Overview of the Hyfire Power/Electrolysis Reactor Design

The HYFIRE studies have investigated a number of technical approaches for using the thermal energy produced in a high-temperature Tokamak blanket to provide the electrical and thermal energy required to drive a high-temperature (>1000°C) water electyrolysis process. Current emphasis has been on two design points, one consistent with a peak electrolyzer temperature of ∼1150°C (based on current laboratory experience with high-temperature, solid electrolyte fuel cells), and a second, consistent with a peak electrolyzer temperature of ∼1300°C, which is an extrapolation of present experience. The technical integration of fusion and high-temperature electrolysis appears feasible.