Lithium cooled blanket of RF DEMO reactor

Two blanket options are considered for RF DEMO-S reactor (fusion power ∼2.4 GW) with steady-state operation: lithium (Li) self-cooled and ceramic breeder helium-cooled ones. Lithium-cooled blanket, which uses Li as coolant and tritium breeder and V–Cr–Ti (vanadium–chrome–titanium) alloy as structural material, is described here. Poloidal type of Li flow is chosen under the assumption that electroinsulating coating is developed on the interface of Li/structure material. Results of preliminary neutronic, thermal-hydraulic and stress analysis are presented. The steam turbine cycle converting the thermal to electric energy is recommended with intermediate sodium loop on the basis of the FBR experience.