Commercial reactors with resistive magnets

A cost-based systems model is used to reexamine resistive-coil tokamak power reactors and to examine physics, engineering, and operational tradeoffs needed to project an economically competitive system. The developmental, technological, economic, and operational issues of copper-coil reactors are reviewed in light of recent engineering innovations and new developments in physics. The critical issues of engineering innovation (neutronics related) are discussed. It is concluded that β values of at least 0.10 are needed, and ideally one would like to have values 0.15. Second stability is needed not only for the high beta, but also to hold the current-drive power to low levels. Optimum TF (toroidal field) coil current densities are near 6 MA/m² for the unit costs used, and optimization of TF coil cross-section has a small impact on cost. RC tokamak reactors have a strong economy of scale. Given that the nonfusion balance of the plant adds 25 mil/kWehr, the 1000-MWe (net) RC tokamak power plant will cost 15% more than a SC version using the same advanced physics, assuming comparable capacity factor and construction times