Employing of ZrCo as a fuel source in a discharge-type fusion neutron source operated in self-sufficient mode. (15th January 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kenjo, Shunsuke; Ogino, Yasuyuki; Mukai, Keisuke; Bakr, Mahmoud; Yagi, Juro; Konishi, Satoshi
• Is Part Of: International journal of hydrogen energy. Volume 47:Number 5(2022)
• Page Start: 3054
• Page End: 3062
• Publication Date: 2022-01-15
• Subjects: Intermetallic compound -- Hydrogen storage -- Hydrogen isotope effect -- Nuclear fusion -- Neutron source; Hydrogen as fuel -- Periodicals; Hydrogène (Combustible) -- Périodiques; Hydrogen as fuel; Periodicals; 665.81
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2021.10.250
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-3199

Abstract

Abstract: A discharge-type fusion neutron source generates neutrons by fusion reactions of hydrogen isotope atoms. In order to operate the fusion device based on the deuterium–tritium (D–T) fusion reaction, the tritium inventory is required to be decreased. In the present work, a self-sufficient system was installed into the fusion device for reducing the amount of hydrogen isotope fuel gas. The fuel gas was supplied and recovered with an intermetallic compound ZrCo in a sealed chamber in this system. A deuterium–deuterium operation was maintained for more than 60 min with stable discharge voltages, and the temperature of the ZrCo bed was changed to improve the neutron production rate. Factors that influenced the pressure inside the chamber were determined and optimized. Gas analysis using a quadrupole mass spectrometer indicates a dilution of the deuterium fuel was caused by hydrogen isotope exchange between the supplied deuterium gas and the absorbed protium on the chamber and electrodes surface. This system's hydrogen isotope control method and the amount of fuel were proposed for a D–T operation. Highlights: Discharge-type fusion neutron source with a self-sufficient system was developed. In self-sufficient system, hydrogen isotope fuel was supplied and recovered with ZrCo. D–D operation was maintained for more than 60 min with stable voltages. Dilution of deuterium fuel gas caused by hydrogen isotope exchange was observed. Hydrogen isotope control method for a D–T operation was proposed.