Predictive Methods and Analysis of Time Dependent Tritium Flow Rates and Inventories in Fusion Systems

Predictive Methods and Analysis of Time Dependent Tritium Flow Rates and Inventories in Fusion Systems
Author: marco riva
Publisher:
Total Pages: 219
Release: 2020
Genre:
ISBN:

In nuclear fusion reactors, tritium dynamics plays a dominant role. An unprecedented amount of tritium is consumed in Deuterium-Tritium (D-T) nuclear fusion reactors, ~0.5 kg per day for 3 GW fusion power. However, tritium is radioactive, has short half-life (~12.33 years), and is present in nature in negligible concentration. Because of tritium scarcity, future fusion power reactors must be self-sufficient, i.e. the reactor must have a closed fuel cycle where tritium is produced in greater amounts than it is consumed. Furthermore, nuclear fusion reactors must accumulate and provide tritium start-up inventory for the next generation of fusion power plants, since natural reserves of tritium are very limited. Moreover, because of its radioactive nature, tritium presents a serious hazard to the personnel and has implications to safety and nuclear licensing. Accurate predictive models of the nuclear fusion fuel cycle are required to effectively design the fuel cycle components, understand tritium dynamics in the fusion fuel cycle, and determine the technology and physics requirements to attain tritium self-sufficiency. Moreover, accurate predictions of tritium inventories and flow rates within fusion components, and estimations of tritium releases to the environment are necessary for nuclear licensing. In this dissertation, two numerical models are developed to perform tritium transport assessment within fusion systems. First, a high fidelity numerical model is developed to simulate time-dependent tritium transport within the reactor outer fuel cycle (OFC). Detailed (high resolution) component-level models, where constitutive transport equations are implemented in COMSOL Multiphysics and solved for various fusion sub-systems, are integrated into system-level with the use of MATLAB/Simulink S-Functions to reproduce typical OFC tritium streams. The model is applied to the KOrean Helium Cooled Ceramic Reflector Test Blanket System (KO-HCCR TBS) which will be tested in the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER). However, the developed model offers some flexibility and can be applied to other Test Blanket Module (TBM) designs. Second, the overall fusion fuel cycle is modeled analytically by a system of time-dependent zero-dimensional ordinary differential equations with the tritium mean residence time method. This technique yields results useful for understanding the overall fuel cycle dynamics and the importance of certain components and parameters. The analysis of tritium inventories and flow rates is extended to determine the physics and technology requirements to attain tritium self-sufficiency. In particular, the state-of-the-art plasma physics and technology parameters (e.g. tritium burn fraction, fueling efficiency, processing times, etc.) and up-to-date fuel cycle design are considered in the analysis. The tritium self-sufficiency assessment and tritium start-up inventory evaluation are performed to investigate: (i) the effect of the reactor operating scenario and availability factor, e.g. to account for random failures and ordinary maintenance, (ii) the scenarios for commercialization, e.g. risk associated with tritium reserve inventory reduction, (iii) the penetration of fusion energy into power market, e.g. effect of the doubling time, and (iv) the effect of reactor power on tritium start-up inventory, e.g. for plasma-based test facilities, DEMOnstration reactors (DEMO), and power reactors. The results highlight the physics and technology R&D requirements to attain fuel self-sufficiency in fusion reactors.

Tritium Inventories and Associated Tritium Breeding Requirement for Fusion Power Reactors

Tritium Inventories and Associated Tritium Breeding Requirement for Fusion Power Reactors
Author:
Publisher:
Total Pages:
Release: 1984
Genre:
ISBN:

This paper presents an assessment of tritium-breeding requirement for fusion power reactors. The analysis is based on an evaluation of time-dependent tritium inventories in the reactor system. The method presented can be applied to any fusion systems in operation on a steady-state mode as well as on a pulsed mode. The effect of reactor-parameter changes on the required tritium breeding ratio is analyzed for a variety of reactor operation scenarios.

Assessment of Tritium Breeding Requirements for Fusion Power Reactors

Assessment of Tritium Breeding Requirements for Fusion Power Reactors
Author:
Publisher:
Total Pages:
Release: 1983
Genre:
ISBN:

This report presents an assessment of tritium-breeding requirements for fusion power reactors. The analysis is based on an evaluation of time-dependent tritium inventories in the reactor system. The method presented can be applied to any fusion systems in operation on a steady-state mode as well as on a pulsed mode. As an example, the UWMAK-I design was analyzed and it has been found that the startup inventory requirement calculated by the present method significantly differs from those previously calculated. The effect of reactor-parameter changes on the required tritium breeding ratio is also analyzed for a variety of reactor operation scenarios.

Development of a Fusion Fuel Cycle Systems Code

Development of a Fusion Fuel Cycle Systems Code
Author:
Publisher:
Total Pages: 6
Release: 1991
Genre:
ISBN:

The tritium inventory in a D-T fusion experiment, like ITER, may be the major hazard onsite. This tritium is distributed throughout various systems and components. A major thrust of safety work has been aimed at reducing these tritium inventories, or at least at minimizing the amount of tritium that could be mobilized. I have developed models for a time-dependent fuel cycle systems code, which will aid in directing designers towards safer, lower inventory designs. The code will provide a self-consistent picture of system interactions and system interdependencies, and provide a better understanding of how tritium inventories are influenced. A ''systems'' approach is valuable in that a wide range of parameters can be studied, and more promising regions of parameter space can be identified. Ultimately, designers can use this information to specify a machine with minimum tritium inventory, given various constraints. Here, I discuss the models that describe tritium inventory in various components as a function of system parameters, and the unique capabilities of a code that will implement them. The models are time dependent and reflect a level of detail consistent with a systems type of analysis. The models support both a stand-alone Tritium Systems Code, and a module for the SUPERCODE, a time-dependent tokamak systems code. Through both versions, we should gain a better understanding of the interactions among the various components of the fuel cycle systems.

Tritium Technologies for Thermonuclear Fusion Reactors

Tritium Technologies for Thermonuclear Fusion Reactors
Author: Alexander Perevezentsev
Publisher: Academic Press
Total Pages: 368
Release: 2021-06-02
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN: 0128243236

Tritium Technologies for Thermonuclear Fusion Reactors summarizes the most recent research and practice in tritium technologies for the processing of hydrogen isotopes in fuel cycles. Authors Dr. Perevezentsev and Professor Rozenkevich combine their wealth of first-hand experience to present this comprehensive guide which promotes the best radiation protection practices and a more sustainable way to produce power in a thermonuclear reactor plant. Applicable to both magnetic and inertial confinements of plasma, this book covers tritium processing systems, tritium recovery from the plasma chamber, and various safety systems devoted to lessening the impact on the public and environment. The readers are also led through various modeling techniques, such as the separation of hydrogen isotopes, and the detritiation of liquid and gaseous streams in dynamic and steady state operation modes. This book is a practical guide which includes various case studies and examples which will help solidify the reader’s learning. It combines the latest research of tritium technologies with applications for fusion nuclear reactors, and includes solutions and directions for the resolution of various common challenges faced. Engineers, researchers, and students of tritium technologies, fusion energy, and nuclear power generation will gain a detailed and integrated understanding of how tritium can be used within a nuclear setting, for cleaner and more efficient power generation. Guides the reader through problem solving via step-by-step processes and models Includes case studies and examples throughout, from two of the most recognized experts in the field with firsthand knowledge of the subject Presents a comprehensive, practical reference on the tritium fuel cycle for fusion reactors

Tritium Accountancy in Fusion Systems

Tritium Accountancy in Fusion Systems
Author:
Publisher:
Total Pages:
Release: 2014
Genre:
ISBN:

The US Department of Energy (DOE) has clearly defined requirements for nuclear material control and accountability (MC & A) of tritium whereas the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) does not since tritium is not a fissile material. MC & A requirements are expected for tritium fusion machines and will be dictated by the host country or regulatory body where the machine is operated. Material Balance Areas (MBAs) are defined to aid in the tracking and reporting of nuclear material movements and inventories. Material subaccounts (MSAs) are established along with key measurement points (KMPs) to further subdivide a MBA to localize and minimize uncertainties in the inventory difference (ID) calculations for tritium accountancy. Fusion systems try to minimize tritium inventory which may require continuous movement of material through the MSAs. The ability of making meaningful measurements of these material transfers is described in terms of establishing the MSA structure to perform and reconcile ID calculations. For fusion machines, changes to the traditional ID equation will be discussed which includes breading, burn-up, and retention of tritium in the fusion device. The concept of "net" tritium quantities consumed or lost in fusion devices is described in terms of inventory taking strategies and how it is used to track the accumulation of tritium in components or fusion machines.