Based on simple physics, engineering, and economic models among various design parameters of reversed-field pinch (RFP) fusion reactors, a parametric system study program has been developed giving cost of electricity (COE) for a given set of design parameters or a set of design parameters giving the minimum COE. This program has been used extensively to select design points and evaluate the sensitivity of physics, engineering, economic and operational parameters in the REPUTER RFP fusion reactor design study effort.Several key features emerged from the study in relation to high power density RFP fusion reactors with solid breeder blanket. They are: (1) selection of normal conductor for TF and PF coils to reduce the thickness of radiation shielding, (2) selection of a total first wall loading of 18 MW/m2 considering the potential economic merit and nonlinear effects which might shorten the lifetime of the first wall, and (3) a maintenance policy of package replacement of the fusion power core, including TF coils, to significantly reduce maintenance time.The uncertainty range of COE was evaluated based on the sensitivity and uncertainty of design variables and parameters. The result warned us of the use of COE evaluated in this program for the purpose of comparison of economy with the result of other fusion system studies.
Conceptual design of a compact helical fusion reactor FFHR-c1 for the early demonstration of year-long electric power generation