UK Fusion Programme 2008-2010
Lead Research Organisation:
CCFE/UKAEA
Department Name: Culham Centre for Fusion Energy
Abstract
Fusion is the main energy source of the universe; it is the process that powers the sun and the stars. If it can be harnessed economically on earth, it has the potential to be an important component of the portfolio of measures needed to ensure a secure, environmentally responsible, supply of energy, at a time when fossil fuels will be becoming increasingly expensive. There is increasing realisation of this potential as reflected by the launch of the International Tokamak Experimental Reactor (ITER) project, being built in France, which will be the first fusion device to achieve energy gain and sustained burn.In a fusion reaction, large amounts of energy are released when the nuclei of two light atoms fuse together at extremely high temperatures to create a nucleus of a larger atom. In the most promising way to achieve these conditions on earth, strong magnetic fields in a tokamak configuration are used to control and confine the high temperature plasma.UKAEA's Culham Science Centre in Oxfordshire is one of the world's leading fusion research centres, and contributes to fusion research in two ways: (i) through the UK's own programme focused on the spherical tokamak experiment MAST, and (ii) by contributing to the Joint European Torus (JET) programme. International co-operation is strong with the focus on the International Tokamak Experimental Reactor (ITER). EURATOM part-funds all national programmes in Europe including the UK's.Experimental programmes on the MAST and JET tokamaks are performed to help resolve and refine understanding of key physics issues for ITER. In addition, experimental programmes on MAST focus on testing the potential of the spherical tokamak as a more compact option for future fusion devices. A strong theory and modelling group, utilising parallel- and super-computing facilities, supports the experimental programmes and contributes to the research and development of fusion materials and to studies of conceptual fusion power stations. The UK leads the research and development of two ITER specialist (diagnostic and heating) systems, and participates in several others of these large complex projects.The results of the research are presented in reports and publications, and at conferences, expert groups and specialist committees. Collaborations with researchers in other areas of science and technology are pursued strongly, where the research overlaps with fusion R&D, and increasingly there are fusion researchers in universities with whom UKAEA works.The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the European Commission fund, provide advice and monitor the UK fusion programme (some of the European funding / for work on ITER systems - is now channelled through the new Fusion for Energy Agency in Barcelona). The Fusion Advisory Board (FAB) advises EPSRC and UKAEA on the programme and on the longer-term strategy for fusion research at Culham; FAB receives reports from the MAST Programme Advisory Committee, a sub-group on ITER and industry, and an annual UK Fusion Materials Forum.
Organisations
Publications
Vrancken M
(2009)
Scattering-matrix arc detection on the JET ITER-like ICRH antenna
in Fusion Engineering and Design
Hamlyn-Harris C
(2009)
Engineering design of an RF vacuum window for the ITER ICRH antenna
in Fusion Engineering and Design
Surrey E
(2008)
A beam profile monitor for IFMIF
in Fusion Engineering and Design
Voss G
(2008)
Conceptual design of a component test facility based on the spherical tokamak
in Fusion Engineering and Design
Forrest R
(2008)
Detailed analysis of (n,p) and (n,a) cross sections in the EAF-2007 and TALYS-generated libraries
in Fusion Engineering and Design
Titarev V
(2009)
Computational modelling of the IFMIF lithium target
in Fusion Engineering and Design
Romanelli F
(2009)
Recent contribution of JET to the ITER physics
in Fusion Engineering and Design
Shinohara K
(2009)
Effects of ferromagnetic components on energetic ion confinement in ITER
in Fusion Engineering and Design
Han W
(2009)
Revised assessments of the economics of fusion power
in Fusion Engineering and Design
McArdle G
(2008)
Adaptation of the MAST passive current simulation model for real-time plasma control
in Fusion Engineering and Design
Vega J
(2009)
New developments at JET in diagnostics, real-time control, data acquisition and information retrieval with potential application to ITER
in Fusion Engineering and Design
Ruset C
(2009)
Industrial scale 10µmW coating of CFC tiles for ITER-like Wall Project at JET
in Fusion Engineering and Design
Uytdenhouwen I
(2009)
Preliminary assessment of possible carbide formation on Be and T contaminated CFC tiles from JET
in Fusion Engineering and Design
Villari R
(2008)
Validation of shutdown dose rate Monte Carlo calculations through a benchmark experiment at JET
in Fusion Engineering and Design
Hirai T
(2008)
Thermal load testing of erosion-monitoring beryllium marker tile for the ITER-Like Wall Project at JET
in Fusion Engineering and Design
Phillips G
(2009)
Engineering of diagnostic equatorial port plugs for ITER
in Fusion Engineering and Design
Wilson P
(2008)
State-of-the-art 3-D radiation transport methods for fusion energy systems
in Fusion Engineering and Design
Davis A
(2010)
Benchmarking the MCR2S system for high-resolution activation dose analysis in ITER
in Fusion Engineering and Design
Kurihara K
(2008)
Plasma control systems relevant to ITER and fusion power plants
in Fusion Engineering and Design
Karditsas P
(2009)
Design issues and implications for structural integrity of fusion power plant components
in Fusion Engineering and Design
Rosanvallon S
(2008)
Dust control in tokamak environment
in Fusion Engineering and Design
Rincón E
(2009)
Thermal and hydraulic analysis of the cooling system for the ITER equatorial port plugs
in Fusion Engineering and Design
Albanese R
(2009)
ITER vertical stabilization system
in Fusion Engineering and Design
Jones C
(2009)
Conceptual design of a compact absolute valve for the ITER neutral beam injectors
in Fusion Engineering and Design
Borthwick A
(2009)
Mechanical design features and challenges for the ITER ICRH antenna
in Fusion Engineering and Design
Robbins E
(2009)
The use of virtual reality and intelligent database systems for procedure planning, visualisation, and real-time component tracking in remote handling operations
in Fusion Engineering and Design
Shibaev S
(2008)
Software for fast cameras and image handling on MAST
in Fusion Engineering and Design
Patel K
(2009)
Optically transmissive window on ITER port cell door
in Fusion Engineering and Design
Sartori F
(2008)
The JET PCU project: An international plasma control project
in Fusion Engineering and Design
Avrigeanu M
(2009)
Analysis of deuteron elastic scattering and induced activation cross-sections of light and medium nuclei for IFMIF EVEDA
in Fusion Engineering and Design
Mertens P
(2009)
A bulk tungsten divertor row for the outer strike point in JET
in Fusion Engineering and Design
Shibaev S
(2010)
Modular software for MAST multi-technology data acquisition system
in Fusion Engineering and Design
Storrs J
(2008)
An XML-based configuration system for MAST PCS
in Fusion Engineering and Design
Murari A
(2009)
Recent developments in data mining and soft computing for JET with a view on ITER
in Fusion Engineering and Design
Durodié F
(2009)
Commissioning of the ITER-like ICRF antenna for JET
in Fusion Engineering and Design
Sadakov S
(2009)
Conceptual design of the ITER upper port plug for charge exchange diagnostic
in Fusion Engineering and Design
Mattei M
(2009)
ITER operational space for full plasma current H-mode operation
in Fusion Engineering and Design
King R
(2008)
Design of a high-yield H2+ ion source for commissioning of the IFMIF accelerator using a one-dimensional plasma model
in Fusion Engineering and Design
Jacquinot J
(2009)
Progress on the heating and current drive systems for ITER
in Fusion Engineering and Design
Zoita V
(2009)
Design of the JET upgraded gamma-ray cameras
in Fusion Engineering and Design
Arter W
(2009)
Radiation transport analyses for IFMIF design by the Attila software using a Monte-Carlo source model
in Fusion Engineering and Design
Lattanzi D
(2009)
Single crystal CVD diamonds as neutron detectors at JET
in Fusion Engineering and Design
Haist B
(2009)
Remote handling preparations for JET EP2 shutdown
in Fusion Engineering and Design
Šesták D
(2009)
Design and engineering of optical diagnostics for COMPASS
in Fusion Engineering and Design
Ganuza D
(2009)
The design and manufacture of the enhanced radial field amplifier (ERFA) for the jet project
in Fusion Engineering and Design
Li-Puma A
(2008)
The MK III actively cooled duct liner for the JET neutral beam line: Thermo-mechanical performance and lifetime estimation
in Fusion Engineering and Design
Perevezentsev A
(2008)
Detritiation studies for JET decommissioning
in Fusion Engineering and Design
Ash A
(2009)
Feasibility of a fast optical pressure interlock for the ITER neutral beam injectors
in Fusion Engineering and Design
Masiello A
(2009)
European programme towards the 1MeV ITER NB injector
in Fusion Engineering and Design
Edwards P
(2009)
Design optimisation of air-fed full pressurised suits
in Fusion Engineering and Design
| Description | Fusion research is focused on ITER (the international experiment being built in France) followed by a demonstration power station (DEMO). The Culham Centre for Fusion Energy (CCFE) is a world-leading fusion research centre. Some highlights from the last two years are summarised below (many the result of collaborations with universities and overseas laboratories). Additional information is in Annual Reports (http://www.ccfe.ac.uk/annual_reports.aspx). Reacting plasmas: The UK programme, funded by EPSRC and EURATOM, is focused on the MAST experiment. Physics studies benefited from high power heating systems and improvements to diagnostics. A major upgrade to the system to measure temperature and density profiles (part funded by York University) was completed and provides unmatched spatial resolution. Important progress from both MAST, and the linked Theory and Modelling programme, has been made in several key areas directly relevant to optimising ITER performance:- energy confinement, enabling more reliable prediction of plasma performance in future devices; control of potentially damaging instabilities; improved understanding of performance limiting core and edge plasma instabilities; gas injection to mitigate the effects of rapid plasma terminations (disruptions), etc. CCFE has contributed to the European JET programme, with notable achievements including operation at high power and current, and substantial progress in scenarios that are suitable for steady state operation in ITER. The EPSRC grant pays the UK contribution to JET operation. Materials: Work included: development of techniques for modelling iron-chromium alloys in the high-temperature limit; modelling of steels and tungsten to compare with experimental data from Oxford University; Ion Beam Analysis measurements of erosion, deposition and hydrogen-isotope retention in tiles removed from the JET tokamak. ITER Systems: CCFE has secured lead roles in two major grants to develop ITER heating systems, and leads a consortium to bid for the LIDAR temperature and density measurement system. CCFE has smaller roles in several other areas. Optimised power plants: Work has concentrated on a detailed assessment of the advantages and disadvantages of pulsed and steady-state DEMOs. Several clear advantages in a steady-state device were identified, however the potential simplification in a pulsed device (greatly reduced need for current drive) is a significant counter-advantage. Conceptual design studies of a spherical tokamak Component Test Facility have continued. A big challenge for any fusion system is dealing with the large exhaust power from burning plasmas. One novel promising option, for both DEMO and CTF, which will be part of the MAST upgrade, is the "Super-X" expanded divertor. Major upgrade to MAST: the design has been developed. The purpose is to give higher performance, longer pulse plasmas allowing definitive tests of the physics of an ST-based CTF, and more exacting studies of ITER physics. In late 2009, RCUK reviewed UK fusion research and following this EPSRC approved funding for the upgrade. In addition CCFE has promoted industry involvement in fusion and significantly assisted UK companies in winning ITER business, increased university involvement (e.g. PhDs), and developed its skills-base for an increased emphasis on technology as recommended by the RCUK review. |
| Exploitation Route | In addition CCFE has promoted industry involvement in fusion and significantly assisted UK companies in winning ITER business, increased university involvement (e.g. PhDs), and developed its skills-base for an increased emphasis on technology as recommended by the RCUK review. |
| Sectors | Energy |
| URL | http://www.ccfe.ac.uk/annual_reports.aspx |
| Description | As well as its long term task, developing fusion power, CCFE has promoted industry involvement in fusion. |
| First Year Of Impact | 2008 |
| Sector | Energy |
| Impact Types | Economic |