Introduction
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), in collaboration with the European Union, will hold the Second IAEA DEMO Programme Workshop (DPW-2) at the IAEA Headquarters in Vienna from 17-20 December 2013. The previous workshop in the series was held at the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, California, United States of America from 15 - 18 October 2012.
Background
With the construction of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), the worldwide magnetic fusion programme has begun a transition from a fusion science activity to one aimed at producing fusion energy on an industrial, power plant scale. This is driving an increased emphasis on a fusion technology programme which, along with ITER and accompanying research, will bring fusion as a power source within our reach. While internationally there is no agreement on a single roadmap to fusion, the science and technology issues to be resolved for fusion power to become a reality are broadly agreed upon. Resolving these issues and understanding the options for next-step fusion nuclear facilities are of common interest, even if the emphases and priorities vary from nation to nation. Thus there is substantial scope to add value to the programme by international cooperation. Against this backdrop, the IAEA has established a series of annual Demonstration Fusion Power Plant (DEMO) Programme Workshops to facilitate international collaboration on defining and coordinating DEMO programme activities.
Objectives
The objective of this workshop in the IAEA series is to discuss a subset of key DEMO scientific and technical issues with the aim of defining the facilities and program activities that can lead to their resolution. The workshop output, to be documented in summary presentations and (tentatively) a journal publication, will be information that could be used by any party as input to the planning of possible roadmaps to DEMO. Opportunities to make greater progress through international collaboration will be identified, ideally leading to coordination or joint work where beneficial. To promote continuity in the workshop series, participants will propose the set of topics for the next workshop(s) in the series, considering the status, expected progress, and need for international discussion among the various DEMO issues.
Topics
The workshop will cover the following topics:
- Fusion design codes
This refers to the integrated physics-engineering design codes (e.g., PROCESS and the ARIES system code) that are used to develop point designs and study trade-offs and sensitivities. There is a need to discuss the assumptions used in these codes, physics and engineering constraints and sub-modules, benchmarking activities, and the results of sensitivity and trade-off studies. It is suggested that the workshop focuses on those issues (e.g., neutron damage, power densities) where there are large gaps from ITER to DEMO.
Topic Chair: David Ward
- Plasma power exhaust and impurity control
This topic is continued from DPW-1 in view of the large gaps from ITER to DEMO and the urgency of defining and testing possible solutions. Going beyond DPW-1, there should be reports from national groups addressing the problem comprehensively, e.g. including both steady-state and transient heat loads self-consistently. Specific plans and capabilities of both existing and planned devices, including both confinement facilities and linear devices, should be discussed.
What choices are available for plasma exhaust in fusion nuclear facilities, where the loads and conditions are harsher than those of ITER? What combination of materials, divertor configurations, neutral gas pumping, and operating scenarios will lead to solutions compatible with good plasma performance, tritium breeding, and long component lifetimes?
Topic Chair: Nobuyuki Asakura
- Plasma scenarios and control
This topic encompasses time-dependent simulations of plasma scenarios; and the sensors, actuators, and control models for DEMO. Minimum measurement requirements and minimum actuator requirements need to be clarified. It is suggested that the workshop focuses on those issues (e.g. compatibility with the radiological environment and with tritium breeding blankets) where there are large gaps from ITER to DEMO.
Topic Chair: Richard Hawryluk
- Special topics
- Updates on national roadmap plans, i.e. focusing on significant progress or changes from DPW-1 to DPW-2.
- Report from Japan on the implications of society’s response to Fukushima, and the distinctions between fission and fusion.
EXPENDITURES AND FINANCIAL SUPPORT
The costs for the organization of the workshop are borne by the IAEA. No registration fee will be charged to participants.
As a general rule, the IAEA does not pay travel and accommodation expenses for workshop participants. However, limited funds are available to help meet the cost of attendance of a few selected specialists, primarily those from developing countries with low economic resources.
