Pulsed DEMO design assessment studies

TL;DR

This paper evaluates design considerations for a pulsed DEMO fusion power plant, focusing on current technology feasibility, component durability, and energy storage, to guide future development without requiring technological breakthroughs.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive assessment of pulsed DEMO design issues based on recent literature and systems analysis, emphasizing near-term technological implementation.

Findings

Pulse length vs. size trade-offs analyzed

Plasma facing component erosion studied

Superconductor fatigue life improvements identified

Abstract

Now that ITER is under construction, interest is increasing in the specification and design of the successor machine, a Demonstration Power Plant (DEMO), which in Europe is coordinated by the EFDA Power Plant Physics and Technology programme. This paper summarises the work carried out for EFDA in 2011-2012 on design issues pertinent to a pulsed version of DEMO, intended to be implemented with little or no extrapolation of technology available today. The work was carried out by the Euratom Fusion Associations CCFE, CEA, CRPP, ENEA and KIT, and in addition to a review of recent relevant literature addressed systems code analyses (pulse length vs. size), erosion of plasma facing components, thermomechanical fatigue in the blanket and first wall, a range of energy storage issues, and fatigue life improvements in Nb3Sn CICC superconductors.