Systems assessment of heavy ion beam fusion drivers. Final report, January 1, 1978-December 31, 1979

A systems analysis for a fusion reactor utilizing a heavy ion beam-pellet fusion is carried out to evaluate the performance of several potential drivers. These include the two proposed by the Argonne National Laboratory, namely Hearthfire Reference Concepts 2 and 3; the RF linear accelerator proposed by the Brookhaven National Laboratory; and the Induction Linac System advanced by the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory. It is shown that accelerator systems utilizing rapid cycling synchrotrons are the least attractive drivers unless the efficiency of this component is sufficiently improved. Using a power cost-formula that accounts for the accelerator operating cost it appears on the basis of available data that only one driver might fall within the economically acceptable range of producing electric power at 4 cents a kilowatt hour but only if certain optimistic conditions are met