Fusion Reactor Options and Alternatives for the RFP

The poloidal-field-dominated confinement properties of the Reversed-Field Pinch (RFP) are exploited to examine physics and technical issues related to compact, high-power-density fusion reactors. Past studies of the Compact RFP Reactor (CRFPR) were based on a liquid-metal-cooled fusion power core (FPC) that confined high-density plasma at high beta with fields generated by resistive coils. These early framework studies combine with a better conceptual understanding of RFP confinement, impurity control, and current drive to justify further study. A comprehensive systems and trade study has been conducted as part of an ongoing in-depth reactor assessment. Optimal reactor designs, directions, and design sensitivities emerging from this study are described.