Liquid metal mist cooling and MHD Ericsson cycle for fusion energy conversion

The combination of liquid metal mist coolant and a liquid metal MHD (LMMHD) energy conversion system (ECS) based on the Ericsson cycle is being proposed for high-temperature fusion reactors. It is shown that the two technologies are highly compatible, thermodynamically and physically. Thermodynamically, they allow delivery of the fusion energy to the cycle with probably the highest practical average temperature commensurate with a given maximum reactor design constraint. Physically, the mist cooling and LMMHD ECSs can be coupled directly, eliminating the need for primary heat exchangers and reheaters. The net result is expected to be a high-efficiency, simple and reliable heat transport and ECS. It is concluded that the proposed match could increase the economic viability of fusion reactors, prompting recommendations that a thorough study of the two complementary technologies be made