“Some thoughts on heating systems for fusion reactor”report presented by Minh Quang Tran

On the 15th of April, Minh Quang Tran, an Emeritus Professor of Plasma Physics at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne, and a former project leader for the WP Heating and Current Drive within the DEMO EUROfusion project, presented a thought-provoking report entitled "Some thoughts on heating systems for fusion reactors".

The international fusion program is currently in full swing, focusing on the physics and design of devices that are in line with the ITER framework (including the EU DEMO and BEST projects, among others). The design of heating systems for projects such as DEMO and BEST typically follows a set of specifications that encompass both physics and machine aspects, aiming to optimize the performance of the reactor. These specifications often include factors such as the impact on the Tritium Breeding Ratio, as well as considerations related to the loads that the system will be subjected to, which include thermal, mechanical, electromagnetic, and nuclear loads.

Furthermore, the seamless integration of Heating and Current Drive systems into the operation of the reactor and its safety mechanisms introduces another layer of complexity. Ensuring the reliability of these systems is of utmost importance, as any failures can lead to increased complexity, which in turn can affect the overall functionality of the reactor.

When extending this discussion to reactors that are designed to supply electricity to the grid, it becomes a significant factor in the negotiations with utility companies. This is because while the grid can typically handle periodic power supply, it is crucial that the supply is predictable to ensure the stability of the grid.

Building on the valuable experience gained through the work performed for the EU DEMO project, as discussed in Tran et al., 2022 (Fusion Engineering and Design 180 (2022) 113159), I will endeavour to share some personal general considerations that may prove useful in the design of heating systems for fusion reactors.

Text by Victoria Saklakova