Breeding blanket: Difference between revisions
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[[File:ITER_Blanket_modules.png|400px|thumb|right|ITER Blanket Modules, acting as a shield for the heat load inside the vacuum chamber and for the high-energy neutrons produced in the fusion reactions.]] | |||
The breeding blanket consists of a set of modules covering the interior of the fusion reactor vessel, capable of supporting a high heat load and an intense neutron flux. Its main purpose is threefold: | The breeding blanket consists of a set of modules covering the interior of the fusion reactor vessel, capable of supporting a high heat load and an intense neutron flux. Its main purpose is threefold: | ||
# to assure self-sufficiency of the fusion reactor with regard to tritium (by producing, from lithium, at least the same amount of tritium as that which is consumed in the plasma), | # to assure self-sufficiency of the fusion reactor with regard to tritium (by producing, from lithium, at least the same amount of tritium as that which is consumed in the plasma), | ||
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Currently, Europe is developing two alternative concepts for the breeding blanket of [[DEMO]], both based on helium cooling, which must be tested in experiments to be performed at [[ITER]]. One is based on liquid metal, and the other on the use of Li and Be ceramics (acting as neutron multipliers) in the shape of small spheres. | Currently, Europe is developing two alternative concepts for the breeding blanket of [[DEMO]], both based on helium cooling, which must be tested in experiments to be performed at [[ITER]]. One is based on liquid metal, and the other on the use of Li and Be ceramics (acting as neutron multipliers) in the shape of small spheres. | ||
<ref>[http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.fusengdes.2005.09.005 R. Andreani et al., Fusion Engineering and Design '''81''', Issues 1-7 (2006) 25-32 ]</ref> | |||
== See also == | |||
* The [[TECNO FUS]] project | |||
* The Goal Oriented Training [[EUROBREED]] | |||
== References == | |||
<references /> | |||
Latest revision as of 10:13, 12 January 2012
The breeding blanket consists of a set of modules covering the interior of the fusion reactor vessel, capable of supporting a high heat load and an intense neutron flux. Its main purpose is threefold:
- to assure self-sufficiency of the fusion reactor with regard to tritium (by producing, from lithium, at least the same amount of tritium as that which is consumed in the plasma),
- to maximise the net efficiency of the power plant (by assuring the highest possible temperature of the coolant), and
- to act as a radiation barrier (such that the components behind the breeding blanket receive the lowest amount of radiation possible).
Currently, Europe is developing two alternative concepts for the breeding blanket of DEMO, both based on helium cooling, which must be tested in experiments to be performed at ITER. One is based on liquid metal, and the other on the use of Li and Be ceramics (acting as neutron multipliers) in the shape of small spheres. [1]