A low aspect ratio tokamak transmutation system

A low aspect ratio tokamak transmutation system is proposed as an alternati ve application of fusion energy on the basis of a review of previous studie s. This system includes: (1) a low aspect ratio tokamak as fusion neutron d river! (2) a radioactivity-clean nuclear power system as blanket, and (3) a novel concept of liquid metal centre conductor post as part of the toroida l field coils. In the conceptual design, a driver of 100 MW fusion power un der 1 MW/m(2) neutron wall loading can transmute the amount of high level w aste (including minor actinides and fission products) produced by ten stand ard pressurized water reactors of 1 GW electrical power output. Meanwhile, the system can produce tritium on a self-sustaining basis and an output of about 2 GW of electrical energy. After 30 years of operation, the biologica l hazard potential level of the whole system will decrease by two orders of magnitude.