Fusion technology aspects of laser inertial fusion energy (LIFE)

This paper provides an overview of one option for LLNLʹs LIFE power plant design with a focus on the fusion nuclear science and technology aspects. The design is based on 132 MJ yield indirect-drive targets ignited by a diode pumped solid state laser that delivers 2.2 MJ on target at a pulse rate of 8.3 Hz for the first market entry plant (MEP) and 16.7 Hz for subsequent first generation commercial plants (FCP). The chamber first wall is steel which is protected from direct exposure to target X-ray and ion emissions by a Xe fill gas at ∼6 μg/cm3. Reduced activation ferritic martensitic steel is proposed for the MEP while commercial plants will utilize higher strength, more radiation damage tolerate steels such as ODS, which can also operate at higher temperature for improved thermal efficiency and overall plant economics. Liquid Li is the primary coolant and tritium breeding material. An intermediate loop with molten salt as the working fluid transports power to a Rankine steam cycle; the estimated gross electric power conversion efficiency is 45% for the MEP and 47% for the FCP.