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Esophageal Heat Transfer for Patient Temperature Control and Targeted Temperature Management
Published on: November 21, 2017
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Managing the heat: In-Vessel Components
Jenny Cane1, Alan Barth1, Jaime Farrington1
1United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority, Culham Campus , Abingdon, Oxfordshire OX14 3DB, UK.
Summary
The Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) program uses an iterative design method to develop innovative plasma-facing components (PFCs) for a fusion prototype powerplant. This approach identifies solutions for heat management, tritium breeding, and overall plant efficiency.
Area of Science:
- Fusion energy research
- Plasma-facing components (PFCs) engineering
- Nuclear engineering
Background:
- The Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) program aims to create a prototype fusion powerplant.
- Plasma-facing components (PFCs) face extreme heat and particle loads, requiring advanced solutions.
- PFCs must meet stringent requirements for safety, power generation, tritium breeding, and plant availability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail the 'Decide and Iterate' methodology used in the STEP program.
- To explain how this methodology enabled the identification of suitable PFC concepts for the Spherical Prototype Powerplant (SPP).
- To present innovative PFC solutions developed through this design process.
Main Methods:
- Implementation of an iterative 'Decide and Iterate' design methodology.
- Synchronization of prioritized decisions within a rapid, whole-plant concept design schedule.
- Focus on addressing extreme heat, particle, and structural loads on PFCs.
Main Results:
- Identification of novel PFC concepts for the SPP.
- Development of helium-cooled discrete and panel limiters for enhanced tritium breeding and coverage.
- Integration of outboard first wall with breeding zone for improved fuel self-sufficiency.
- Utilisation of heavy water (D2O) in inboard components to boost tritium breeding.
Conclusions:
- The 'Decide and Iterate' methodology is effective for identifying viable PFC concepts in fusion power plant design.
- Innovative PFC solutions have been proposed to meet STEP's demanding requirements.
- These advancements contribute to the goal of delivering fusion energy.
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