Conceptual design study of the fusion experimental reactor (FER)

A conceptual design study of the Fusion Experimental Reactor (FER) is presented. FER is planned, on the basis of a domestic programme, as a device to explore reasonable minimum physics and technological issues necessary to proceed to DEMO. Among various concepts, including the improvement of ITER-like design, the reference design of FER is chosen as size-minimum and a detailed design study is performed. LHCD assist and a single null divertor configuration are employed to reduce the device size. Simplification and the resultant reliability are attained by the appropriate choice of the fluence, 0.3 MW·a·m-2. A variety of new ideas are explored to develop the FER concept. A layered structure of the divertor for a reliable maintenance scheme and a uniform vacuum vessel with a thin double wall structure for providing structural simplicity and tritium double containment are typical examples. R and D programmes for these key reactor components are now actively being promoted in conjunction with this design activity. (author). 4 refs, 2 figs, 1 tab