectly conducting. The magnetic field is found to dampen the velocity fluctuations triggered by the buoyancy forces and the flow is similar to a forced convection regime. The PbLi heat transfer coefficient is reduced to one-third of its ordinary hydrodynamic value and, consequently, hot-spots close to the FW are observed, where T Max ≈ 1000 K. Optimization strategies for the BZ cooling system layout are proposed and implemented in the CFD model, thus fulfilling the design criterion.

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“…The Water-Cooled Lithium-Lead (WCLL) BB relies on pressurized water as coolant and Lithium-Lead (PbLi) enriched at 90% in 6 Li as breeder, neutron multiplier and T carrier. Current design (2018), is based on DEMO 2017 [2] specifications, derives from the outcomes of the design studies [3], [4], [5] and R&D activities [6] conducted in the framework of the EUROfusion Programme [7].…”

Section: Introductory Remarksmentioning

confidence: 99%

Recent progress in developing a feasible and integrated conceptual design of the WCLL BB in EUROfusion project

Nevo

Arena

Caruso

et al. 2019

Fusion Engineering and Design

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The water-cooled lithium-lead breeding blanket is in the pre-conceptual design phase. It is a candidate option for European DEMO nuclear fusion reactor. This breeding blanket concept relies on the liquid lithium-lead as breeder-multiplier, pressurized water as coolant and EUROFER as structural material. Current design is based on DEMO 2017 specifications. Two separate water systems are in charge of cooling the first wall and the breeding zone: thermo-dynamic cycle is 295-328°C at 15.5 MPa. The breeder enters and exits from the breeding zone at 330°C. Cornerstones of the design are the single module segment approach and the water manifold between the breeding blanket box and the back supporting structure. This plate with a thickness of 100mm supports the breeding blanket and is attached to the vacuum vessel. It is in charge to withstand the loads due to normal operation and selected postulated initiating events. Rationale and progresses of the design are presented and substantiated by engineering evaluations and analyses. Water and lithium lead manifolds are designed and integrated with the two consistent primary heat transport systems, based on a reliable pressurized water reactor operating experience, and six lithium lead systems. Open issues, areas of research and development needs are finally pointed out.

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Recent Progress in the WCLL Breeding Blanket Design for the DEMO Fusion Reactor

Cited by 55 publications

References 23 publications

The DEMO Water-Cooled Lead–Lithium Breeding Blanket: Design Status at the End of the Pre-Conceptual Design Phase

The DEMO Water-Cooled Lead–Lithium Breeding Blanket: Design Status at the End of the Pre-Conceptual Design Phase

MHD mixed convection flow in the WCLL: Heat transfer analysis and cooling system optimization

Recent progress in developing a feasible and integrated conceptual design of the WCLL BB in EUROfusion project

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