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Fusion–Fission Hybrid Reactors

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Magnetic Fusion Technology

Part of the book series: Lecture Notes in Energy ((LNEN,volume 19))

Abstract

A “Fusion-Fission Hybrid” is a fusion reactor that contains thorium, uranium or transuranic elements in its blanket. Fusion power plants usually require Q (fusion power/input power) values >10 to be economical. A hybrid could operate with Q ≲ 5, so it would be easier to build. Hybrids could be optimized for maximum power output, for fissile fuel breeding, or for incineration of radioactive wastes from fission power plants. A variety of reactors have been proposed, with attention to safety, radwaste, and nuclear nonproliferation issues. In a secure “Energy Park” one hybrid could provide fissile fuel for 6 satellite fission reactors of today’s generation or over 20 next generation reactors.

Wally Manheimer, Retired from the US Naval Research Laboratory

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Vallecitos Molten Salt Research, Livermore, CA, USA

    Ralph W. Moir

  2. US Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC, USA

    Wally Manheimer

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  1. Ralph W. Moir
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  2. Wally Manheimer
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Correspondence to Ralph W. Moir .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. NPRE Department, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois, USA

    Thomas J. Dolan

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Moir, R.W., Manheimer, W. (2013). Fusion–Fission Hybrid Reactors. In: Dolan, T. (eds) Magnetic Fusion Technology. Lecture Notes in Energy, vol 19. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-5556-0_14

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-5556-0_14

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