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Fusion Energy
This division promotes the development and timely introduction of fusion energy as a sustainable energy source with favorable economic, environmental, and safety attributes. The division cooperates with other organizations on common issues of multidisciplinary fusion science and technology, conducts professional meetings, and disseminates technical information in support of these goals. Members focus on the assessment and resolution of critical developmental issues for practical fusion energy applications.
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Utility Working Conference and Vendor Technology Expo (UWC 2024)
August 4–7, 2024
Marco Island, FL|JW Marriott Marco Island
Standards Program
The Standards Committee is responsible for the development and maintenance of voluntary consensus standards that address the design, analysis, and operation of components, systems, and facilities related to the application of nuclear science and technology. Find out What’s New, check out the Standards Store, or Get Involved today!
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Latest News
Vogtle-3 shuts down for valve issue
One of the new Vogtle units in Georgia was shut down unexpectedly on Monday last week for a valve issue that has since been investigated and repaired. According to multiple local news outlets, Georgia Power reported on July 17 that Unit 3 was back in service.
Southern Company spokesperson Jacob Hawkins confirmed that Vogtle-3 went off line at 9:25 p.m. local time on July 8 “due to lowering water levels in the steam generators caused by a valve issue on one of the three main feedwater pumps.”
S.J. Breretonb, L.J. Perkins
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 19 | Number 3 | May 1991 | Pages 1563-1568
ITER | Proceedings of the Ninth Topical Meeting on the Technology of Fusion Energy (Oak Brook, Illinois, October 7-11, 1990) | doi.org/10.13182/FST91-A29564
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
The ultimate performance of ITER has the potential to exceed the nominal levels needed to meet the objectives of the Physics and Technology phases, as outlined in the ITER Terms of Reference. Higher power levels, even with the existing set of physics design rules, may be achievable with modifications to torus components and appropriate additions to the balance of plant. It may also be possible to generate net electric power from a machine the same size as the current ITER baseline, but with a slightly different design. Because of the large investment in ITER and the value of the information gained from its operation to the progress of fusion research, it is important that the operation and performance of the machine be maximized. The greater value of information that could be obtained with more ambitious performance levels must be weighed against the additional costs, technological risks, and safety implications. This study examines the feasibility and implications of a potential third phase, or Advanced Technology Phase (ATP) for ITER. Performance prospects for this phase, under certain assumptions, have been assessed. Impacts on other systems, other components, safety, and configuration have been assessed. The study shows that net electric power can be obtained, but innovative divertor designs are needed, along with changes in the heat transport system, shielding, and machine configuration. The net electric power produced comes with the risk of increased safety concerns, and additional costs. Net power generation from a single sector (1/16) of the machine is also considered. In terms of cost, complexity, and risk, this may be a more desirable option for demonstrating net electric power production.