Advanced Fusion MHD Power Conversion Using the CFAR Cycle Concept

The CFAR (compact fusion advanced Rankine) cycle concept for a tokamak reactor involves the use of a high-temperature Rankine cycle in combination with microwave superheaters and nonequilibrium MHD disk generators to obtain a compact, low-capital-cost power conversion system which fits almost entirely within the reactor vault. The significant savings in the balance-of-plant costs are expected to result in much lower costs of electricity than previous concepts. This paper describes the unique features of the CFAR cycle and a high-temperature blanket designed to take advantage of it as well as the predicted performance of the MHD disk generators using mercury seeded with cesium.