Energy yield and fuel dynamics of the fusion breeder

The characteristics of a fusion breeder operating in the full mutualistic mode with a companion fission reactor are examined. For this purpose, the fissile and fusile fuel descriptions are combined with gross reactor core parameters of existing fission and proposed fusion reactors to permit an assessment of fusion energy yield, fissile fuel production rates, and overall systems conversion ratio. It is found that, under the full utilization of the energy and fuel transfer linkages, the fusion breeder possesses considerable merit. Optimal design features and operational procedures can lead to fuel doubling times of the order of days with fissile fuel production rates in the kg/MW-Y range. Tritium economy, specific fuel inventories, and fission reactor conversion ratios are found to be the determining factors