Hybrid Reactor Studies Based on the Straight Field Line Mirror

• Published in: Fusion science and technology 2013-05, Vol.63 (1T), p.52-57
• Main Authors: Ågren, O., Moiseenko, V. E., Noack, K., Hagnestål, A., Källne, J., Anglart, H.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1536-1055; 1943-7641; 1943-7641
• DOI: 10.13182/FST13-A16873

The straight field line mirror (SFLM) hybrid reactor studies aim to identify a concept where the safety of fission power production could be enhanced. A fusion neutron source could become a mean to achieve this. The SFLM studies address critical issues such as reactor safety, natural circulation of coolants, steady state operation for a year or more and means to avoid too strong material loads by a proper geometrical arrangement of the reactor components. A key result is that power production may be possible with a fusion Q factor as low as 0.15. This possibility arises from the high power amplification by fission, which within reactor safety margins may exceed a factor of 100. The requirements on electron temperature are dramatically lower for a fusion hybrid compared to a stand-alone fusion reactor. This and several other factors are important for our choice to select a mirror machine for the fusion hybrid reactor studies.