To achieve fusion energy the ITER device will have to cope with extreme temperature fluctuations. The fusion fuel will need to be heated at 150 million ˚ C to obtain the biggest-ever plasma reaching 840 m3. Meanwhile, the powerful magnets will need to be cooled with super critical helium to reach a superconducting state at 4.5 K, close to absolute zero, in order to confine the hot plasma. The magnets, thermal shields and cryopumps will have to be cooled down and maintained at operating temperatures with the help of cryogenic fluids that will be produced in the most advanced cryoplant to date.
F4E has signed a contract with Air Liquide to supply the Liquid Nitrogen Plant (LN2) and Auxiliary Systems which will cool down, process, store, transfer and recover the cryogenic fluids of the machine. Two nitrogen refrigerators will be delivered along with two 80 K helium loops, warm and cold helium storage tanks, dryers, heaters and the helium purification system.
In order to ensure a thorough, in-depth and independent assessment of the design, F4E has structured a design review process relying on two main bodies: the design review panel and the steering committee. The former brings together highly qualified experts from external organisations, F4E and ITER IO, willing to share their expertise by assessing the work performed, raising issues and making recommendations. The latter has the final say endorsing or amending the conclusions of the review panel.
In less than one year after the preliminary design review of the LN2 Plant and Auxiliary Systems, F4E has concluded a major milestone on time and hosted the final design review on 15-17 July 2015. The meeting gathered more than 50 participants, members of the review panel and staff from Air Liquide and GTD Sistemas, the ITER International Organization, India’s ITER Domestic Agency and F4E.
Prior to the meeting and during its course, participants were given the possibility to evaluate the requirements, review the different solutions presented by the design project team and identify any outstanding issues. The panel invited attendees to propose any suggestions for improvement and to screen all processes of the specific cryoplant components. All pending issues were discussed at length giving further confidence to the overall design. The review panel concluded the meeting praising the level of commitment and technical competence of the design project team. The steering committee is expected to transmit its final decision towards early September so that manufacturing enters a decisive phase.
That being said, some pieces of equipment have already started being produced. F4E and Air Liquide have recently celebrated an important milestone with the successful factory acceptance testing of the first two heat exchangers for the 80 K loop box.
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