European semi-prototype to test critical blanket technology
22 May 2014
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European Domestic Agency, Fusion for Energy
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A semi-prototype of the blanket first wall panel, one-sixth of the size of the actual component, has been successfully manufactured in Europe. In the °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¸ßÊÖ machine, 440 such panels and their corresponding shield blocks will make up the °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¸ßÊÖ blanket.
The first of a series of steps to qualify the fabrication of the °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¸ßÊÖ blanket's first wall panels has been achieved in Europe, with the successful manufacturing of a semi-prototype. The completion of the 1:6-scale model moves the European Domestic Agency a step closer to obtaining qualification for series production.
The panels are 1 x 1.5 metre detachable elements which, together with the shield block, form the modules. Designed to withstand the heat flux from the plasma, the first wall panels are high-tech components made of beryllium tiles that are bonded with a copper alloy and 316L (N) stainless steel. Europe is responsible for procuring the normal heat flux first wall panels (about half of the 440 panels required for the blanket); China and Russia are sharing the procurement of enhanced heat flux panels that make up the other half.
The semi-prototype will now be subjected to an electron beam capable of applying the same heat flux the panels will experience in the °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¸ßÊÖ machine, bringing the surface temperature of the beryllium to approximately 400°C. The European Domestic Agency has awarded the grant for high heat flux testing to the German research centre Forschungszentrum Jülich, which expects to complete the campaign this summer.
A Procurement Arrangement is scheduled to be signed with the °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¸ßÊÖ Organization in early 2015 for the procurement of Europe's portion of the first wall panels.