Preliminary design of primary heat transfer system for CFETR Water-Cooled Ceramic Breeder blanket

Highlights: • Operating scheme of WCCB PHTS for the two phases of CFETR is proposed. • Preliminary design of the WCCB PHTS for CFETR is presented. • A node model of WCCB PHTS using systematic code RELAP5 is developed. • Steady-state results are obtained, indicating the feasibility of the WCCB PHTS. -- Abstract: The Chinese Fusion Engineering Testing Reactor (CFETR) is the bridge between International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) and future fusion DEMOnstration reactor. It will operate in two phases with 200 MW fusion power for Phase I and 1.5 GW fusion power for Phase II. For the engineering design of CFETR, it requires the Water-Cooled Ceramic Breeder (WCCB) Blanket which is a candidate concept for CFETR, to remove the heat and convert fusion energy with one set of Primary Heat Transfer System (PHTS) satisfying both Phase I and Phase II. It is challenging as heat sources differ greatly for the two phases of CFETR. Therefore, it is indispensable to design the WCCB PHTS with overall consideration. Based on the WCCB blanket configuration, an operating scheme of the PHTS is proposed from the perspective of reliable operation and simple system layout. The preliminary design of the PHTS has been performed including the pipes and the steam generator. Also, the main parameters of the system components are presented. In addition, the requirement for the pump has also been discussed based on the system pressure drop. To verify the reliability of the system design, the PHTS is modeled using systematic thermal hydraulic program RELAP5. Steady-state results for both two phases are obtained, indicating that the designed PHTS and operating scheme are feasible.