Hannover 2003 – scientific programme

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AKE: Energie

AKE 2: Kernenergien

AKE 2.1: Invited Talk

Tuesday, March 25, 2003, 14:00–14:45, M 11

The International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor ITER: Design and Mission — •Karl Lackner — EFDA Central Support Unit, Boltzmannstr. 2, D-85748 Garching

The presentation describes the physics and technology developments incorporated into the ITER design, and the role of this device on the development path towards a fusion reactor. ITER shall explore the physics of a plasma with dominating fusion heating, test and demonstrate its integration with fusion specific technologies like superconducting coils, remote handling and high heat and plasma flux resilient components, and test the breeding of tritium-fuel in modules. Its base-line operating mode should ensure a power amplification factor Q of 10 for 400 s pulses. In a more exploratory fashion it will also investigate operating regimes, which offer the prospect of true steady state operation. We will describe the advances in fusion research forming the basis of these performance expectations and the technology R&D, including prototype development and testing, conducted to support the design.

The results and the experience from ITER, together with an ongoing development program of low-activation, neutron- resilient structural and functional materials, should then support the design and construction of a net-electricity producing, fuel self-sufficient Demonstration Reactor, incorporating all elements of a commercially viable, environmentally attractive power plant.