A fusion power plant produces of fusion power

PHYSICS · Multi-part · Fermi University Physics · Plasma Physics · Fusion plasmas · Fusion plasmas

Energy from Physics, Ch Fusion as a power plant: gain, beta, wall loading and breeding

Problem

A fusion power plant produces

P_{\rm fus} = 2.0\,\mathrm{GW}

of fusion power. Its designers allow an average neutron wall loading of

\Gamma_n = 1.5\,\mathrm{MW\,m^{-2}}

on the first wall, and the torus has an aspect ratio (major radius over minor radius) of

3

. A fraction

0.8

of the fusion power leaves the plasma as

14.1\,\mathrm{MeV}

neutrons and strikes the first wall; the rest leaves as charged alpha-particle energy retained in the plasma. ((a)) Find the required first-wall area. ((b)) Find the torus's major radius

R_0

, using the torus surface area

4\pi^2 R_0 a

with minor radius

a

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