A fusion-fission hybrid reactor driven by high-density pinch plasmas

A conceptual design for a 200 MW hybrid fusion-fission reactor to be used as a heat source for district heating has been developed. The fission, heat-generating blanket is based on the CANDU reactor technology, while the fusion fast neutrons are provided by a high-density, pinch plasma. The basic assumption regarding the fusion neutron source is that in a pinch plasma (high-density Z-pinch and plasma focus configurations have been considered) a fusion power level of 10 MW can be achieved. An outstanding feature of the design is that no active components are necessary within the reactor containment area, all the hybrid system control being ensured by the fusion component of the reactor.