What Would Happen to a Fusion Power Plant in the Case of Plasma Disruption? A Dynamic Model Simulation

It is a widespread view in the fusion community that steady-state, water-cooled fusion power plants can utilize the power generation systems of conventional pressurized water reactor (PWR) fission plants as is. However, what would happen to a fusion power plant in the case of plasma disruption? The authors constructed a dynamic simulation model of a water-cooled ceramic breeder blanket fusion power plant model on Modelica language [300.0-MW(electric) electrical output/1138-MW(thermal) fusion output] and evaluated the applicability of a PWR power generation system. Simulation results suggest that while the PWR system would function as intended during steady-state operation, the conventional system may not be able to cope with a sudden loss of energy influx in the event of plasma disruption without modification: The PWR system’s steam generator experienced a water overflow in less than 150 s from the plasma disruption.