FUSE (Fusion Synthesis Engine): A Next Generation Framework for Integrated Design of Fusion Pilot Plants

TL;DR

FUSE is an advanced, open-source software framework that integrates models, machine learning, and optimization to streamline the comprehensive design and simulation of fusion power plants, supporting various fidelity levels.

Contribution

It introduces a modular, multi-fidelity framework combining physics, engineering, and control models for fusion plant design, utilizing modern software practices and open-source development.

Findings

Enables self-consistent, multi-physics simulations for fusion plant design.

Supports multi-objective optimization balancing cost and performance.

Accelerates the design process with reduced iterative evaluations.

Abstract

The Fusion Synthesis Engine (FUSE) is a state-of-the-art software suite designed to revolutionize fusion power plant design. FUSE integrates first-principle models, machine learning, and reduced models into a unified framework, enabling comprehensive simulations that go beyond traditional 0D systems studies. FUSE's modular structure supports a hierarchy of model fidelities, from steady-state to time-dependent simulations, allowing for both pre-conceptual design and operational scenario development. This framework accelerates the design process by enabling self-consistent solutions across physics, engineering, and control systems, minimizing the need for iterative expert evaluations. Leveraging modern software practices and parallel computing, FUSE also provides multi-objective optimization, balancing cost, efficiency, and operational constraints. Developed in Julia, FUSE is fully open-source under the Apache 2.0 license, promoting transparency and collaboration within the fusion research community.