Conceptual Design of the D-³He Reactor Artemis

Abstract

A comprehensive design study of the D-³He-fueled field-reversed configuration (FRC) reactor Artemis is carried out for the purpose of proving its attractive characteristics and clarifying the critical issues for a commercial fusion reactor. The FRC burning plasma is stabilized and sustained in a steady equilibrium by means of preferential trapping of D-³He fusion-produced energetic protons. A novel direct energy converter for 15-MeV protons is also presented. On the bases of consistent fusion plasma production and simple engineering, a compact and simple reactor concept is presented. The D-³He FRC power plant offers a most attractive prospect for energy development. It is environmentally acceptable in terms of radioactivity and fuel resources, and the estimated cost of electricity is low compared with a light water reactor. Critical physics and engineering issues in the development of the D-³He FRC reactor are clarified.