Common Views of Potentially Attractive Fusion Concepts

ABSTRACT

To greatly increase the attractiveness of fusion energy, one should focus on innovative ideas that improve the picture from three perspectives - economics, maintenance and reliability, and safety and environment. Although these differing perspectives can lead to some conflicting desires, five common desired features are apparent - (a) minimum failure rates, (b) minimum failure effects, (c) minimum complexity, (d) minimum short-term radioactivity, and (e) maximum mass power density. Achievement of many desired features cannot yet be quantified. Some innovative fusion concepts are briefly examined in the light of these commonalities.