Research on Economics and CO2 Emission of Magnetic and Inertial Fusion Reactors

Abstract

An economical and environment-friendly fusion reactor system is needed for the realization of attractive power plants. Comparative system studies have been done for magnetic fusion energy (MFE) reactors, and been extended to include inertial fusion energy (IFE) reactors by Physics Engineering Cost (PEC) system code. In this study, we have evaluated both tokamak reactor (TR) and IFE reactor (IR). We clarify new scaling formulas for cost of electricity (COE) and CO 2 emission rate with respect to key design parameters. By the scaling formulas, it is clarified that the plant availability and operation year dependences are especially dominant for COE. On the other hand, the parameter dependences of CO 2 emission rate is rather weak than that of COE. This is because CO 2 emission percentage from manufacturing the fusion island is lower than COE percentage from that. Furthermore, the parameters dependences for IR are rather weak than those for TR. Because the CO 2 emission rate from manufacturing the laser system to be exchanged is very large in comparison with CO 2 emission rate from TR blanket exchanges.

Economic Analysis of Advanced Fuel Fusion Reactors and Derivation of Scaling Law for COE

“…The aspect ratio (A) and normalized beta value (β N ) of the TR reactor were set as 3.54 and 4 (D-T), respectively. D- 3 He and D-D (β N = 8) are assigned a high β N . In the STR, we can omit the inner blanket and use a normal conducting coil system for the center post coil, permitting a low aspect ratio (A = 1.62).…”

“…The economics of D-T fusion reactors has been found to follow a scaling law [2,3]. In this paper, we derive new scaling laws for the economics of D-T, D- 3 He and D-D fusion reactors.…”

“…The latter is largely dependent on reactor fusion economics. In previous studies, we have investigated the economics of D-T, D- 3 He and D-D fuel fusion reactors in Tokamak and spherical Tokamak confinement systems [1]. In the present study, we newly evaluate the economics of helical reactors, and perform an extensive parameter survey that clarifies the factors predominantly affecting the economics of advanced fuel fusion reactors.…”

“…However, the 14 MeV neutrons produced by this reaction present engineering and safety problems. Therefore, an ultimate future target is to realize an advanced fuel fusion reactor based on the D- 3 He or D-D reaction.…”

“…In this paper, we derive new scaling laws for the economics of D-T, D- 3 He and D-D fusion reactors.…”