Physics and technology conditions for attaining tritium self-sufficiency for the DT fuel cycle

• Published in: Fusion engineering and design Vol. 81; no. 8; pp. 1131 - 1144
• Main Authors: Sawan, M.E., Abdou, M.A.
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 01.02.2006; New York, NY Elsevier Science
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Breeding blanket; Controled nuclear fusion plants; DT fuel cycle; Energy; Energy. Thermal use of fuels; Exact sciences and technology; Installations for energy generation and conversion: thermal and electrical energy; Tritium breeding ratio; Tritium inventory; Tritium self-sufficiency; Tritium inventory; Tritium breeding ratio; DT fuel cycle; Tritium self-sufficiency; Breeding blanket; R and D program; Tokamak; Plasma; Nuclear fusion reactor; Blanket; Fuel cycle; Tritium
• ISSN: 0920-3796; 1873-7196
• DOI: 10.1016/j.fusengdes.2005.07.035

There is no practical external source of tritium for fusion energy development beyond ITER and all subsequent fusion systems have to breed their own tritium. To ensure tritium self-sufficiency, the calculated achievable tritium breeding ratio (TBR) should be equal to or greater than the required TBR. The potential of achieving tritium self-sufficiency depends on many system physics and technology parameters. Interactive physics and technology R&D programs should be implemented to determine the potential of realizing those physics and technology options and parameters that have large effects on attaining a realistic “window” for tritium self-sufficiency. The ranges of plasma and technology conditions that need to be met, in order to ensure tritium self-sufficiency, are identified.