Published February 1, 2008 | Version v1
Journal article

Which superconducting material for the toroidal field system of the fusion DEMO reactor?

  • 1. Association EURATOM-CEA F-13108 St Paul Lez Durance Cedex (France)

Description

The reflexion about DEMO, a fusion demonstration reactor, has already been initiated in the framework of European tasks and the decision to build ITER at CEA Cadarache has even reinforced the interest for such studies. A key component of this fusion demonstration reactor is the superconducting magnetic system, which represents in ITER 30% of the investment cost. Which superconducting materials are adequate for DEMO and are the emerging HTc superconducting material a necessary technology which cannot be avoided? This crucial question will be examined and discussed, taking into account key parameters of the project such as: - the toroidal magnetic field Bt which plays a determining role in the fusion power and the amplification factor, in association with the major radius R of the machine which is a characteristics of the reactor size. - the operating temperature of the magnet system which can affect the global efficiency of the reactor. As a matter of fact the electrical power associated with the cryogenic refrigeration of the magnet will be estimated and discussed. Two temperatures will be considered: 5 K and 20K. The dimensions of the TF magnet system can be estimated, thanks to a simplified approach. These dimensions have an impact on the machine and enable to obtain a realistic integration of the superconducting magnet system with all aspects of the machine within a system approach

Availability note (English)

Available from http://dx.doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/97/1/012038

Additional details

Publishing Information

Journal Title
Journal of Physics. Conference Series (Online)
Journal Volume
97
Journal Issue
1
Journal Page Range
[7 p.]
ISSN
1742-6596

Conference

Title
8. European conference on applied superconductivity
Dates
16-20 Sep 2007
Place
Brussels (Belgium)