Modeling and analysis of alternative concept of ITER vacuum vessel primary heat transfer system

• Published in: Fusion engineering and design 2010-12, Vol.85 (10), p.1852-1858
• Main Authors: Carbajo, Juan, Yoder, Graydon, Dell’Orco, G., Curd, Warren, Kim, Seokho
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: 70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY; Aircraft; Alternative concept; Applied sciences; COMPUTER-AIDED DESIGN; Controled nuclear fusion plants; Crashes; Decay; Design engineering; Devices using thermal energy; Energy; Energy. Thermal use of fuels; Exact sciences and technology; HEAT EXCHANGERS; Heat exchangers (included heat transformers, condensers, cooling towers); HEAT TRANSFER; Installations for energy generation and conversion: thermal and electrical energy; ITER TOKAMAK; MODIFICATIONS; Proposals; R CODES; Safety; SAFETY ENGINEERING; Tanks; Theoretical studies. Data and constants. Metering; VACUUM SYSTEMS; Vessels
• ISSN: 0920-3796; 1873-7196
• DOI: 10.1016/j.fusengdes.2010.06.010

A RELAP5-3D model of the ITER (Latin for “the way”) vacuum vessel (VV) primary heat transfer system has been developed to evaluate a proposed design change that relocates the heat exchangers (HXs) from the exterior of the tokamak building to the interior. This alternative design protects the HXs from external hazards such as wind, tornado, and aircraft crash. The proposed design integrates the VV HXs into a VV pressure suppression system (VVPSS) tank that contains water to condense vapour in case of a leak into the plasma chamber. The proposal is to also use this water as the ultimate sink when removing decay heat from the VV system. The RELAP5-3D model has been run under normal operating and abnormal (decay heat) conditions. Results indicate that this alternative design is feasible, with no effects on the VVPSS tank under normal operation and with tank temperature and pressure increasing under decay heat conditions resulting in a requirement to remove steam generated if the VVPSS tank low pressure must be maintained.