Liquid Metal MHD Energy Conversion in Fusion Reactors

In light of advances in the conceptual design of Liquid Metal Magneto Hydro Dynamic (LMMHD) Power Conversion Systems (PCS), a review describing matching possiblities between LMMHD PCS and fusion reactor blankets is presented. It is found that the LMMHD technology may enable the conversion of high-temperature blanket energy into electricity at efficiencies greater than 60%. Being free of moving parts, at least in the high-temperature range, this technology might be easier to implement than technologies based on turbomachinery. LMMHD PCSs can be designed to be completely static and practically hermetically sealed providing simple systems, with expected high reliability, facilitated maintenance and tritium control. Moreover, in none of the LMMHD PCSs considered is there a need for lithium-to-water heat exchange, thus increasing safety and minimizing tritium handling difficulties.