page 1 of 11 progress developing an evaluation methodology for fusion r&d aries project meeting...

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Progress developing an evaluation methodology for fusion R&D

ARIES Project Meeting

March 4, 2008

M. S. Tillack

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We have adopted readiness levels as the basis for our evaluation

methodologyTRL Category Generic Description

1

Concept Development

Basic principles observed and formulated.

2 Technology concepts and/or applications formulated.

3Analytical and experimental demonstration of critical function and/or proof of concept.

4

Proof of Principle

Component and/or bench-scale validation in a laboratory environment.

5Component and/or breadboard validation in a relevant environment.

6System/subsystem model or prototype demonstration in relevant environment.

7

Proof of Performance

System prototype demonstration in an operational environment.

8Actual system completed and qualified through test and demonstration.

9 Actual system proven through successful mission operations.

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GAO encouraged DOE and other government agencies to use TRL’s (a

direct quote), to…• “Provide a common language among the technology

developers, engineers who will adopt/use the technology, and other stakeholders;

• Improve stakeholder communication regarding technology develop-ment – a by-product of the discussion among stakeholders that is needed to negotiate a TRL value;

• Reveal the gap between a technology’s current readiness level and the readiness level needed for successful inclusion in the intended product;

• Identify at-risk technologies that need increased management attention or additional resources for technology development to initiate risk-reduction measures; and

• Increase transparency of critical decisions by identifying key technologies that have been demonstrated to work or by highlighting still immature or unproven technologies that might result in high project risk”

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How can we apply this to fusion energy?

1. Use criteria from utility advisory committee (and not physical components) to derive issues

2. Relate the issues criteria to fusion-specific, design independent technical and R&D needs

3. Define “Technical Readiness Levels” for the key issues and R&D needs

4. Define the end goal (design or facility) in enough detail to evaluate progress

5. Evaluate status, gaps, R&D facilities and pathways

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1) Utility Advisory Committee“Criteria for practical fusion power

systems”

Have an economically competitive life-cycle cost of electricity

Gain public acceptance by having excellent safety and environmental characteristics No disturbance of public’s day-to-day activities No local or global atmospheric impact No need for evacuation plan No high-level waste Ease of licensing

Operate as a reliable, available, and stable electrical power source Have operational reliability and high availability Closed, on-site fuel cycle High fuel availability Capable of partial load operation Available in a range of unit sizes

J. Fusion Energy 13 (2/3) 1994.

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2) The criteria for attractive fusion suggest three categories of technology

readiness1. Economic Power Production (Tillack)

a. Control of plasma power flowsb. Heat and particle flux handlingc. High temperature operation and power conversiond. Power core fabricatione. Power core lifetime

2. Safety and Environmental Attractiveness (Steiner)a. Tritium inventory and controlb. Activation product inventory and controlc. Waste management

3. Reliable Plant Operations (Waganer)a. Plasma diagnosis and controlb. Plant integrated controlc. Fuel cycle controld. Maintenance

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The intent is to be comprehensive based on functions rather than physical

elements

Power flows

1. Economic Power Productiona. Control of plasma power flowsb. Heat and particle flux handlingc. High temperature operation and power

conversiond. Power core fabricatione. Power core lifetime

Power deposition

Power conversion

IP LPHP

Pout

Compressors

RecuperatorIntercoolers

Pre-Cooler

Generator

CompressorTurbine

To/from In-ReactorComponents or Intermediate

Heat Exchanger

1

2

3

4

5 6 7 8

9 10

1BPin

TinTout

η ,C ad η ,T ad

εrec

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Generic Description Fusion-specific Description

1Basic principles observed and formulated.

System studies define tradeoffs and requirements on temperature, effects of temperature defined: chemistry, mechanical properties, stresses.

2Technology concepts and/or applications formulated.

Materials, coolants, cooling systems and power conversion options explored, critical properties and compatibilities defined.


Data in static capsule tests and convection loops, modeling of transport phenomena, high-temperature mechanical properties measured.

4Component and/or bench-scale validation in a laboratory environment.

Loop operation at prototypical temperatures with prototypical materials for long times. Thermomechanical analysis and tests on in-vessel elements (e.g., first wall).


Forced convection loop with prototypical materials, temperatures and gradients for long exposures.


Forced convection loop with prototypical materials, temperatures and gradients for long exposures integrating full power conversion systems.

7System prototype demonstration in an operational environment.

Prototype power conversion system demonstration with artificial heat source.


Power conversion system demonstration with fusion heat source.

9Actual system proven through successful mission operations.

Power conversion systems operated to end-of-life in fusion reactor with prototypical conditions and subsystems.

Generic Description Fusion-specific Description

1Basic principles observed and formulated.

System studies define tradeoffs and requirements on temperature, effects of temperature defined: chemistry, mechanical properties, stresses.

2Technology concepts and/or applications formulated.

Materials, coolants, cooling systems and power conversion options explored, critical properties and compatibilities defined.






Forced convection loop with prototypical materials, temperatures and gradients for long exposures.


Forced convection loop with prototypical materials, temperatures and gradients for long exposures integrating full power conversion systems.

7System prototype demonstration in an operational environment.

Prototype power conversion system demonstration with artificial heat source.


Power conversion system demonstration with fusion heat source.

9Actual system proven through successful mission operations.

Power conversion systems operated to end-of-life in fusion reactor with prototypical conditions and subsystems.

3) Example TRL table: 1c. High temperature

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4) An evaluation of readiness requires identification of an end goal

For the sake of illustration, we are considering Demo’s based on mid-term and long-term ARIES power plant design concepts, e.g.

Diverted high confinement mode tokamak burning plasma Low-temperature or high-temperature superconducting magnets He-cooled W or PbLi-cooled SiCf/SiC divertors

Dual-cooled He/PbLi/ferritic steel blankets or single-coolant PbLi with SiCf/SiC

700˚C or 1100˚C outlet temperature with Brayton power cycle

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5) Example evaluation: High temperature operation and power

conversion

Concept development is largely completed for DCLL. Limited data on ex-vessel parts of power conversion system (e.g., HX)

For TRL4: Need full loop operation at high temperature in a laboratory environment

This is typical of many issues; some are more advanced, but most are stuck at TRL=3

ARIES-AT power conversion TRL is probably at 2.





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Status of documentation

TRL tables have been drafted, to be presented today

Report:

Outline, Introduction, Methodology complete

Description of issues nearing completion

Definition of the end goal for the evaluation needs completion

Preparing to run through an example evaluation of the whole system

We should obtain community input on TRL definitions to ensure accuracy and buy-in. Town meeting?

PPT progress report to DOE in preparation

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